నిజమైన బంగారం నిప్పుకు వెరవదు
nijamaina bangaram nippuku veravadu
True gold does not fear fire.
This proverb is used to say that an honest or virtuous person does not fear scrutiny, tests, or criticism. Just as pure gold is not damaged by fire and instead proves its purity, a person with integrity remains unshaken when faced with trials or investigations.
Related Phrases
నిజమైన అంకులాడికి నిష్టలు బహుమెండు
nijamaina ankuladiki nishtalu bahumendu
A true flirt/deceitful person has many rituals and strict rules.
This proverb is used to describe hypocrites who pretend to be very pious or disciplined on the outside to hide their true character. It suggests that those who have something to hide often overcompensate by strictly following superficial traditions or showing excessive devotion to appear virtuous.
నిప్పుకు చెదలంటునా?
nippuku chedalantuna?
Can termites infect fire?
This expression is used to state that a person of high integrity, purity, or strength cannot be corrupted or harmed by petty accusations or external evils. Just as termites can destroy wood but are instantly consumed by fire, true virtue remains untouched by malice.
మగపిల్లాడు బంగారు పుల్ల
magapilladu bangaru pulla
A male child is a golden twig.
This traditional expression reflects the deep-rooted cultural preference for male children in certain societies, suggesting that a son is as precious and valuable as a piece of gold. It is often used to emphasize the importance of a male heir in a family lineage.
బంగారు గాలానికే బంగారు చేపలు పడవు
bangaru galanike bangaru chepalu padavu
Golden hooks do not necessarily catch golden fish.
This expression means that using expensive or high-quality tools does not always guarantee a superior or successful outcome. It highlights that merit, skill, or luck often matter more than the outward appearance or cost of the resources used. It is used to caution against the belief that money alone can buy success.
కన్నతల్లి బంగారమైనా కంసాలి వదలడు.
kannatalli bangaramaina kamsali vadaladu.
Even if the gold belongs to his own mother, a goldsmith will not spare it.
This proverb is used to describe people who are so professional, greedy, or habituated to their craft that they do not show bias or mercy even to their closest kin. It specifically refers to the old stereotype that a goldsmith invariably steals a small portion of gold during the making of jewelry, regardless of who the customer is.
ఉప్పుకు నిప్పు వలె
uppuku nippu vale
Like fire to salt
This expression is used to describe a relationship between two people or things that are highly incompatible or prone to sudden, violent conflict. Just as salt crackles and explodes when thrown into fire, this phrase characterizes a volatile, antagonistic, or 'cat and dog' relationship.
తల్లి బంగారమైనా కంసాలి దొంగిలిస్తాడు
talli bangaramaina kamsali dongilistadu
Even if the gold belongs to his own mother, a goldsmith will steal a little.
This proverb highlights that some people are so habituated to their professional traits or vices that they cannot overlook them, even for their closest relatives. It is often used to describe inherent professional dishonesty or a person's inability to change their nature regardless of the relationship.
నిజం నిప్పు లాంటిది
nijam nippu lantidi
Truth is like fire.
Truth cannot be concealed or suppressed. If one tries to hide away truth, it is likely to harm one. It is therefore wise to reveal the truth by making a clean breast and gain peace of mind.
అడుగున ఎరువుకొద్దీ పైన బంగారం
aduguna eruvukoddi paina bangaram
As much manure at the bottom, so much gold on top.
This proverb highlights that the quality and quantity of a harvest depend on the effort and nutrients provided at the roots. It is used to emphasize that strong foundations and hard work lead to rich rewards.
సింగారం చూడరా బంగారు మొగుడా?
singaram chudara bangaru moguda?
Look at my finery/makeup, O golden husband!
This is a sarcastic expression used to describe a person who tries to hide their incompetence, flaws, or failures by putting on a showy exterior or focusing on superficial appearances. It originates from a folk story where a woman uses elaborate dressing as a distraction from her lack of skill or a mistake she made.