కన్నీరు కిందికి కారుతుంది, పన్నీరు పైకి చిమ్ముతుంది
kanniru kindiki karutundi, panniru paiki chimmutundi
Tears flow downwards, while rose water is sprinkled upwards.
This expression is used to describe the irony of social status and emotions. It signifies that while sorrow and suffering (tears) are common, private, and flow naturally, luxury and celebration (rose water) are often displayed ostentatiously. It can also refer to the flow of resources or sympathy in society.
Related Phrases
నీరు పల్లమెరుగు, నిజం దేవుడెరుగు (నీరు నిల్లవ వంకనే పారుతుంది)
niru pallamerugu, nijam devuderugu (niru nillava vankane parutundi)
Water runs towards water. Men haste to help those of their own caste, &c.
This proverb is used to describe things that naturally follow a specific path or instinct. Just as water naturally flows toward lower ground (slopes), certain events or human tendencies are inevitable. It is often used to imply that truth will eventually come out or that people naturally gravitate towards their own kind or interests.
ముళ్లుండగానే పన్నీరు పువ్వు పనికి రాకుండా పోయిందా?
mullundagane panniru puvvu paniki rakunda poyinda?
Did the rose flower become useless just because the thorns are still there?
This expression is used to question why someone is discarding something valuable or beautiful just because of a few minor flaws or obstacles. It highlights that the presence of challenges (thorns) does not diminish the inherent worth of the prize (the flower).
వాడి మాట పిండికీ అవుతుంది, పిడుక్కూ అవుతుంది
vadi mata pindiki avutundi, pidukku avutundi
His speech will answer for flour or for a thunderbolt. Said of an ambiguous speech.
This expression is used to describe a person who speaks with clever ambiguity or doublespeak. Their words are crafted in such a way that they can be interpreted in two completely different ways depending on the outcome, allowing them to claim they were right regardless of what happens.
పందికేమి తెలుసు పన్నీరు వాసన
pandikemi telusu panniru vasana
What does a pig know of the scent of rosewater?
This proverb is used to describe a person who lacks the refinement, taste, or intelligence to appreciate something valuable or sophisticated. It suggests that high-quality things are wasted on those who cannot understand their worth, similar to the English expression 'casting pearls before swine.'
బూడిదలో పోసిన పన్నిరు.
budidalo posina panniru.
Perfume thrown into ash.
A fruitless effort is one that does not achieve what one sets out for.
జింక కన్నీరు వేటగానికి ముద్దా?
jinka kanniru vetaganiki mudda?
Are the deer's tears a kiss to the hunter?
This expression is used to describe a situation where a victim's suffering or pleas for mercy have no effect on a cruel or heartless oppressor. Just as a hunter is not moved by the tears of the prey they intend to kill, a cold-hearted person will not be swayed by the pain of those they exploit.
ఎక్కడి నీరు పల్లానికే చేరుతుంది.
ekkadi niru pallanike cherutundi.
Wherever water is, it eventually reaches the low-lying area.
This proverb suggests that things naturally gravitate toward their destined or logical conclusion. It is often used to imply that wealth, consequences, or results will eventually reach their rightful or inevitable destination regardless of the starting point.
కాలికి చుట్టుకున్న పాము కరిచి తీరుతుంది
kaliki chuttukunna pamu karichi tirutundi
The snake that has coiled around the leg will definitely bite
This expression is used to describe a dangerous situation or a person who is relentlessly harmful. It implies that if you associate with or get trapped by something inherently dangerous or evil, it will eventually cause harm, no matter how much you try to ignore or avoid it. It is often used to warn that some problems won't just go away without consequences.
పందికేం తెలుసురా పన్నీరు వాసన
pandikem telusura panniru vasana
What does a pig know about the scent of rose water?
This proverb is used to describe a person who lacks the refinement or taste to appreciate something valuable, elegant, or high-quality. It is similar to the English expression 'casting pearls before swine.'
పందికి యేలరా పన్నీరు గిండి?
pandiki yelara panniru gindi?
What can a pig do with a rose water bottle ?
This proverb is used to describe a situation where something valuable, refined, or sophisticated is given to someone who is incapable of appreciating its worth or lacks the taste to use it properly. It is similar to the English expression 'casting pearls before swine.'
Gindi is a narrow mouthed vessel used for rose water.