గరిపట్టిన గింజ ఇక ఉడకదు

garipattina ginja ika udakadu

Translation

A grain that has become hard will not boil.

Meaning

This expression is used to describe a person who has become stubborn, set in their ways, or too old to change their habits. Just as a grain that has developed a hard core (gari) cannot be softened by cooking, certain people or situations cannot be reformed or improved once they have reached a state of extreme rigidity or decline.

Related Phrases

A man who gives a date stone and takes a palmyra nut.

This expression describes a manipulative or extremely shrewd person who gives something of very little value (a small date seed) to gain something much more valuable (a large palmyra seed). It is used to caution against people who perform small favors only to demand or extract much larger benefits in return.

Íta is the wild date ( Phoenix Sylvestris ). Tāḍu is the Palmyra ( Borassus Flabelliformis ). Offering a gift of slight value for the purpose of gaining a rich present. Throw in a sprat to catch a salmon.

In the eye of a devil, parched grain is evil.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where a small or insignificant thing can provoke a quick and intense reaction from someone who is already hyper-sensitive, greedy, or looking for an excuse to act. Just as a small piece of popped corn catches a ghost's attention instantly, a minor incident can trigger a major response in certain people.

Like a Pesara seed on a looking glass. Used with reference to a remark aimed at a particular person, but con- veyed in such general terms that he is unable to take notice of it. He said devil, but meant you. (Dutch.)

This expression describes something that is extremely unstable or short-lived. Just as a small, round green gram seed cannot stay still on a smooth, slippery surface like a mirror and slides off immediately, this phrase is used to refer to people who don't stick to their word, or situations that are highly precarious and transient.

Words spoken and water entered in a field do not leave easily.

This proverb emphasizes the lasting impact of words. Once water enters a tilled field (madi), it is absorbed and stays; similarly, once an accusation or a commitment is made publicly, it cannot be easily taken back or erased. It is used to advise caution in speech because reputations are hard to mend once a 'word' is cast upon someone.

Like a green gram falling on a mirror.

This expression is used to describe something that slides off or fails to stick, just as a smooth seed would bounce or slip off a glass surface. It is often used to characterize a person who is unaffected by advice, warnings, or criticism, or to describe a situation where efforts have no lasting impact.

Like getting entangled when just trying to touch.

This expression is used to describe a situation where a simple or casual attempt to involve oneself in something leads to getting unexpectedly stuck, trapped, or deeply entangled in a complicated problem.

That which is in the paddy is rice. Said to an inquisitive person.

This expression is used to highlight the obvious origin of something or to indicate that the core essence (the rice) is hidden within a shell (the husk). It serves as a metaphor for looking beyond the external covering to find the true value or substance inside.

When someone went to work to earn a 'maanedu' of grains, a calf ate a 'kunchedu' of grains at home.

This proverb describes a situation where a person suffers a large loss while trying to achieve a small gain. It is used to highlight poor prioritization or scenarios where the cost of an endeavor far outweighs the potential reward.

Grains collected from leftovers will not help during a famine.

This proverb highlights that small, incidental efforts or meager savings are insufficient to withstand major crises. It is used to emphasize the importance of substantial planning and large-scale preparation instead of relying on trivial or leftover resources when facing serious difficulties.

Sorghum grain is like tender grain, paddy grain is like flattened rice grain.

This proverb is used to describe the inherent nature or qualities of different things. It signifies that every object or person has their own specific utility and characteristics, emphasizing that one should understand the natural state or the processed form of things to appreciate their value.