నలుపు సరుకులో నాణ్యం లేదా?
nalupu sarukulo nanyam leda?
Is there no quality in black goods?
This expression is used to challenge the prejudice that appearance or color determines quality. It suggests that just because someone or something is dark-skinned or plain-looking, it doesn't mean they lack value or merit. It is often used to defend the character or talent of a person regardless of their physical appearance.
Related Phrases
కర్మకు అంతమూ లేదు, కాలముకు నిశ్చయమూ లేదు.
karmaku antamu ledu, kalamuku nishchayamu ledu.
There is no end to religious ceremonies, and there is no find- ing the times [ fixed for the observance of them ].
This expression highlights the cyclical nature of actions and the unpredictability of time. It is used to convey that one's deeds (karma) have continuous consequences and that the future or the timing of events (kala) is never guaranteed or fixed. It serves as a philosophical reminder to be mindful of actions and to respect the uncertainty of life.
మోహము లేకపోతే, మోదము లేదు.
mohamu lekapote, modamu ledu.
Where there is no love, there is no delight.
This proverb explains that without passion, attachment, or desire (Mohamu) for something, one cannot experience true happiness or delight (Modamu) in achieving or having it. It highlights that interest is the prerequisite for enjoyment.
పెన్నలో మాన్యము చెప్పినట్టు.
pennalo manyamu cheppinattu.
Like allotting glebe land in the Penna. A doubtful benefit.
This proverb refers to claiming something that is unstable, temporary, or bound to disappear. The Penna river is known for its shifting sands and flash floods; claiming a 'Maanyam' (tax-free land) in its bed is futile because the river can wash it away at any moment. It is used to describe unreliable promises or investments in highly volatile situations.
నలుపు నారాయణమూర్తి.
nalupu narayanamurti.
Black is Narayanamurthy (Lord Vishnu).
This expression is used to remark that dark skin or the color black is auspicious and divine, referring to Lord Vishnu (Narayana) who is traditionally depicted with a dark complexion. It is often said to challenge colorism or to compliment someone with a dark skin tone.
రెండు నలుపులు కలిసి ఒక తెలుపు కానేరదు
rendu nalupulu kalisi oka telupu kaneradu
Two blacks cannot come together to make one white
This proverb is the Telugu equivalent of 'Two wrongs don't make a right.' It suggests that combining two negative actions, lies, or mistakes will not result in a positive outcome or the truth.
ఇంటి గుట్టు లంకకు చేటు
inti guttu lankaku chetu
The secret of a house is the ruin of Lanka
This proverb highlights that internal secrets or family disputes, when leaked to outsiders, can lead to total destruction. It refers to the Ramayana, where Vibhishana revealing Ravana's secrets led to the downfall of Lanka. It is used to advise people to keep their private matters within the family to avoid external exploitation.
ఓడ మల్లయ్య చుక్కాని పట్టినట్లు
oda mallayya chukkani pattinatlu
Like Oada Mallayya holding the rudder.
This expression is used to describe someone who is incompetent or lacks the necessary skills for a task, yet takes charge of it, eventually leading to a certain disaster. It implies that the person in control is clueless about the direction they are headed.
కూనలమ్మ సంగీతము వింటే పుణ్యము లేదు, వినకుంటే పాపము లేదు.
kunalamma sangitamu vinte punyamu ledu, vinakunte papamu ledu.
If you listen to the song [in praise] of Kûnalamma, there is no merit; and if you don't listen to it, there is no sin. Kûnalamma is the goddess said to preside over children.
This expression is used to describe something that is completely inconsequential or trivial. It refers to an action or a piece of information that has no positive impact if accepted and no negative impact if ignored. It is often used to dismiss worthless talk or irrelevant activities.
తాడూ లేదు, బొంగరమూ లేదు
tadu ledu, bongaramu ledu
Neither a string nor a top
This expression is used to describe a person who is irresponsible, lacks roots, or has no attachments or accountability. Just as a spinning top cannot be controlled or operated without a string, it refers to someone who is wandering aimlessly or a situation that has no proper foundation or control.
కోడలు నలుపు అయితే, కులమంతా నలుపు.
kodalu nalupu ayite, kulamanta nalupu.
If the daughter-in-law be black, the whole family will be blackened. i. e. a bad daughter-in-law will bring disgrace on her husband's family.
This proverb reflects traditional social biases where the qualities or perceived flaws of a new entrant (the daughter-in-law) are unfairly attributed to the reputation or lineage of the entire family. It is often used to describe how a single person's traits or actions are sometimes used by society to judge an entire community or group.