కలలో కాంత, నీటిలో నీడతో సమానం.

kalalo kanta, nitilo nidato samanam.

Translation

A woman in a dream is equal to a shadow in the water.

Meaning

This proverb refers to the transient and illusory nature of certain desires or possessions. Just as you cannot hold a woman seen in a dream or grab a reflection in the water, some things in life are unreachable or temporary despite appearing real or attractive.

Related Phrases

Food served without affection is equal to the food offered to the dead.

This proverb emphasizes that the hospitality and love behind a meal are more important than the food itself. Even the most delicious food is considered unpalatable or unlucky if it is served with resentment or without heart, comparing it to 'Pinda Kudu' (the ritual food offered to deceased ancestors).

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.

Good growth and bad depths are equal in all countries and all races.

This expression means that the capacity for human excellence (virtue) and human depravity (vice) is universal. It emphasizes that good and evil are not restricted to any specific culture, nation, or ethnicity, but are common traits found across humanity.

Death along with many people is equivalent to a wedding.

This proverb suggests that when a misfortune or a difficult situation is shared by a large group, it becomes easier to bear. It reflects the human psychological comfort found in solidarity during times of crisis, implying that suffering alone is a tragedy, but suffering together is a shared experience.

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.

One without morals is a monkey, one with morals is a woman.

This traditional expression emphasizes the importance of ethics and character. It suggests that a person lacking moral values is as unpredictable or undisciplined as a monkey, whereas a person (specifically referring to a woman in this poetic context) with integrity and principles is truly noble and respected.

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.

Born to a sorcerer/diviner, yet equal to a standard camphor lamp.

This expression is used to describe someone who comes from an illustrious or highly skilled background but fails to exhibit any extraordinary talent or greatness themselves. It highlights the irony of having a powerful lineage while remaining mediocre or ordinary in one's own capabilities.

A girl born after three consecutive boys is equal to a co-sister-in-law.

This traditional Telugu proverb refers to the specific family dynamic when a girl is born after three sons. It suggests that such a child is treated with high regard, authority, or maturity within the household, similar to the status of a co-sister-in-law (Eralu) who shares responsibilities and status in the family hierarchy.

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.