నామ్ బడా దర్శన్ థోడా
nam bada darshan thoda
Great in name, but little to look at.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone or something has a high reputation or fame, but the actual reality or quality is disappointing. It is equivalent to the English idiom 'Great cry and little wool'.
The words of this proverb are Hindustāni.
Related Phrases
మెరుపు కొద్దీ వర్షం
merupu koddi varsham
Rain only as much as the lightning
This expression is used to describe a situation where the outcome or result is proportional to the effort or signs shown. It implies that one should not expect a massive result (heavy rain) if the indications or efforts (lightning) are minimal. It is often used to tell someone that they will get exactly what they deserve or what they have worked for, no more and no less.
వాన రాకడ, ప్రాణం పోకడ ఎవరికీ తెలియదు
vana rakada, pranam pokada evariki teliyadu
The coming of rain, and the going of life, are known to none. Sorrow an' ill weather comc unsent for. (Bouch.) Death keeps no calendar.
This proverb highlights the unpredictability of nature and human life. Just as one cannot accurately predict exactly when it will rain, one cannot foresee the moment of death. It is used to express that certain events are beyond human knowledge and control.
సముద్రానికి లవణదర్శనమన్నట్లు
samudraniki lavanadarshanamannatlu
Like showing salt to the ocean.
This expression is used to describe a redundant or futile action. Just as the ocean is the source of all salt and already contains it in abundance, offering salt to it is pointless. It refers to situations where someone tries to give something to a person who already possesses it in vast quantities, or explains something to an absolute expert.
రేవతి వర్షం రమణీయం
revati varsham ramaniyam
Rain in the Revati nakshatra is beautiful
This proverb refers to the agricultural significance of the Revati nakshatra (the last lunar mansion). It suggests that rainfall during this period is highly beneficial and pleasant, as it helps in the final stages of crop growth and ensures a bountiful harvest. It is used to highlight the auspicious nature of rain at the right time.
వాన బడాయి చవిటిమీద, మొగుడి బడాయి ఆలిమీద
vana badayi chavitimida, mogudi badayi alimida
The rain's boasting is over alkaline soil, and the husband's boasting is over his wife.
This proverb is used to describe someone who shows off their power or authority only over those who are weak or unable to resist. Just as rain makes a big impact on barren alkaline soil (where it serves no productive purpose) but is insignificant elsewhere, some men display their dominance only over their wives because they cannot exert influence in the outside world.
బూరెదర్శనం బువ్వకోసరమే
buredarshanam buvvakosarame
Seeing the Boore (sweet) is only for the sake of food.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone visits or shows interest in something not out of genuine care, but because they have an underlying motive or are looking for a personal benefit (usually food or basic needs). It implies that the 'formal' visit is just a pretext for the 'actual' necessity.
బెల్లపు పొయ్యికి ఈగలే నిదర్శనం
bellapu poyyiki igale nidarshanam
Flies are the proof of a jaggery-making furnace.
This proverb means that where there is a source of benefit or sweetness, people (or seekers) will naturally gravitate towards it. It is used to describe how a person's success, wealth, or influence is easily identified by the crowd of followers or sycophants surrounding them.
దర్శనంబు లారు దైవంబు ఒకటి.
darshanambu laru daivambu okati.
Philosophies are six, but God is one.
This expression highlights the concept of 'unity in diversity' within spiritual paths. It refers to the Shat-Darshanas (six schools of Indian philosophy) and explains that while there may be various methods, perspectives, or intellectual paths to reach the divine, the ultimate truth or God remains a single entity. It is used to promote religious tolerance and philosophical harmony.
నాంచారమ్మ వంట, నక్షత్ర దర్శనము ఒక్కసారే
nancharamma vanta, nakshatra darshanamu okkasare
Nancharamma's cooking and the sighting of the stars happen at the same time.
This expression is used to describe someone who is extremely slow at performing tasks, particularly cooking. It implies that by the time the person finishes their work, the stars have already come out in the night sky. It highlights excessive delay or procrastination.
స్వాతి వర్షం చేమకు హర్షం
svati varsham chemaku harsham
Rain during the Swati nakshatra is a joy for the taro plant.
This is a traditional agricultural observation. It signifies that rainfall during the Swati star (an astronomical period occurring in October) is exceptionally beneficial for root crops like Colocasia (taro). It is used to describe a situation where a specific event brings immense benefits to a particular entity.