గంధపు చెక్కలు మోసినా గాడిద వాటి వాసన అనుభవించలేదు

gandhapu chekkalu mosina gadida vati vasana anubhavinchaledu

Translation

Even if a donkey carries sandalwood logs, it cannot experience their fragrance.

Meaning

This expression describes a person who possesses or is surrounded by valuable knowledge, wealth, or resources but lacks the wisdom or capacity to understand and appreciate their true value. It is often used to criticize those who perform tasks mechanically without understanding the deeper significance or beauty of what they are handling.

Related Phrases

Doesn't a donkey carry sandalwood logs?

This proverb is used to describe a person who works hard at a task without understanding its true value or essence. Just as a donkey carries precious sandalwood but only feels the weight rather than the fragrance, a person might possess or handle something valuable without gaining any wisdom or benefit from it.

One must experience/undergo all that one has done.

This expression is the Telugu equivalent of 'As you sow, so shall you reap.' It implies that a person must face the consequences of their actions, whether good or bad. It is often used in a moral or karmic context to suggest that one cannot escape the results of their deeds.

What does a donkey know about the fragrance of sandalwood powder?

This proverb is used to describe a person who lacks the refinement or knowledge to appreciate the value or quality of something superior. It is similar to the English expression 'casting pearls before swine.'

Even if it carries sandalwood, a donkey is still a donkey.

This proverb means that external appearance or the company of greatness does not change one's inherent nature or lack of intelligence. It is used to describe someone who lacks wisdom or refinement despite being in a prestigious position or possessing valuable resources.

If one becomes wealthy by stealing, he cannot enjoy it for long.

This proverb emphasizes that wealth acquired through dishonest or illegal means like theft is temporary and will not bring lasting happiness or security. It suggests that ill-gotten gains eventually lead to downfall or are lost quickly, highlighting the importance of honesty and hard work for sustainable prosperity.

A donkey's egg and a sandalwood grinding stone.

This expression is used to mock something that is non-existent, absurd, or completely worthless. Since donkeys do not lay eggs, it refers to a 'wild goose chase' or a deceptive promise of something that doesn't exist. It is often used to dismiss a person's tall claims or to describe a situation where one gets nothing out of a lot of effort.

What does a donkey know about the scent of sandalwood powder?

This proverb is used to describe a person who lacks the refinement, knowledge, or aesthetic sense to appreciate the value or quality of something superior. It is similar to the English expression 'casting pearls before swine.'

One who cannot endure misfortune cannot enjoy good fortune.

This proverb emphasizes that resilience and the ability to face hardships are prerequisites for truly appreciating and handling success. It suggests that without the perspective or strength gained from bad times, one lacks the character or capacity to sustain good times.

The more a sandalwood stick is cut with a saw and rubbed, the more fragrant it becomes.

This proverb highlights the virtue of resilience and character. Just as sandalwood releases its fragrance under pressure and friction, noble people remain virtuous and show their true strength even when subjected to hardships, suffering, or trials.

Even if you pour sandalwood powder on it, a donkey remains a donkey.

This proverb is used to describe a person who cannot change their inherent nature or lack of refinement, regardless of how much wealth, education, or luxury is bestowed upon them. It suggests that external appearances or decorations cannot hide one's true character or stupidity.