కొత్తగుడ్డకు రంగు పట్టినట్లు పాతగుడ్డకు పట్టదు

kottaguddaku rangu pattinatlu pataguddaku pattadu

Translation

Just as a new cloth takes on color, an old cloth does not.

Meaning

This expression means that it is much easier to teach, influence, or mold something young, fresh, or new than something that is old and set in its ways. It is often used to describe how children learn faster than adults or how a new mind is more receptive to new ideas than an experienced one with preconceived notions.

Related Phrases

Like a pest attacking before the flowering stage.

This expression is used to describe a situation where a project, idea, or life stage is ruined or faces major obstacles right at its inception or even before it has had a chance to begin properly. It signifies early misfortune or premature failure.

Like the scent of flowers rubbing off on the fiber.

This expression describes how association with good or noble people can influence and improve the character of an ordinary person. Just as the plain fiber used to tie a garland eventually smells like the fragrant flowers it holds, a person gains good qualities by being in good company.

Like lice infesting a bald head.

Used to describe a situation that is logically impossible, highly improbable, or a baseless allegation. Just as lice cannot live on a head without hair, this expression mocks claims or events that lack any foundation or sense.

Silk cloth and a fallen woman have no pollution.

This is a traditional saying used to point out contradictions in rules of ritual purity. It suggests that silk is considered perpetually 'pure' regardless of what touches it, often used as a metaphor to describe people who think they are above the rules or situations where status outweighs social stigma.

Whatever one touches/holds, it is as if a ghost has possessed it.

This expression is used to describe someone who goes to extremes or becomes obsessively persistent in whatever task they undertake. It can also refer to someone who consistently encounters bad luck or complications in every endeavor they start, as if it were cursed or jinxed.

Like lice infestation on a bald head

This expression is used to describe a situation that is impossible, illogical, or a blatant lie. Just as lice cannot live on a bald head because there is no hair to cling to, the phrase refers to claims or events that lack any basis in reality or common sense.

There is no counter-song to the song of the Etam.

An 'Etam' is a traditional water-lifting device used in ancient irrigation. The singing associated with this rhythmic labor is unique and continuous. This expression is used to describe something that is incomparable, peerless, or an argument/statement so definitive that there is no possible rebuttal or equivalent response.

Like hitting with a slipper wrapped in a silk cloth

This expression describes a situation where someone is insulted or criticized in a very polite, sophisticated, or subtle manner. It refers to a 'veiled attack' where the delivery is soft (the silk), but the impact or underlying message is harsh and humiliating (the slipper).

Touch-me-not plant

Literally referring to the Mimosa pudica plant, this expression is used to describe a person who is extremely sensitive, shy, or gets easily offended or hurt by even the slightest comment or touch.

Stitching an old cloth is a waste of thread

This proverb is used to describe a situation where attempting to repair or fix something that is completely worn out, outdated, or beyond saving is a futile effort. It suggests that the resources (time, money, or effort) spent on such a task are wasted because the object is no longer viable.