మీసాల పసేగాని, కోస నా బట్ట

misala pasegani, kosa na batta

Translation

The mustache has brilliance, but the garment is tattered.

Meaning

This proverb is used to describe someone who maintains an outward appearance of pride, dignity, or wealth (symbolized by a grand mustache) but is actually living in poverty or lacks basic necessities (symbolized by the torn cloth). It highlights the irony of people who prioritize vanity over their actual struggling reality.

Related Phrases

Everything seems grand and loud, but there isn't even a drop of oil at my cloth (home).

This expression describes a situation where there is a great deal of external show, pomp, or noise, but in reality, there is complete lack of substance or resources. It is used to mock someone who pretends to be wealthy or influential while living in extreme poverty or lacking basic necessities.

Like a cloth falling over wide-open eyes

This expression describes a situation where a sudden, unexpected obstacle or misfortune completely obstructs one's vision or progress just when everything seemed clear and promising. It is used when a person is caught off guard by a problem that renders them helpless or blind to the situation at hand.

The bindi (decoration) has splendor, but the meal has no substance.

This expression is used to describe a situation where there is a lot of external show, pomp, or decoration, but the core essence or quality is lacking. It refers to something that looks impressive on the outside but is disappointing in reality.

It won't be settled unless I give four (slaps).

This expression is used when someone is being stubborn, mischievous, or uncooperative. It implies that the person will only behave or understand the situation if they are physically disciplined or sternly reprimanded. In a broader sense, it means some problems require a 'tough' approach rather than gentle persuasion.

The beauty of his slobberings, not of his mantras.

This expression is used to describe someone who talks excessively or makes a lot of noise but produces no actual results or substance. It refers to a situation where there is much ado about nothing, or when someone's actions are just a superficial display without any real skill or efficacy.

Bargaining for an extra is fine where you purchase, but can you bargain where you begged?

This proverb highlights that one has the right to demand more (kosaru) only when they are paying for a service or product. It is used to point out the lack of modesty or manners in someone who is receiving a favor or gift for free yet continues to demand more or specific preferences.

It is within the control of sight, but not within the control of ears.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone can see the consequences or a solution clearly with their eyes, but the person involved is unwilling to listen to advice or reason. It highlights the gap between observing a reality and getting someone to acknowledge or obey it through verbal communication.

There is no food to eat, but Champaca oil for the mustache.

This proverb is used to describe a person who lacks basic necessities or is in poverty, yet indulges in unnecessary luxuries or maintains a false sense of pride and status. It highlights the irony of someone prioritizing vanity over survival.

There is no taste in the greens unless some are received over. Said by Hindu women, who are never satisfied unless they obtain some- thing over and above their money's worth.

This expression suggests that things obtained with effort, persistence, or as a small extra favor often feel more satisfying or valuable than what is given freely or initially. It is used to describe the satisfaction found in small additions or the value of items gained through request/bargaining.

Ambadipudi Appayya has a bald head and my husband has a bald head! But Appayya's is a bald head of prosperity, while my husband's is a bald head caused by lice.

This proverb is used to illustrate how people try to draw superficial comparisons between two things that are fundamentally different in quality or origin. It mocks the tendency to justify one's own poor situation by comparing it to a successful person's situation, ignoring the underlying reality that one signifies success while the other signifies misfortune or neglect.