కాశీలో కొబ్బరికాయ కానీ అన్నట్టు

kashilo kobbarikaya kani annattu

Translation

Like saying a coconut in Kashi costs only a 'kaani' (a small unit of currency).

Meaning

This expression refers to someone making tall, unverifiable claims about things happening in a far-off place. Since Kashi is distant, the listener cannot easily verify the price of the coconut, making it a metaphor for boasting or lying about something that cannot be proven immediately.

Related Phrases

The Myrobalan fruit is like one's own mother

This expression refers to the medicinal value of the Haritaki (Karakkaya) fruit in Ayurveda. It implies that just as a mother cares for her child's well-being and health without fail, this medicinal nut protects and heals the body from various ailments. It is used to emphasize the importance of traditional medicine and natural remedies.

Cranes in the sky street, thieves in the market street.

This expression is used to describe things that are found in their natural or expected habitat. Just as it is natural to see birds flying in the sky, it is common to find pickpockets or dishonest people in crowded marketplaces. It serves as a reminder to be cautious in specific environments where certain risks are inherent.

Like a man saying, when asked why he was getting up the cocoanut tree, that he wanted grass for his calf. An absurd reason.

This expression is used to describe someone giving a completely illogical, absurd, or irrelevant excuse for their actions. It mocks the act of providing a justification that makes no sense, as grass does not grow on top of coconut trees.

The merit that one does not attain even by dying in Kashi is achieved simply by stepping into Kalahasti.

This proverb highlights the supreme spiritual significance of Srikalahasti temple. It suggests that while dying in the holy city of Kashi (Varanasi) is traditionally believed to grant liberation, simply visiting or entering the town of Kalahasti is considered even more powerful or auspicious in the local religious tradition.

What would a bull do if you give it a coconut?

This expression is used to describe someone who does not know the value of an expensive or useful item given to them. Just as a bull cannot crack or eat a whole coconut and finds it useless, an ignorant person cannot appreciate the worth of something sophisticated or precious.

Like hitting someone with a slipper in the street and then holding their feet inside the house.

This expression describes a hypocritical or manipulative behavior where someone publicly insults or humiliates another person but privately seeks their forgiveness or favor. It is used to point out the insincerity of someone who tries to make amends secretly after causing a major public offense.

A cow whose legs are not tied will not refrain from kicking

This proverb emphasizes the importance of taking necessary precautions or setting boundaries. Just as a cow might kick during milking if its legs aren't secured, a person or situation without proper discipline, control, or safeguards will inevitably cause trouble or failure.

Like a monkey with a cocoanut.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone acquires something valuable or complex that they do not know how to use, appreciate, or handle properly. Just as a monkey might struggle to break open a hard coconut despite its value, this refers to an incompetent person mishandling a precious resource.

Cannot use it, but won't give it up. Like the dog in the manger, he will neither do nor let do.

A widow cannot hide in a crowd of braided women.

This proverb is used to describe an obvious or glaring truth that cannot be concealed no matter how much one tries to hide it among others. Historically, it refers to how a widow (who traditionally had a shaven head or specific appearance) would stand out even in a large gathering of women with long braided hair. It signifies that a distinct defect or a unique identity will eventually be exposed.

Dew harms mangoes, and kitchen wastewater harms coconut trees.

This is an agricultural proverb reflecting traditional wisdom. It means that excessive mist or dew during the flowering stage can ruin a mango crop by causing pests or fungal growth, while pouring salty or used kitchen water (kuditi) at the base of a coconut tree can hinder its growth or health.