మంచి ఉల్లిగడ్డకు మంచి బొడ్డు.
manchi ulligaddaku manchi boddu.
A good onion has a good navel (core).
This proverb is used to describe something or someone that is of high quality both inside and out. Just as the quality of an onion is determined by its core, the character of a person or the integrity of a thing is judged by its inner essence. It suggests that true quality is consistent throughout.
Related Phrases
నోరు మంచిదయితే ఊరు మంచిదవుతుంది
noru manchidayite uru manchidavutundi
If your words are good, the world will be good to you.
This expression emphasizes that if you speak politely and treat others with respect, the people around you will respond with kindness and support. It is used to teach that one's social environment is often a reflection of their own behavior and speech.
చిత్తం మంచిదయితే చేదూ మంచిదవుతుంది
chittam manchidayite chedu manchidavutundi
If your heart is pure, even something bitter becomes good.
This proverb suggests that one's perception and outcome depend on their mindset or intentions. If your thoughts and attitude (chittam) are good, even unpleasant situations or bitter things (chedu) will result in a positive experience or be perceived as beneficial. It is often used to emphasize the importance of having a positive outlook and pure intentions.
మంచి వారికి ఒక మాట, మంచి గొడ్డుకు ఒక దెబ్బ
manchi variki oka mata, manchi godduku oka debba
One word to a good man, one stroke to a good bullock. A nod for a wise man, and a rod for a fool.
This proverb emphasizes that an intelligent or sensible person understands and acts upon a single word of advice or instruction, just as a disciplined ox responds to a single stroke. It is used to suggest that wise people do not need repeated warnings or explanations to do the right thing.
అమ్మ మంచిదేకాని, తెడ్డు మంచిదికాదు.
amma manchidekani, teddu manchidikadu.
Mother is good, but her serving ladle is not.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where a person is inherently kind or well-intentioned, but the resources they provide or the way they allocate things is insufficient or harsh. It specifically refers to how a mother loves her child, but when she uses the ladle (teddu) to serve food, the portions might be small or the discipline might be firm. It is applied to people who are good at heart but stingy or strict in their actions.
మంచివాడు మంచివాడంటే, మంచమంతా కంతలు చేసినాడు.
manchivadu manchivadante, manchamanta kantalu chesinadu.
When called a good man, he made holes all over the cot.
This proverb describes a situation where someone takes undue advantage of the praise or kindness shown to them. It refers to people who, when trusted or given freedom due to their 'good' reputation, end up causing damage or acting irresponsibly. It is used to caution against blind trust or to describe someone who lacks common sense despite being called 'good'.
కుడుము మంచిదైనా కడుపు మంచిది కాదు
kudumu manchidaina kadupu manchidi kadu
Even if the kudumu (steamed dumpling) is good, the stomach is not good.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where something offered or available is excellent, but the recipient is unable to enjoy or utilize it due to their own limitations, health issues, or lack of capacity. It highlights that the quality of an external object doesn't matter if the internal condition is unfavorable.
ఇల్లలకగానే పండుగ కాదు
illalakagane panduga kadu
Cleaning or mopping the house does not mean the festival has arrived.
This proverb is used to warn against premature celebration or assuming a task is complete based on superficial initial actions. Just as mopping a floor is only a preliminary step for a festival, one must complete the actual hard work or wait for the true results before claiming success.
మించినదానికి విచారించి ఫలం లేదు
minchinadaniki vicharinchi phalam ledu
There is no point in worrying about what is past.
This proverb is equivalent to 'don't cry over spilled milk'. It is used to suggest that once something has happened or a mistake has been made that cannot be undone, there is no use in feeling regret or sorrow about it; instead, one should move forward.
ఢిల్లీకి పోయి ఉల్లిగడ్డ తెచ్చినట్లు
dhilliki poyi ulligadda techchinatlu
Like going all the way to Delhi just to bring back an onion.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone puts in an enormous amount of effort, time, or resources, only to achieve a very trivial or insignificant result. It highlights the disproportion between the struggle and the outcome.
మంచివాడు మంచివాడంటే, మంచమెక్కి గంతులు వేశాడటా.
manchivadu manchivadante, manchamekki gantulu veshadata.
When he was called a good man, he jumped onto the cot and started leaping.
This expression is used to describe someone who takes undue advantage of others' kindness or praise. It refers to a person who, when treated with respect or leniency, behaves recklessly or exceeds their boundaries due to overconfidence or lack of discipline.