కోతి గురువింద సామ్యము

This expression emphasizes the immense value and power of discretion. It suggests that someone who can maintain a secret or keep their composure and hidden knowledge under control possesses a level of mastery and wisdom that surpasses even their mentors. It is used to praise someone's ability to be discreet and tight-lipped in critical situations.

This expression is used to describe a situation where an insignificant or weak person tries to insult, provoke, or challenge someone who is far superior, powerful, or dignified. Just as an elephant ignores the barking of a dog and continues its walk, a great person remains unaffected by the petty criticisms of those beneath them.

This expression is used to highlight a hierarchy of expertise or knowledge. It suggests that while one person might be a mentor for intellectuals or advanced practitioners (Siddharthi), another person serves as a mentor for ordinary people (Abbidi). It is often used to compare two different levels of mastery or to denote that everyone, regardless of their status, has a teacher suited to their needs.

This expression describes a situation where one encounters a disappointment or a deceptive appearance. It refers to a fox that bites into a 'Relakaya' (Golden Shower tree fruit) thinking it is meat because of its appearance, only to find it hard and tasteless. It is used when someone is misled by outward appearances or when an effort yields no useful result.

This proverb describes a situation where someone is surrounded by opportunities or benefits but cannot see or utilize them due to their own limitations or ignorance. Just as a blind man standing under a fruit-laden jujube tree cannot see the fruit and therefore cannot pick it, this expression is used when someone misses out on obvious advantages right in front of them.

This proverb is used to describe a person who is quick to point out faults in others while being completely oblivious to their own flaws. The Gurivinda seed (Rosary Pea) is bright red and beautiful, but has a distinct black spot at its bottom which it cannot 'see'. It serves as a metaphor for hypocrisy and lack of self-awareness.

This expression describes a situation that is extremely precarious, delicate, or risky. It is used when a task requires immense skill, balance, or caution because even a small mistake could lead to disastrous consequences. It is equivalent to the English idiom 'walking on a tightrope' or 'walking on eggshells'.

This proverb describes a situation where both the mentor and the student are unyielding and lack synergy or wisdom. It is used to mock a duo or partnership where one person is obstinate and the other is thick-headed or unresponsive to learning, making any progress impossible.

This expression is used to describe someone who indulges in unrealistic dreams, impractical plans, or visionary schemes that have no foundation in reality. It is used when someone is daydreaming or making grand promises that they cannot fulfill.

This expression is used to describe something that is only named after a quality it does not actually possess. In Telugu, 'Nethi Beerakaya' (Silk Gourd) has 'Neyi' (Ghee) in its name, but contains no actual ghee. It is applied to people or things that are deceptive in their titles, descriptions, or claims.

Nēti bīrakāya is the ghî cucumber. Grand in name but not worth anything. *Cleco è l'occhio, se l'animo è distrutto.