కొసరిన కూరలోనే పస ఉంటుంది
kosarina kuralone pasa untundi
There is no taste in the greens unless some are received over. Said by Hindu women, who are never satisfied unless they obtain some- thing over and above their money's worth.
This expression suggests that things obtained with effort, persistence, or as a small extra favor often feel more satisfying or valuable than what is given freely or initially. It is used to describe the satisfaction found in small additions or the value of items gained through request/bargaining.
Related Phrases
ఆకారం చూసి ఆశపడ్డానే గానీ, అయ్యకు అందులో పస లేదు.
akaram chusi ashapaddane gani, ayyaku andulo pasa ledu.
I was hopeful looking at the appearance, but the gentleman has no substance within.
This proverb is used to describe a person or situation that looks impressive or grand on the outside but lacks actual talent, quality, or depth. It is similar to the English saying 'Don't judge a book by its cover' or 'All that glitters is not gold,' specifically referring to being deceived by outward appearances.
అందులో పస లేకపోయినా, అరలో మంచం వేయమన్నట్లు
andulo pasa lekapoyina, aralo mancham veyamannatlu
Even if there is no essence in it, asking to lay a bed in the inner room.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone demands high honors, special arrangements, or grand treatment despite the underlying matter or person having no real substance, value, or quality. It highlights the irony of expecting luxury for something worthless.
కూరలో కసవేరినట్లు
kuralo kasaverinatlu
Like picking out grit or debris from a curry.
This expression is used to describe a tedious, meticulous, and often unpleasant task of identifying and removing small, unwanted elements from a larger group. It is commonly applied when one has to carefully filter out flaws, errors, or undesirable people from a situation.
వయసు కురకుర బాతు కురకుర
vayasu kurakura batu kurakura
Age is crunchy, duck is crunchy.
This expression is used to describe the vigor and energy of youth. It implies that during one's prime age, even a tough or 'crunchy' meat like duck can be easily digested and enjoyed. It signifies that everything seems favorable and manageable when one is young and healthy.
బొట్టు పసేగాని, బోనం పసలేదు
bottu pasegani, bonam pasaledu
The bindi (decoration) has splendor, but the meal has no substance.
This expression is used to describe a situation where there is a lot of external show, pomp, or decoration, but the core essence or quality is lacking. It refers to something that looks impressive on the outside but is disappointing in reality.
నీపై ఆశ లేదు, నాపై పస లేదు, ఏడు సేర్ల తప్పేలకెసరు పెట్టమను
nipai asha ledu, napai pasa ledu, edu serla tappelakesaru pettamanu
No hope in you, no strength in me, yet ask to boil water in a seven-seer pot.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where there are no resources or capabilities available, yet someone makes grand, unrealistic demands. It highlights the irony of planning a massive feast or task when both the provider and the recipient lack the basic means to even start.
అందులో పసలేదు, గంజిలో వార్చుమన్నట్టు
andulo pasaledu, ganjilo varchumannattu
There is no substance in that, strain the rice water. Equivalent to the English "there's nothing in him" or "there's nothing in it."
This expression is used to describe a situation or an object that is completely devoid of value, substance, or truth. Since 'ganji' (gruel/congee) is essentially the water strained from rice, trying to 'strain' it further is a futile task that yields nothing. It highlights an exercise in futility or something that is worthless.
కొన్న దగ్గర కొసరు గానీ, కోరిన దగ్గర కొసరా?
konna daggara kosaru gani, korina daggara kosara?
Bargaining for an extra is fine where you purchase, but can you bargain where you begged?
This proverb highlights that one has the right to demand more (kosaru) only when they are paying for a service or product. It is used to point out the lack of modesty or manners in someone who is receiving a favor or gift for free yet continues to demand more or specific preferences.
అసలు పసలేక దొంగని అరిచినట్లు
asalu pasaleka dongani arichinatlu
Like shouting 'thief' when there is no substance or truth in the first place.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone makes a loud commotion or accusation to hide their own lack of merit, substance, or capability. It refers to creating a diversion or putting up a front when one is actually empty or in the wrong.
మంత్రంలో పసలేకపోయినా తుంపర్లకు తక్కువలేదు.
mantramlo pasalekapoyina tumparlaku takkuvaledu.
Even if there is no power in the chant, there is no shortage of spit.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone's actions or words lack substance, quality, or effectiveness, yet they are accompanied by a lot of unnecessary noise, fuss, or superficial display. It is often applied to people who talk grandly or perform elaborate rituals without achieving any real results.