జీవరత్నము ఇత్తడిని పొదిగితే, రత్నానికి ఏమి లోపము?
jivaratnamu ittadini podigite, ratnaniki emi lopamu?
What does a fine ruby suffer by being set in brass? The disgrace of putting a talented man in a mean situation attaches to the employer not to the employé.
This expression means that a person of high quality, talent, or noble character does not lose their inherent value just because they are in a poor environment or associated with something of low quality. The value of the individual remains intact regardless of their surroundings.
Related Phrases
రత్నాన్ని బంగారంలో పొదిగితేనే రాణింపు.
ratnanni bangaramlo podigitene ranimpu.
A gemstone shines best only when it is set in gold.
This expression is used to signify that merit or talent gets its true recognition and value only when it is placed in the right environment or paired with something equally worthy. It suggests that excellence requires a proper platform or context to truly sparkle.
యజ్ఞానికి యేమి యత్నమంటే, కత్తులూ కఠార్లూ.
yajnyaniki yemi yatnamante, kattulu katharlu.
When asked what preparations had been made for the offer- ing, he said "Here are swords and daggers." A religious Brahman is not permitted even to touch a lethal weapon. An impertinent, unbecoming reply.
This proverb describes a situation where the preparations are completely contrary or irrelevant to the actual purpose of the task. It is used when someone's actions or tools do not match the peaceful or constructive nature of the goal they claim to be pursuing.
చీకట్లో జీవరత్నము
chikatlo jivaratnamu
A brilliant gem in the darkness.
This expression refers to someone or something that stands out or shines brightly in difficult, obscure, or unfavorable circumstances. It is often used to describe a person of great merit who is hidden in a crowd or a solution that brings hope during a period of crisis.
A bright exception among a bad lot.
నారే నరునకు రత్నము
nare narunaku ratnamu
A woman is a gem to a man
This expression highlights the importance and value of a woman in a man's life, suggesting that she is the most precious asset or companion he can have, similar to a jewel.
నవరత్నములున్నా, నరరత్నముండవలె.
navaratnamulunna, nararatnamundavale.
Even if you possess the nine precious gems, you must have a 'human gem'.
This proverb emphasizes that material wealth (represented by the Navaratnas) is secondary to the presence of a virtuous, capable, and loyal human being. It suggests that a person's character and the presence of good people in one's life are more valuable than any amount of riches.
భరతుడి పట్నము, రాముడి రాజ్యము.
bharatudi patnamu, ramudi rajyamu.
The city of Bharata, the kingdom of Rāma.
This expression refers to a situation where someone is the formal administrator or caretaker (Bharata) while the ultimate authority or glory belongs to someone else (Rama). It is used to describe collaborative success, selfless service, or a scenario where governance is handled on behalf of a rightful leader.
Said of any thing neglected, as Rāma's kingdom was neglected during his absence by his half brother Bharata.
మనది కాని పట్నం మహాపట్నం.
manadi kani patnam mahapatnam.
A city that is not ours is a great city.
This proverb is used to describe how things often seem more impressive, grand, or attractive when we have no personal connection or responsibility towards them. It highlights the tendency to over-praise foreign places or unfamiliar situations while disregarding their flaws, simply because we don't have to deal with the daily realities or consequences of living there.
వెలగల జీవరత్నము ఒక్కటే చాలును, చిలిపిరాళ్లు తట్టెడు ఉన్నా ఫలము ఏమి?
velagala jivaratnamu okkate chalunu, chilipirallu tattedu unna phalamu emi?
One valuable gem of the first water is sufficient—though of pebbles there be a basketful, of what use are they ? ( See Vēmana Book I. 4. ) One grain of pepper is worth a cart-load of hail.
Quality is far more important than quantity. This proverb is used to explain that one talented or virtuous person is more valuable than a large group of incompetent or useless individuals. It is often cited when emphasizing the value of excellence over mere numbers.
వజ్రాన్ని ఇత్తడిలో పొదిగితే వజ్రానికేమి లోటు?
vajranni ittadilo podigite vajranikemi lotu?
If a diamond is set in brass, does it diminish the diamond's value?
The intrinsic value or greatness of a person or thing does not decrease simply because they are in a poor or unworthy environment. True quality remains constant regardless of the surroundings.
స్వర్ణానికి వాసన, రత్నానికి రుచి ఉండదు
svarnaniki vasana, ratnaniki ruchi undadu
Gold has no smell, and a gemstone has no taste.
This proverb is used to describe the concept of inherent limitations or missing qualities even in things that are otherwise perfect or highly valuable. It suggests that nothing in the world is absolutely perfect in every single aspect, or that certain things have specific functions and should not be expected to possess unrelated attributes.