గాండ్లవాని ఆశ గోతమున్ను పట్టదు.
gandlavani asha gotamunnu pattadu.
The oil-crusher's greediness cannot be contained even in a sack. But little oil is extracted from a large quantity of seed.
This proverb describes a person with insatiable greed. Historically, oil-millers (Gandla caste) were associated with collecting small amounts from many people, and the saying implies that even a massive sack is insufficient to hold the extent of their desire or expectations. It is used to criticize someone whose greed has no bounds.
Related Phrases
అంబటికీ ఆశ, మీసాలకూ ఆశ
ambatiki asha, misalaku asha
Wishing for porridge and also for mustaches.
This proverb describes a person who wants two things that are mutually exclusive or incompatible. In the context, one cannot drink porridge (ambali) from a bowl without getting it on their mustache. It is used to critique someone who is being greedy or unrealistic by trying to enjoy a benefit without accepting the associated consequences or trade-offs.
The two don't go well together.
పాచి పండ్లవాడు తెచ్చి పెడితే బంగారు పండ్ల వాడు తినేశాడట.
pachi pandlavadu techchi pedite bangaru pandla vadu tineshadata.
While the one with dirty teeth brought it, the one with golden teeth ate it.
This proverb describes a situation where one person does all the hard work or struggles to earn something, but a more privileged or lucky person enjoys the benefits or rewards. It highlights the irony of labor versus enjoyment.
బలుసులేని తద్దినమున్నూ బలుసులేని యజ్ఞమున్ను లేవు
balusuleni taddinamunnu balusuleni yajnyamunnu levu
There is no funeral ceremony without Balusu (Canthium parviflorum) leaves, and no sacrificial ritual without Bulusu (a person's name or specific context variant).
This proverb highlights that certain simple or common elements are indispensable for specific traditional rituals. It is used to describe situations where something seemingly minor or specific is absolutely essential for the completion of a major task or event.
అత్తవల్ల దొంగతనమున్ను, మగనివల్ల రంకున్ను నేర్చుకొన్నట్టు
attavalla dongatanamunnu, maganivalla rankunnu nerchukonnattu
Deceitfulness is learnt from a mother-in-law, adultery is learnt from a husband. Jealous watching leads to unfaithfulness. At the gate where suspicion enters, love goes out. If the wife sins, the husband is not innocent. (Italian.)
This proverb describes a situation where the very people who are supposed to protect and guide someone are the ones teaching them bad habits or corruption. It is used when a person picks up vices from their own guardians or authorities.
గాండ్లవాని ఆశ గోతం పట్టదు.
gandlavani asha gotam pattadu.
An oil-presser's greed cannot be contained even in a gunny bag.
This proverb is used to describe someone whose greed is boundless and insatiable. It suggests that no matter how much a person gets, their desire for more will always exceed any container or limit.
అతంత్రునికి ఆశ పెట్టరాదు, బలవంతునికి చోటు ఇవ్వరాదు.
atantruniki asha pettaradu, balavantuniki chotu ivvaradu.
Do not give hope to a person without self-control, and do not give space to a person who is powerful.
This proverb advises caution in dealings with specific types of people. Giving false hope to someone who lacks discretion or independence (atantrudu) leads to unnecessary trouble or harassment. Similarly, giving a foothold or space to a powerful person can lead to them eventually dominating or displacing you. It is a warning about maintaining boundaries for self-protection.
అందని మాని పండ్లకు ఆశ పడ్డట్టు
andani mani pandlaku asha paddattu
Like wishing for fruit which cannot be reached.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone desires or pursues something that is completely beyond their reach, capability, or status. It highlights the futility of having unrealistic ambitions or craving for unattainable goals.
పలకని వాళ్ళతో పది ఊర్ల వాళ్ళూ గెలవలేరు.
palakani vallato padi urla vallu gelavaleru.
The people of ten villages cannot overcome men who won't open their mouths.
This proverb highlights that silence is an impenetrable defense. When someone refuses to engage, respond, or react to provocations and arguments, it is impossible to defeat or influence them through debate. It suggests that silence can be a powerful tool in conflicts, as an opponent has no words to twist or use against you.
కొత్తగుడ్డకు రంగు పట్టినట్లు పాతగుడ్డకు పట్టదు
kottaguddaku rangu pattinatlu pataguddaku pattadu
Just as a new cloth takes on color, an old cloth does not.
This expression means that it is much easier to teach, influence, or mold something young, fresh, or new than something that is old and set in its ways. It is often used to describe how children learn faster than adults or how a new mind is more receptive to new ideas than an experienced one with preconceived notions.
వడ్డి ఆశ మొదలు చెరిపింది.
vaddi asha modalu cheripindi.
Greed for interest ruined the principal amount.
This proverb is used to warn against extreme greed. It describes a situation where a person's desire for extra profit or interest leads them to take excessive risks, resulting in the loss of their original investment or capital.