ముగ్గుపిండి అట్లకు పనికివచ్చునా?

muggupindi atlaku panikivachchuna?

Translation

Can the powder used for Rangoli be used to make crepes?

Meaning

This proverb is used to describe something that is only useful for decorative or superficial purposes but lacks functional value. Just as lime/chalk powder looks like flour but cannot be eaten, some people or objects may look the part but fail in practical application.

Related Phrases

Will the chunam on the wall be fit for betel leaf? A little fine chunam ( lime ) is commonly eaten with betel. Said of a man who does not serve his friends.

This proverb is used to describe someone who is extremely stingy or miserly. It highlights the futility of trying to use something intended for one purpose (lime used for whitewashing walls) for another more refined purpose (edible lime used in 'paan' or betel leaf preparation) just to save money. It suggests that quality and suitability matter, and being cheap to an extreme is foolish.

Whatever comes to one's share is the divine nectar.

This expression is used to convey the idea of being content with what one receives or what is available, rather than complaining or desiring more. It suggests that whatever is destined for you or comes your way should be accepted with gratitude, treating it as something sacred or precious.

Will the flood leave the boat and come to the village?

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone expects an impossibility or an illogical outcome. It implies that certain consequences are inextricably linked to their source, or that one cannot escape a larger disaster by focusing on minor details. Just as a flood naturally carries a boat, the primary cause dictates the result.

Having eaten a bushel of food, [he begs] for cakes as it's Sunday.

This proverb is used to describe a person who is extremely greedy or never satisfied. It refers to someone who eats a full, hearty meal yet still demands special delicacies like 'atlu' (pancakes) under the pretext of a holiday or tradition. It highlights insatiable hunger or unreasonable demands for more even after being well-provided for.

Sunday is a fast day among some sects. Great greediness.

Will truths share a meal? Will promises come together?

This expression is often used to question the reliability of alliances or agreements made between parties who lack genuine integrity or shared values. It suggests that mere words or 'truths' are not enough to ensure a lasting partnership if there is no underlying trust or sincerity. It is used when pointing out that forced or artificial cooperation will likely fail.

Like melting ghee for the neighbor's pancakes.

This expression describes a situation where someone works hard or spends resources on something that only benefits others and provides no benefit to themselves. It is used to highlight wasted effort or misplaced generosity where the doer gains nothing.

Will a debt be repaid when you are hungry ? Can you ever get a debt repaid when you are in want ?

This proverb is used to emphasize that borrowed money or resources are not a permanent or reliable solution for immediate, basic needs. Just as one cannot rely on the uncertainty of getting a loan when they are starving, one should focus on self-reliance and earning their own living rather than depending on others for essential survival.

A stone design and a monkey's design

This expression refers to something that is messy, disorganized, or poorly executed. It compares a drawing or task to a pattern made by a monkey or on rough stone, implying it lacks clarity, beauty, or skill. It is often used to describe bad handwriting or a chaotic situation.

The dal made for the son-in-law served for the guest as well.

This expression describes a situation where a single effort or preparation unexpectedly serves multiple purposes or benefits more than one person. It is often used when an action taken for a specific important person accidentally solves another requirement at the same time.

Will the steps of a costume-wearer/actor be of any use in a real hunt?

This proverb is used to convey that superficial appearances or mere imitation of a skill (like acting) cannot replace genuine expertise and practical experience required for real-life challenges. Just because someone looks like a hunter or mimics the walk of one, they cannot succeed in a real hunt without the actual survival skills.