నేతిబీరకాయలో నెయ్యి ఉండదు

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 proverb is used to describe something that is purely nominal or deceptive. It refers to situations where a name or title implies the presence of something valuable or specific, but the actual object lacks that quality entirely. It is often used to comment on people who have grand titles but no actual power or substance.

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 is part of a larger proverb 'పవిభుండు కోపింపవచ్చు, ప్రాణముల్ తీయవచ్చు' which suggests that those in power have the capability to be angry and take one's life, but they cannot change one's fate or character. It is used to describe the limitations of worldly power against destiny or integrity.

This expression is used to describe a person who lacks a strong individual will or firm stance, and is easily influenced or manipulated by whoever is currently in control of them. It suggests a state of dependency or vulnerability where one's actions are directed by others rather than their own judgment.

This expression is used to describe a situation that is nonsensical, worthless, or a complete waste of time. It refers to a task or a conversation that yields no useful result, often implying that something lacks substance or is a hollow claim.

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 refers to doing something that is fundamentally contradictory or offensive to a person's nature or beliefs. A 'Satani' is a devotee of Vishnu who traditionally applies vertical 'Namam' and avoids 'Vibhuti' (sacred ash associated with Shiva). Similarly, according to folklore, a snake is repelled or harmed by the Surabhi plant. It is used to describe actions that are bound to provoke a strong negative reaction or are completely inappropriate for the recipient.

This expression is used to describe something that is only named after a quality it does not actually possess. In Telugu, 'Nethi Beerakaya' (Silk Gourd) has 'Neyi' (Ghee) in its name, but contains no actual ghee. It is applied to people or things that are deceptive in their titles, descriptions, or claims.

Nēti bīrakāya is the ghî cucumber. Grand in name but not worth anything. *Cleco è l'occhio, se l'animo è distrutto.