నెలబాలునికో నూలుపోగు, పూర్ణచంద్రునికి నమస్కారం

nelabaluniko nulupogu, purnachandruniki namaskaram

Translation

A thread for the crescent moon, a salutation for the full moon.

Meaning

This expression describes how people's attitudes change based on a person's status or fortune. Just as people offer a small thread to the waxing crescent moon (hoping it grows) but offer full respectful salutations to the majestic full moon, people tend to give minimal attention to those starting out or in need, while showering great respect and honor upon those who are already successful, wealthy, or powerful.

Related Phrases

Instead of a hundred [cloths] a bit of thread; instead of a crore [ of cows ] a cow's tail.

This expression is used to describe an extremely stingy or miserly person. It suggests that even when dealing with large sums like a hundred or a crore, the person gives something of negligible or trivial value (like a single thread or a cow's tail hair), highlighting their reluctance to part with their wealth.

A thread for the moon

This expression is used when offering a small, humble contribution toward a great cause or person. Just as a single thread is insignificant to the vast moon but is still offered as a gesture of devotion, this phrase signifies that the intent and sincerity of the giver matter more than the value of the gift.

Offering sun salutations after losing one's eyesight.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone takes corrective action or seeks a remedy only after the damage is already done and the opportunity is lost. It highlights the futility of performing a ritual or seeking a solution when it can no longer provide any benefit.

A human has four traits.

This expression refers to the four inherent characteristics or tendencies often attributed to human nature in Telugu philosophical discourse: desire (kama), anger (krodha), greed (lobha), and attachment (moha). It is used to describe the fundamental complexities or flaws that define the human condition.

A salutation in an assembly. A general compliment.

This is a formal and respectful way to greet a gathered audience or a committee before starting a speech or a performance. It acknowledges the presence of everyone in the gathering collectively.

Will the sun stop if you say, 'Sun! I will offer you a salutation'?

This proverb is used to describe inevitable events or the unstoppable passage of time. It implies that certain processes, duties, or natural laws do not pause for anyone's convenience or rituals. It is often used to remind someone that the world doesn't wait for them.

A cotton thread for the new moon child.

This expression is used to describe a gift or contribution that is very small or symbolic in nature, yet given with respect or tradition. It originates from the ritual of offering a simple thread as a garment to the crescent moon (Nelabaaludu), symbolizing that even a humble offering is significant when directed toward something great.

Like a single thread of cotton for a hundred gold coins.

This expression is used to describe a token contribution or a small gesture made towards a large cause or expense. It signifies that even a tiny contribution (the thread) counts as a symbolic participation or 'blessing' when a massive task or expense (the hundred gold coins) is being undertaken. It is often used when one gives a small gift during a grand event to show their presence and goodwill.

Will you worship the sun after losing your eyes ?

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone attempts a remedy or seeks a solution after it is already too late to be of any use. It highlights the futility of performing an action when the purpose it serves is no longer achievable.

If their sight begins to fail, Hindus worship the sun for their recovery. Persisting in that which has become of no avail. * Het hoen, dat het meest kakeit, geeft de meeste eliers niet.

A single thread for the moon

This expression is used when offering a small, humble contribution toward a massive task or to a great person. It signifies that even if the gift or help is insignificant compared to the recipient's stature or the scale of the project, it is given with deep devotion and sincerity.