మీద మిలమిల, లోన లొటలొట
mida milamila, lona lotalota
Shiny on the outside, hollow on the inside
This expression is used to describe something or someone that looks very attractive, impressive, or high-quality on the outside but is empty, flawed, or useless on the inside. It is often used to criticize superficiality or deceptive appearances.
Related Phrases
తంబళి తన లొటలొటేగాని, ఎదుటి లొటలొట ఎరగడు
tambali tana lotalotegani, eduti lotalota eragadu
A Tambaḷi prates, but does not listen to what others say.
This expression is used to describe a person who is quick to criticize others for their flaws or annoying habits while being completely oblivious to the fact that they possess the exact same faults. It highlights self-centeredness and a lack of self-awareness.
తంబళి తన లొటలొటేగాని, ఎదుటి లొటలొట ఎరుగడు
tambali tana lotalotegani, eduti lotalota erugadu
The priest knows only his own chatter, but not the chatter of others.
This proverb is used to describe a person who is so engrossed in their own problems, talk, or selfishness that they fail to recognize or empathize with the struggles and perspectives of others. It highlights self-centered behavior where one expects others to listen or understand but offers no reciprocity.
దేవళం మింగేవాడికి ధ్వజస్తంభం లొటలొట
devalam mingevadiki dhvajastambham lotalota
To the one who can swallow the whole temple, the flagstaff is just a small snack.
This proverb is used to describe a person who commits large-scale scams or massive thefts. For such an audacious criminal, stealing something small or minor is effortless and insignificant. It highlights how someone capable of huge corruption will not hesitate or struggle with smaller illicit acts.
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'.
తలుపులు మింగే వానికి అప్పడాలు లొటలొటలు
talupulu minge vaniki appadalu lotalotalu
Cakes are trifles to a man that swallows doors.
This proverb describes a person who has committed major crimes or handled massive tasks, for whom a minor misdeed or a small job is insignificant. It is used to point out that someone capable of great harm or huge undertakings won't hesitate or struggle with something much smaller.
ఏనుగకు వెలక్కాయలు లొట లొట
enugaku velakkayalu lota lota
A wood apple is very small in an elephant's throat. A very easy matter.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where a resource or quantity is completely inadequate for someone's huge appetite or vast requirements. Just as a small wood apple is insignificantly small for a giant elephant, it refers to something being 'like a drop in the ocean' or vanishing instantly without satisfying the need.
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.'
ఏనుగుకు ఎలక్కాయలు లొటలొట
enuguku elakkayalu lotalota
Wood apples are mere hollow rattles for an elephant.
This expression is used to describe a situation where something provided is completely insufficient or insignificant compared to the recipient's massive capacity or hunger. Just as a wood apple is a tiny snack that makes a hollow sound in an elephant's large mouth without satisfying it, a small contribution to a massive project or a tiny portion of food to a very hungry person is described using this phrase.
లోపల లొటలొట పైన మిటమిట
lopala lotalota paina mitamita
Hollow on the inside, shining on the outside
Used to describe a situation or a person who appears grand, wealthy, or impressive on the outside but is actually empty, poor, or lacking substance internally. It is often applied to people who maintain a fake status despite having no resources.