కురూపి పొత్తుకంటే సురూపి తిట్టు మేలు

kurupi pottukante surupi tittu melu

Translation

An insult from a beautiful person is better than the friendship of an ugly person.

Meaning

While taken literally regarding physical beauty, this proverb is often used metaphorically to suggest that a reprimand or criticism from a wise, virtuous, or noble person is more valuable and beneficial than the companionship or alliance of a wicked or base person. It emphasizes choosing quality of character over comfort.

Related Phrases

Stomach full of stretch marks - bare feet full of sores

This proverb describes a state of extreme poverty or physical exhaustion. It refers to someone who has worked so hard or suffered so much that their body shows signs of malnutrition (stretch marks from starvation/bloating) and their feet are wounded from walking long distances without footwear. It is used to highlight the pathetic or miserable condition of a person.

Like catching a fish with a worm. Fish follow the bait.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone is lured or deceived into a trap using a small incentive or temptation to achieve a much larger gain or to manipulate them.

* At skære l fremmed Ore er ikke anderledes end i Filtehat. † Der Narben lacht, wer Wunden nie gefühlt. 10 ( 73 )

Does a wild cat have hesitation/mercy toward a parrot?

This expression is used to describe a situation where a powerful or predatory person will not hesitate to exploit a vulnerable victim. It implies that it is foolish to expect mercy or formal politeness (mogamatam) from someone whose nature is to be ruthless or greedy.

Like hanging onto the eaves of the roof after being asked to leave.

This expression is used to describe a person who lacks self-respect and continues to stay or linger stubbornly even after being clearly insulted or asked to depart. It highlights a thick-skinned or desperate nature where one clings to a situation despite being unwanted.

When an ugly person was asked what they were doing, they said, 'I am mocking the beautiful ones.'

This proverb is used to describe a situation where a person who lacks talent, skill, or merit criticizes or mocks those who are superior or successful. It highlights the irony of someone with significant flaws trying to find faults in others who are far better than themselves, often out of jealousy or insecurity.

The abuse hurled at the hen is understood by the daughter-in-law.

This proverb is used when someone indirectly criticizes or insults a person by targeting someone else or something else nearby. It highlights situations where a message is intended for a specific person but is delivered through a proxy to avoid direct confrontation while ensuring the target still feels the sting.

When told to go away, he swung on the eaves.

This expression is used to describe a person who lacks self-respect and refuses to leave a place or a situation even after being clearly told to go away. It highlights someone's stubborn persistence or desperate clinging to a position when they are no longer welcome.

Said of a parasite who could not be shaken off.

When a thief who steals and eats was taken as a partner, he stole everything and hid it in his bundle.

This proverb warns against trusting a person with a known history of dishonesty or theft. It implies that if you enter into a partnership or trust someone who is habitually untrustworthy, you shouldn't be surprised when they eventually betray you or steal your belongings. It is used to describe situations where someone suffers a loss due to their own poor judgment in choosing associates.

When one enquired what the ugly man was doing, [he was told that] he was counting all the good looking people. An ugly person finds fault with the looks of others. The kiln calls the oven burnt house. The shovel makes game of the poker. (French.)† The pan says to the pot " keep off or you'll smutch me." (Italian.)

This proverb is used to describe someone who, instead of focusing on their own shortcomings or fixing their own problems, spends all their time judging, critiquing, or obsessing over the qualities and successes of others. It highlights the irony of being preoccupied with things one lacks.

* Adonde vas, mal ? Adonde mas hay. † La pèle se moque du fourgon. ‡ La padella dice al pajuolo, Fatti in la che tu me tigni,

Pointing the finger and coming off worst.

This expression describes a situation where someone's attempt to help or point something out results in them being wrongly blamed or criticized. It is used when an innocent action leads to an unnecessary negative reputation or misunderstanding.

Said of a man who accuses another without being able to sub- stantiate his allegations.