ఇష్టమైన వస్తువు ఇంగువతో సమానం
ishtamaina vastuvu inguvato samanam
A favorite thing is equal to asafoetida.
This proverb suggests that things we love or value are like asafoetida—even in small quantities or even after the physical object is gone, its impact and 'fragrance' (memory/value) linger on. It is used to describe the lasting impression or the high value placed on cherished possessions or people.
Related Phrases
ఇంగువ కట్టిన గుడ్డ
inguva kattina gudda
A rag which had held assafëtida.
This expression is used to describe a person or a family that has lost their past wealth or glory but still retains the aura or reputation of it. Just as a cloth used to wrap pungent asafoetida smells of it long after the spice is gone, the person carries the prestige of their former status.
Said of a man who is respected on account of his connection with the family of some famous person, no longer living ; or on account of his own greatness, now passed away.
సింగి నీళ్లాడితే సింగడు ఇంగువ తిన్నట్లు
singi nilladite singadu inguva tinnatlu
When Singi gave birth, Singadu ate asafetida.
This proverb describes a situation where one person goes through a significant event or hardship, and another person undergoes a related, often unnecessary or symptomatic treatment/reaction. In old traditions, asafetida was given to women after childbirth for health; here, the husband (Singadu) consumes it instead. It is used to mock people who act as if they are affected by something that happened to someone else, or when someone seeks attention/remedy for a situation that doesn't directly involve them.
బేగడరాగం మీగడతో సమానం
begadaragam migadato samanam
The Begada Raga is equal to the cream of milk.
This is a traditional saying among Carnatic music lovers. It suggests that just as 'Meegada' (cream) is the richest and most delicious part of milk, the 'Begada' raga is exceptionally sweet, soothing, and rich in musical essence. It is used to praise the unique beauty and comforting nature of this specific raga.
రాని అప్పు రాతితో సమానం
rani appu ratito samanam
A debt that cannot be recovered is equal to a stone.
This expression is used to describe a situation where money lent to someone is unlikely to be repaid. Just as a stone has no value in financial transactions and cannot be changed or utilized, a bad debt is considered a dead asset. It serves as a warning or a philosophical acceptance of a financial loss.
ఇంటి పేరు ఇంగువ, వీధి పేరు గింగువ
inti peru inguva, vidhi peru ginguva
The family name is Asafoetida, the street name is Gingiva (humming sound).
This proverb is used to describe people who boast about their past glory or family legacy despite currently living in poverty or having lost all their wealth. Just as a container that once held asafoetida (hing) retains a faint smell even when empty, these people hold onto their status through words alone.
పలవతో సరసము ప్రాణహాని
palavato sarasamu pranahani
Flirting or joking with a wicked person is a threat to life.
This proverb serves as a warning against being overly familiar or playful with malicious or unpredictable people. Even a casual interaction or joke with a wicked individual can escalate into a dangerous situation that puts one's life at risk.
పదిమంది చావు పెళ్ళితో సమానం.
padimandi chavu pellito samanam.
The death of ten people is equal to a wedding.
This proverb suggests that when a disaster or misfortune is shared by a large group, it becomes easier to bear than a personal tragedy. Similar to how people gather for a wedding, a collective struggle provides a sense of solidarity and reduces individual grief.
ఇష్టమైన వస్తువు ఇంగువతో సమానం.
ishtamaina vastuvu inguvato samanam.
A favorite item is equal to asafoetida.
This proverb suggests that just as a tiny pinch of asafoetida (hing) adds immense flavor to a dish, something that is dear or favorite to us has high value and impact regardless of its size or quantity. It is used to express that quality and personal preference matter more than quantity.
సముద్రంలో ఇంగువ కలిపినట్లు.
samudramlo inguva kalipinatlu.
Like mixing asafoetida in the ocean.
This expression is used to describe an action that is completely futile or a resource that is wasted because the scale of the problem is too vast. Just as a small amount of pungent asafoetida cannot change the taste or smell of the entire ocean, small efforts directed at massive problems result in no noticeable impact.
ఇంగువ కట్టిన గుడ్డ వాసనపోదు.
inguva kattina gudda vasanapodu.
The cloth that wrapped asafoetida will never lose its scent.
This proverb describes how a person's past status, experiences, or reputation (good or bad) continue to influence their character or how others perceive them, even after their circumstances have changed. It is often used to refer to someone who was once wealthy or powerful and still carries those mannerisms or 'aura' even if they are currently poor.