నందనవనంలో కుందుగడ్డి మొలవవచ్చు

nandanavanamlo kundugaddi molavavachchu

Translation

Even in a celestial garden, weeds can grow.

Meaning

This proverb is used to illustrate that even in the most perfect, beautiful, or elite environments, some flaws or undesirable elements can exist. It suggests that imperfections are inevitable everywhere.

Related Phrases

The woman who celebrates too early forgets the actual festival.

This proverb is used to describe someone who gets overly excited or spends all their resources/energy before the actual event or opportunity arrives. It serves as a warning against premature celebration and lack of foresight.

A festival in the middle of a loss

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone finds a small reason to celebrate or gains a minor benefit amidst a significant loss or a wasteful expenditure. It refers to making the best of a bad situation or finding a silver lining in a calamity.

Women's wisdom lies at the back of their heads.

This is a traditional Telugu proverb often used to suggest that women may lack foresight or make decisions based on immediate emotions rather than long-term logic. It reflects historical social biases and is typically used in a derogatory or condescending manner to imply that a woman's judgment is backward or arrives too late.

If you have support, you can cross mountains.

This proverb emphasizes the power of having backing or support (financial, social, or emotional). It suggests that with the right assistance or a strong foundation, one can overcome even the most formidable obstacles that would be impossible to tackle alone.

If alive, one can subsist even on leaves.

To achieve anything in life, to be alive is important. One should therefore make all efforts to survive and endeavor to reach the goals set for oneself.

Breast milk that hasn't fully come in, and curd that hasn't fully set.

This expression is used to describe something that is incomplete, half-baked, or in an intermediate state where it is neither here nor there. It highlights the uselessness or dissatisfaction caused by things that are not fully developed or finished, such as a task left halfway or a skill that is poorly acquired.

When you have resources, it is Ugadi (New Year); when you don't, it is Kamuni Panduga (Holi).

This proverb describes the volatility of human life or financial status. 'Ugadi' represents prosperity, feasting, and joy, while 'Kamuni Panduga' (traditionally associated with burning/ash) represents a state of lack or simplicity. It is used to describe people who live lavishly when they have money and live very simply or suffer when they do not, or to emphasize that one's circumstances dictate their lifestyle.

A cobra in paradise is like a blemish on musk.

This expression is used to describe a situation where something extremely beautiful, sacred, or perfect is ruined by the presence of a single dangerous or ugly element. Just as a poisonous snake spoils the beauty of a celestial garden (Nandanavanam) or a small impurity devalues precious musk (Mriganabhi), a small flaw can sometimes overshadow great excellence.

An extra expense on top of a festival expense

This expression is used to describe a situation where an unexpected or unnecessary additional expense occurs at a time when one is already spending heavily, typically during a celebration or crisis. It signifies the burden of 'wasteful' costs added to already high costs.

If there is support, mountains can be crossed.

This proverb emphasizes the power of support and encouragement. It suggests that even the most daunting tasks or 'mountainous' challenges can be overcome if one has the backing of a strong mentor, family, or resource.