ముక్కు పట్టని ముత్యం, చెవి పట్టని కమ్మ
mukku pattani mutyam, chevi pattani kamma
A pearl too big for the nose, an earring too big for the ear.
This expression is used to describe something that is oversized, ill-fitting, or disproportionate to the situation. It characterizes items or situations where the scale is so large that it becomes uncomfortable, impractical, or aesthetically unpleasing rather than being an ornament.
Related Phrases
ముట్టుకుంటే ముత్యం, పట్టుకుంటే బంగారం
muttukunte mutyam, pattukunte bangaram
A pearl if touched, gold if held.
This expression is used to describe someone or something of exceptional quality, value, or purity. It is often used as a compliment for a well-behaved child, a virtuous person, or a piece of work that is flawless and precious.
చెట్టపట్టని నా భీతి, బొట్టు కట్టని కన్యరీతి.
chettapattani na bhiti, bottu kattani kanyariti.
My fear is like a woman who is not held by the hand, or a maiden who is not wedded.
This expression describes a state of extreme vulnerability, lack of protection, or insecurity. It likens a person's fear or helplessness to a woman who has no guardian or a bride who lacks the social and legal protection of marriage (symbolized by the 'bottu' or mangalsutra). It is used to express a sense of being abandoned or left without any support system.
ముక్కుపట్టిన ముత్యం, చెవి పట్టని కమ్మ
mukkupattina mutyam, chevi pattani kamma
A pearl that fits the nose, an earring that does not fit the ear.
This expression is used to describe things or situations that are perfectly suited or ill-fitting. It highlights the contrast between something that is elegantly appropriate (like a perfectly sized nose-stud) and something that is disproportionate or unsuitable (like an earring that is too large or cumbersome for the ear). It can also refer to people who are either a perfect fit for a role or completely out of place.
ముక్కు పట్టని ముత్యము
mukku pattani mutyamu
A pearl that does not suit the nose.
This expression is used to describe something that is excessively large, disproportionate, or ill-fitting for its intended purpose. It can also refer to a person who is too proud or important for a specific role, or someone who is beautiful but difficult to manage.
మూసిన ముత్యం, మాయని పగడము
musina mutyam, mayani pagadamu
A closed pearl and an unfading coral
This expression is used to describe someone or something that is flawless, virtuous, and of exceptional quality. It often refers to a person with a pure character or a quiet, unassuming beauty that does not diminish over time.
ముక్కు చిన్నది, ముత్యం పెద్దది
mukku chinnadi, mutyam peddadi
Small nose, big pearl
This expression is used to describe a situation where an accessory or an addition is more prominent, heavy, or expensive than the main object itself. It often refers to someone overdoing something or a case where the secondary element overshadows the primary one.
ఉత్తచెవికన్నా తాటాకుచెవి మేలు
uttachevikanna tatakuchevi melu
An ear with a palmyra leaf in it is better than a bare ear.
Something is better than nothing. It is used to suggest that having a small or humble possession/alternative is preferable to having nothing at all, similar to the English proverb 'Half a loaf is better than no bread.'
Half a loaf is better than no bread.
అత్తిపత్తి
attipatti
Touch-me-not plant
Literally referring to the Mimosa pudica plant, this expression is used to describe a person who is extremely sensitive, shy, or gets easily offended or hurt by even the slightest comment or touch.
మాచకమ్మకు ముత్యాల సరమేల?
machakammaku mutyala saramela?
Why does a simple woman like Machakamma need a pearl necklace?
This proverb is used to suggest that a person does not deserve or cannot appreciate a luxury or high-value item because it does not suit their status, nature, or lifestyle. It is often used to criticize someone who possesses something far beyond their needs or capabilities.
ముక్కుపట్టిన వానిచేత చీదించినట్లు
mukkupattina vanicheta chidinchinatlu
Like making the person who is holding your nose blow it.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone is forced to do a task by the very person who is hindering or controlling them. It signifies an ironic or redundant form of compulsion where the victim has no choice but to follow the instructions of their oppressor to perform a basic action.