కట్టెలోన నగ్ని పుట్టిన విధమున

kattelona nagni puttina vidhamuna

Translation

Like the way fire is born within wood

Meaning

This expression refers to something that is inherently present but hidden until the right conditions or effort bring it out. Just as fire remains latent in wood until friction is applied, it is often used to describe how divinity exists within every being or how a hidden quality manifests when triggered.

Related Phrases

The alms received witness to those who gave; those who gave not, truly do not receive. If the charitable become poor, they will not ask for help in vain ; but the uncharitable will obtain nothing.

This proverb highlights that the results of charity or kind deeds are visible through the prosperity and well-being of future generations (descendants). Conversely, those who are miserly or unkind leave no such legacy behind. It is used to emphasize that one's generosity is often reflected in the success of their children or the enduring impact of their legacy.

The behavior of frogs in a well

This expression describes the behavior of narrow-minded or jealous people who, like frogs in a well, try to pull down anyone who attempts to climb up or succeed. It is used to characterize small-mindedness and the lack of a broader perspective or community support.

The one who harbors anger/ignorance is the lowest in this world.

This expression highlights that a person who is constantly driven by 'Tamas' (darkness, anger, or ignorance) is considered base or inferior. It is used to advise against hot-headedness and to encourage the cultivation of 'Sattva' (goodness/purity) instead of 'Tamas'.

Idiocy [takes] a thousand forms, and madness ten thousand.

This proverb is used to describe the countless ways people can behave irrationally or eccentrically. It suggests that human folly and madness have no limits and can manifest in an infinite variety of forms.

Ugadi was born when the village was born

This expression is used to describe something that has existed since the very beginning or has been a tradition since time immemorial. It signifies that a practice or an event is as old as the foundation of the place or community itself.

Foolishness is of a thousand kinds, while madness/eccentricity is of ten thousand kinds.

This expression is used to describe the infinite variety of ways people can behave foolishly or irrationally. It suggests that while there are many ways to be silly (vetti), the range of peculiar or eccentric behaviors (paityam) is even greater. It is often used to comment on someone's strange, unpredictable, or nonsensical actions.

Like the egg coming out and mocking the hen.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where a younger or less experienced person tries to lecture, mock, or act superior toward their elders or mentors. It is similar to the English expression 'teaching your grandmother to suck eggs.'

A piece of sandal wood born of beauty, and the dregs of castor oil.

This expression is used to highlight a stark contrast between two people or things, usually siblings or items from the same source. It compares one that is virtuous, high-quality, or beautiful (sandalwood) to another that is useless, inferior, or unpleasant (castor oil residue).

Sweet on the tongue, poison inside

This expression describes a hypocritical person who speaks very kindly and sweetly to your face but harbors malicious intentions or hatred in their heart. It is used to warn others about deceitful people who hide their true nature behind pleasant words.

The younger brother of him who is born, the elder brother of him who is about to be born. Said jokingly of a dwarf.

This proverb describes someone who is in a middle position or a mediator. It refers to a person who has experienced both sides of a situation, making them versatile or uniquely positioned between two generations or two different states of being.