మనది కాని పట్నం మహాపట్నం.

manadi kani patnam mahapatnam.

Translation

A city that is not ours is a great city.

Meaning

This proverb is used to describe how things often seem more impressive, grand, or attractive when we have no personal connection or responsibility towards them. It highlights the tendency to over-praise foreign places or unfamiliar situations while disregarding their flaws, simply because we don't have to deal with the daily realities or consequences of living there.

Related Phrases

Like going to the city just to bring back a roasted chickpea.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone puts in an enormous amount of effort or undertakes a long journey only to achieve something trivial or insignificant. It highlights the disproportionate nature of the effort versus the result.

Like being told to go to Chennai after being ruined.

This proverb suggests that when a person loses everything or fails in their hometown, they head to a big city (historically Chennai/Madras for Telugus) to start over or find new opportunities. It is used to describe a situation where someone seeks a fresh start in a distant place after a setback.

By the time he had finished equipping himself, the whole town was plundered.

This proverb describes a situation where someone spends so much time on trivial preparations or grooming that the primary purpose or opportunity is lost. It is used to mock people who are excessively slow or focus on appearances while an emergency or an important event passes them by.

Procrastination on the part of a boaster to conceal his cowardice or ignorance.

Ramayapatnam is the midpoint

This expression is used to describe a situation or location that is centrally located or acts as a neutral middle ground. Historically, Ramayapatnam was considered a halfway point or a convenient meeting spot. In common usage, it refers to a compromise or a balanced position between two extremes.

Even if you possess the nine precious gems, you must have a 'human gem'.

This proverb emphasizes that material wealth (represented by the Navaratnas) is secondary to the presence of a virtuous, capable, and loyal human being. It suggests that a person's character and the presence of good people in one's life are more valuable than any amount of riches.

The city of Bharata, the kingdom of Rāma.

This expression refers to a situation where someone is the formal administrator or caretaker (Bharata) while the ultimate authority or glory belongs to someone else (Rama). It is used to describe collaborative success, selfless service, or a scenario where governance is handled on behalf of a rightful leader.

Said of any thing neglected, as Rāma's kingdom was neglected during his absence by his half brother Bharata.

Ruined, go to Chennâpaṭṭaṇam. To recover your fortune.

This proverb suggests that if one loses their livelihood or property in their village, they should head to a big city (historically Madras, now Chennai) to find new opportunities and start over. It highlights that large cities provide diverse ways to make a living and survive even when one has hit rock bottom.

Gifts for the teacher, and cities for us.

This expression is used to describe a situation where one person receives a small, immediate reward (like a ritual fee) while the other person gains something vast and significant (like territory or knowledge). It highlights a disparity in gains or results between two parties involved in the same activity.

With patience, Örugallu will become a city. Rome was not built in a day.

This proverb emphasizes the power of patience and perseverance. It suggests that by being patient and enduring hardships, one can achieve greatness or witness significant transformations, just as the historic city of Orugallu was built through time and effort. It is used to advise someone to stay calm and persistent during difficult times to reach a successful outcome.

Like coming near a city but getting a gemstone tested in a village.

This expression describes the folly of seeking expert services or high-quality judgment in an unqualified place when a center of excellence is easily accessible. It is used when someone ignores a superior resource nearby and chooses an inferior one instead.