నేతి బీరకాయ సామెత

This expression is used to describe a situation where an insignificant or weak person tries to insult, provoke, or challenge someone who is far superior, powerful, or dignified. Just as an elephant ignores the barking of a dog and continues its walk, a great person remains unaffected by the petty criticisms of those beneath them.

This expression is used to describe something that is empty, deceptive, or lacks the quality its name suggests. Just as a ghee-ridge gourd (Nethi Beerakaya) contains no actual ghee, this phrase refers to people, objects, or promises that sound valuable but are practically useless or hollow.

This proverb is used to describe something or someone that has a grand or impressive name but lacks the actual quality or substance implied by that name. It is used to mock pretentiousness, false advertising, or situations where the reality does not live up to the hype.

This rhetorical question is used to express that results are always consistent with their source or origin. It means that one cannot expect something different or superior from a person or situation that is fundamentally different in nature. It is similar to the English proverb 'The apple doesn't fall far from the tree' or 'Like begets like.'

This expression refers to someone who points out the faults or flaws in others while being completely oblivious to their own, much larger flaws. It originates from the observation that a monkey looks at the black spot on a red coral bead (Gurivinda ginja) and mocks it, unaware that its own buttocks are bright red. It is used to describe hypocrisy or lack of self-awareness.

The seed of the Guruvinda (Abrus Precatorius) is a small pretty black and red seed.

This expression is used to describe something that is empty, misleading, or lacks the substance promised by its name. Just as a 'silk gourd' (Nethi Beerakaya) has the word 'Neyyi' (Ghee) in its name but contains no actual ghee, it refers to titles or claims that have no basis in reality.

This expression describes a situation where one encounters a disappointment or a deceptive appearance. It refers to a fox that bites into a 'Relakaya' (Golden Shower tree fruit) thinking it is meat because of its appearance, only to find it hard and tasteless. It is used when someone is misled by outward appearances or when an effort yields no useful result.

This proverb describes a situation where someone is surrounded by opportunities or benefits but cannot see or utilize them due to their own limitations or ignorance. Just as a blind man standing under a fruit-laden jujube tree cannot see the fruit and therefore cannot pick it, this expression is used when someone misses out on obvious advantages right in front of them.

This expression is used to describe a very distant, weak, or insignificant relationship between two people. Just as the fiber inside a ridge gourd is thin and peripheral, this phrase highlights a connection that is barely there or purely namesake.

This expression is used to describe someone who indulges in unrealistic dreams, impractical plans, or visionary schemes that have no foundation in reality. It is used when someone is daydreaming or making grand promises that they cannot fulfill.