ఆశ ఎత్తు బంగారు మనిషిని గాడిద చేస్తుంది

asha ettu bangaru manishini gadida chestundi

Translation

An ounce of greed can turn a golden man into a donkey.

Meaning

This proverb highlights how excessive greed or desire (Asha) can degrade a person's character. Even a person as valuable as gold can lose their dignity, wisdom, and status, behaving like a foolish beast of burden (a donkey) when driven by insatiable greed.

Related Phrases

There is dross in gold, but there is no defect in man.

This expression is used to highlight the inherent value and dignity of a human being. It suggests that while even a precious metal like gold might contain impurities or waste (pollu), a person's life and character should be regarded as invaluable and without waste. It is often used to emphasize human worth over material wealth.

The donkey that eats the Galika weed might die, but the weed itself does not.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where an object or a habit outlasts the person using or consuming it. It highlights the persistence of certain negative influences or indestructible nature of some things despite their impact on others.

When the donkey tried to do the dog's job, its back broke.

This proverb is used to illustrate the consequences of interfering in someone else's business or trying to perform a task for which one is not suited or trained. It highlights that everyone has their own specific roles and responsibilities, and stepping out of one's domain can lead to failure or self-harm.

The braying donkey spoiled the grazing donkey.

This proverb describes a situation where someone who is minding their own business and working productively is distracted or ruined by the foolish actions of another. It is used when a person's good progress is halted because they joined company with someone loud, lazy, or troublesome.

Gold can become waste (dross), but a human is never waste.

This proverb emphasizes human value over material wealth. It suggests that while physical gold might lose its purity or value, a person's worth, character, and potential are enduring and should never be dismissed as useless. It is used to remind others to treat people with dignity regardless of their financial status.

Golden hooks do not necessarily catch golden fish.

This expression means that using expensive or high-quality tools does not always guarantee a superior or successful outcome. It highlights that merit, skill, or luck often matter more than the outward appearance or cost of the resources used. It is used to caution against the belief that money alone can buy success.

Like saying, 'If I get up, I am not a human'

This expression describes a person who makes grand, empty boasts or threats while being lazy or inactive. It is used to mock someone who talks big about their capabilities or temper but fails to take any actual action.

Ash is the medicine for a donkey's wound

This expression is used to describe a simple, crude, or inexpensive solution for an unworthy or trivial problem. It implies that a high-quality or expensive remedy is not needed for something of low value or for someone who doesn't appreciate it.

Like a donkey trying to do a dog's job

This expression is used when someone tries to perform a task that is not within their expertise or role, often resulting in failure or chaos. It highlights the importance of sticking to one's own responsibilities and strengths.

Gold may have impurities, but this person has none.

This expression is used to describe a person of impeccable character and unwavering integrity. It suggests that while even a precious metal like gold might have flaws or dross, the person being referred to is absolutely perfect in their conduct and honesty.