ఇసుకలో తైలం ఉండదు, బంకలో బంగారం ఉండదు

isukalo tailam undadu, bankalo bangaram undadu

Translation

There is no oil in sand, and there is no gold in clay.

Meaning

This expression is used to signify that one cannot extract something valuable or useful from a source that inherently lacks it. It serves as a metaphor for futility, advising against wasting effort on people or situations that do not possess the qualities or resources one is looking for.

Related Phrases

A spear in the side of the bed

This expression describes a hidden danger or a constant threat from someone who is very close or intimate. It is typically used to refer to a traitor, a secret enemy within one's own circle, or a persistent problem that causes anxiety because it is impossible to ignore.

If picked up, it won't stay in the armpit; if put down, it won't stay on the ground.

This proverb describes a highly restless, fickle, or hyperactive person (often a child) who cannot find comfort or stability anywhere. It is used to characterize something that is difficult to manage or someone who is constantly dissatisfied regardless of their situation.

The rich man's ring is gold; the poor man's ring is brass.

This proverb highlights societal bias and how people's perceptions change based on a person's financial status. It means that if a wealthy person does or says something, it is highly valued and respected (like gold), but if a poor person does the exact same thing, it is disregarded or seen as cheap (like brass).

The decoration is proportional to the gold available.

This proverb means that the quality or extent of a result depends on the resources or effort invested. It is used to describe situations where you get exactly what you pay for, or where the outcome is limited by the budget or materials provided.

As long as there is breath there is hope.

This expression is used to signify that one should never give up or lose hope as long as they are alive. It emphasizes resilience and the possibility of change or success even in the most difficult circumstances, suggesting that life and hope are inseparable.

It reaches not the leaf, it suits not the nut. Quite inadequate.

This expression is used to describe someone or something that is caught in the middle and is useless for either of two intended purposes. It refers to the preparation of a betel leaf (pan), where one fails to get both the leaf and the areca nut, rendering the effort futile. It is often applied to people who are indecisive or situations that lack clear direction and utility.

Touching mud turns it into gold, touching gold turns it into mud

This proverb describes the extremes of luck or fortune. It refers to a person's current 'luck streak'—when someone is highly successful, even their smallest efforts (mud) yield great results (gold). Conversely, when someone is going through a period of extreme misfortune, even their most valuable assets or best efforts fail miserably.

There is no sweetness in Neem, and there is no love in being a mother-in-law

A traditional proverb used to describe the historically difficult or stern relationship between a mother-in-law and daughter-in-law. It suggests that just as bitterness is inherent to Neem leaves, a mother-in-law's nature is traditionally seen as strict or lacking affection towards the daughter-in-law.

Narayana on the tongue, a sharp knife under the armpit

This expression describes a person who is a hypocrite or double-faced. It refers to someone who speaks very sweetly or piously (invoking the name of God) but harbors malicious intentions or is ready to backstab others in reality.

A rap with ringed fingers will cause no pain. A man who wears rings is generally well'off, and therefore pays hand- some damages for injuries inflicted.

This expression is used to describe a situation where receiving a rebuke, correction, or punishment from a wealthy, powerful, or respected person is not seen as an insult or a pain, but rather as a blessing or a beneficial guidance. It implies that people are willing to tolerate harshness if it comes from someone of high status or someone they admire.