హిమగిరిలో ఉంటే నంది, గంగారంలో ఉంటే గంగిరెద్దు
himagirilo unte nandi, gangaramlo unte gangireddu
If in Himagiri (the Himalayas), it is Nandi; if in Gangaram (a common village), it is a Gangireddu (a street bull).
This proverb describes how the value and respect an individual receives depend heavily on their environment, position, and the company they keep. Even a divine bull like Nandi is seen as a common street bull when removed from its sacred context. It is used to emphasize that status is often a reflection of one's surroundings.
Related Phrases
నంది అంటే నంది, పంది అంటే పంది
nandi ante nandi, pandi ante pandi
If he says it's Śiva's bull, it is Śiva's bull; if he says it's a pig, it is a pig.
This expression describes extreme sycophancy, blind obedience, or a 'yes-man' attitude. It is used to characterize someone who agrees with everything a powerful person says, even if the statements are contradictory or obviously false, just to please them.
Said of the power of a great and unjust man.
కుక్కపైన కంబళి వేయగానే గంగిరెద్దు అవుతుందా?
kukkapaina kambali veyagane gangireddu avutunda?
Does putting a blanket on a dog make it a sacred bull?
A person's character or inherent nature doesn't change simply by changing their appearance or attire. True identity is internal and cannot be masked by external decorations or pretenses. It is often used to criticize someone trying to appear more noble or capable than they actually are.
ఆయుష్షు గట్టిగా ఉంటే, అడవిలో ఉన్నా అయోధ్యలో ఉన్నా ఒకటే
ayushshu gattiga unte, adavilo unna ayodhyalo unna okate
If one's lifespan is strong, it is the same whether they are in a forest or in Ayodhya.
This expression means that if a person is destined to live, they will survive regardless of their surroundings or the dangers they face. It highlights the belief in destiny and longevity, suggesting that safety (Ayodhya) or danger (the forest) does not matter if it is not yet one's time to die. It is used to express that fate governs life and death.
గంగిరెద్దును బండికి కడితే వాడవాడ, గంగిరావును బండికి కడితే ఇల్లిల్లు
gangireddunu bandiki kadite vadavada, gangiravunu bandiki kadite illillu
If you tie a decorated bull to a cart it goes through the street; if you tie Gangiraavu to a cart it goes through every house.
This proverb contrasts performance and outcomes based on the nature of the subject. It refers to the idea that a trained, decorated bull (Gangireddu) follows a broad path through the streets, whereas a common or untrained one (Gangiraavu) might wander erratically into every doorway. In a broader sense, it is used to describe how a person's behavior or a specific method determines the extent or quality of the result, often highlighting inefficiency or unnecessary persistence.
చేతిలో ఉంటే అర్థం, చేరువలో ఉంటే పెళ్ళాం.
chetilo unte artham, cheruvalo unte pellam.
If in hand, it is wealth; if nearby, she is the wife.
This proverb highlights the transient nature of value based on possession and proximity. It implies that money is only useful when you actually hold it (liquid/available), and a wife is a companion only when she is present with you. It is often used to emphasize the importance of having resources or loved ones physically accessible rather than just 'on paper' or far away.
హద్దులో ఉంటే ఆడుది, హద్దుదాటితే గాడిది.
haddulo unte adudi, haddudatite gadidi.
If within limits, she is a woman; if the limits are crossed, she is a donkey.
This is a traditional proverb emphasizing the importance of staying within social or behavioral boundaries. It suggests that a person (historically referring to women in this context) earns respect when they maintain self-restraint and decorum, but loses their dignity and is viewed as stubborn or foolish like a donkey if they behave excessively or cross those boundaries.
చేతిలో ఉంటే అర్థం, చేరువలో ఉంటే పెళ్ళాం
chetilo unte artham, cheruvalo unte pellam
If it is in hand, it is money; if she is nearby, she is a wife.
This expression highlights that things only serve their purpose or provide value when they are accessible or present. 'Artham' (money/wealth) is only useful if you have it in your possession, and a relationship (like a spouse) only provides companionship and support when the person is physically near or available.
శివమెత్తిన గంగిరెద్దులా చిందులు తొక్కడం
shivamettina gangireddula chindulu tokkadam
To dance around like a decorated bull possessed by a deity.
This expression is used to describe someone who is acting in an uncontrollably aggressive, chaotic, or agitated manner. It likens a person's wild behavior or angry outburst to the frenzied movements of a 'Gangireddu' (sacred decorated bull) when it is perceived to be possessed or extremely restless.
ఖాజా మొగుడు ఒడిలో ఉంటేనేమి, దడిలో ఉంటేనేమి?
khaja mogudu odilo untenemi, dadilo untenemi?
What does it matter if the useless husband is in the lap or behind the fence?
This proverb is used to describe a person who is completely useless or ineffective. If someone cannot provide help, support, or fulfill their responsibilities, their presence or absence makes no difference. It highlights the frustration of dealing with someone who is a burden rather than an asset.
పంట పెంటలో ఉన్నది, పాడి పూరిలో ఉన్నది
panta pentalo unnadi, padi purilo unnadi
The crop is in the manure, and the dairy is in the grass.
This proverb emphasizes the fundamental secrets of agriculture and animal husbandry. It means that a good harvest depends on the quality of fertilizer (manure), and good milk production depends on providing quality fodder (grass) to the livestock. It highlights that inputs determine the quality of outputs.