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.
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.
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.
ఏది పట్టినా దయ్యము పట్టినట్లు
edi pattina dayyamu pattinatlu
Whatever one touches/holds, it is as if a ghost has possessed it.
This expression is used to describe someone who goes to extremes or becomes obsessively persistent in whatever task they undertake. It can also refer to someone who consistently encounters bad luck or complications in every endeavor they start, as if it were cursed or jinxed.
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.
పట్టినదెల్లా బంగారం ముట్టినదెల్లా ముత్యం
pattinadella bangaram muttinadella mutyam
Whatever is held turns into gold, whatever is touched turns into a pearl.
This proverb is used to describe a person who is extremely lucky or highly successful in every endeavor they undertake. It is similar to the English expression 'The Midas Touch.' It implies that everything the person involves themselves in results in prosperity and success.
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.
తరి పట్టిన కత్తి, చెరపట్టిన కుత్తి
tari pattina katti, cherapattina kutti
A sharpened knife and a woman in captivity.
This expression describes items or individuals that are in their most effective or dangerous state. Just as a knife is most useful when sharpened (tari), a person (historically used in the context of a captive woman or 'kutthi' meaning a young woman/slave) is most vulnerable or completely under someone's control. In modern usage, it highlights the peak state of readiness or the absolute influence one holds over something.
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.
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.