ముక్కుపట్టిన ముత్యం, చెవి పట్టని కమ్మ

mukkupattina mutyam, chevi pattani kamma

Translation

A pearl that fits the nose, an earring that does not fit the ear.

Meaning

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.