క్షీరసాగరంలో శేషావతారం, లవణసాగరంలో మత్స్యావతారం
kshirasagaramlo sheshavataram, lavanasagaramlo matsyavataram
An incarnation of Shesha in the ocean of milk, and an incarnation of a fish in the salt ocean.
This expression is used to describe a person who behaves with great dignity and sophistication in elite circles but resorts to crude or low-level behavior when in common or less refined environments. It highlights how an individual's conduct changes drastically based on the status of their surroundings.
Related Phrases
అంబరంలో కుంభం, ఆదివారంలో సోమవారం
ambaramlo kumbham, adivaramlo somavaram
A pot in the sky, and Monday within a Sunday.
This expression is used to describe something that is impossible, nonsensical, or a complete fabrication. It refers to situations where someone tells a lie or presents a scenario that defies logic, much like finding a physical pot in the vacuum of space or a Monday occurring inside a Sunday.
పైన పటారం, లోన లొటారం
paina pataram, lona lotaram
Showy on the outside, hollow on the inside
This proverb is used to describe something or someone that looks grand, beautiful, or impressive externally but is actually empty, worthless, or deficient internally. It is similar to the English expression 'All that glitters is not gold' or 'A fair face and a foul heart'.
చూడవమ్మా సుతారాం ఇంటి ఆవిడ అవతారం
chudavamma sutaram inti avida avataram
Look at the lady of the house and her strange appearance/behavior.
This is a sarcastic expression used to comment on someone's messy appearance, odd behavior, or poor management of a situation. It is often used to mock someone who fails to maintain the dignity or standards expected of their role.
పైన పటారం లోన లొటారం
paina pataram lona lotaram
Flashy on the outside, hollow on the inside.
This proverb is used to describe something or someone that looks very attractive, expensive, or impressive outwardly, but is actually empty, poor quality, or lacks substance internally. It is often used to criticize pretentiousness or superficiality.
పైన పటారం, లోన లొటారం
paina pataram, lona lotaram
Sparkle on the outside, hollow on the inside
This proverb is used to describe something or someone that looks very impressive, attractive, or expensive on the outside but is actually empty, poor quality, or worthless internally. It is similar to the English expression 'All that glitters is not gold.'
గుడారంలో గూని బతుకు
gudaramlo guni batuku
A life hunched over in a tent
This expression describes a life of extreme limitations, struggle, or confinement. It refers to someone who is forced to live in a restricted space or difficult circumstances where they cannot even stand tall or live with dignity, symbolizing a cramped and suppressed existence.
ఇంటిపేరు క్షీరసాగరం వారు, ఇంట్లో మజ్జిగచుక్కకు గతిలేదు
intiperu kshirasagaram varu, intlo majjigachukkaku gatiledu
Their family name is 'Ocean of Milk', but there isn't a drop of buttermilk in the house.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone has a very grand or pretentious title, name, or reputation, but lacks even the most basic necessities or resources in reality. It highlights the stark contrast between outward appearances and the actual humble or poor state of affairs.
మార్గశిరంలో మబ్బులు మాఘమాసంలో వానలు
margashiramlo mabbulu maghamasamlo vanalu
Clouds in the month of Margasira, rains in the month of Magha.
This is a traditional agricultural observation or proverb related to weather patterns. It suggests that if clouds appear during the lunar month of Margasira (usually occurring in Nov-Dec), it is a precursor to rainfall in the month of Magha (Jan-Feb). It is used to describe predictable seasonal cycles or the relationship between specific weather signs and their eventual outcomes.
అగ్ని శేషం, వ్రణ శేషం, రుణ శేషం, శత్రు శేషం ఉండరాదు.
agni shesham, vrana shesham, runa shesham, shatru shesham undaradu.
Remnants of fire, remnants of a wound, remnants of debt, and remnants of an enemy should not be left.
This proverb emphasizes the importance of complete resolution. It warns that even a small spark of fire can burn down a house, a partially healed wound can become infected again, a small remaining debt can grow through interest, and a defeated but surviving enemy can strike back. One must deal with these four problems thoroughly and leave no trace behind to ensure safety and peace.
మార్గశిరంలో మాట్లాడ్డానికి పొద్దుండదు
margashiramlo matladdaniki poddundadu
In the month of Margashira, there is no daylight even to talk.
This expression refers to the short daylight hours during the month of Margashira (mid-November to mid-December). It is used to describe how quickly the days pass during winter, implying that time is so limited that one cannot even find enough daylight to finish a simple conversation.