నూరు కాకులలో ఒక కోవెల ఏమి చేయగలదు?

nuru kakulalo oka kovela emi cheyagaladu?

Translation

Among a hundred crows, what could a single cuckoo do ? What can one good man do among so many bad men ?

Meaning

This proverb highlights that a single good or wise person is often helpless and unable to influence a large group of wicked or ignorant people. It is used to describe situations where a lone voice of reason is drowned out by a majority of dissenters or wrongdoers.

Related Phrases

You should save another even by telling a hundred lies.

This proverb is often used in the context of marriage or saving a family from breaking apart. It suggests that if white lies or minor deceptions can prevent a significant disaster like a divorce or a family feud, they are justified for the greater good of preserving the home.

If you measure cubits with an empty hand, what is the use of it? i. e. what is the use of measuring the air.

This proverb is used to point out the futility of performing actions on something that doesn't exist or has no substance. Just as measuring empty air with one's arm (a cubit) yields nothing, planning or calculating based on non-existent resources or empty promises is useless.

Vain hopes.

What can one cuckoo do among a hundred crows?

This expression is used to describe a situation where a single good, talented, or virtuous person is overwhelmed and silenced by a large group of wicked or ignorant people. It signifies that even a beautiful voice or a noble idea can be drowned out by the noise of the masses.

If our gold be good, what can the goldsmith do ? The purest gold is the most easily tested, and a goldsmith cannot easily cheat with it. A good character is proof against slander.

This proverb suggests that if our own character or work is flawless, we do not need to fear others trying to cheat us or find faults. It is used to emphasize that self-integrity is the best defense against external criticism or deception.

One cuckoo among a hundred crows

This expression is used to describe a person who stands out due to their unique talent, beauty, or virtue in a group of ordinary or inferior people. It highlights excellence amidst mediocrity.

One should not argue in temples

This expression advises maintaining peace and sanctity in holy places. It suggests that temples are meant for devotion and spiritual reflection, and engaging in arguments or conflicts there is disrespectful and inappropriate.

If the king of the earth fails in justice, what can all the people of the village do?

This expression highlights the helplessness of common people when the person in supreme power becomes corrupt or unjust. It is used to describe situations where institutional failure at the top level leaves subordinates or citizens with no recourse for grievance.

When bangled hands make a jingling sound, the house shines with prosperity.

This proverb highlights the traditional belief that the presence and active involvement of a woman in a household bring vibrancy, joy, and prosperity. The 'jingling of bangles' symbolizes her work and presence, which is seen as essential for a happy and lively home.

If the fence itself grazes the crop, what can the guard do?

This proverb describes a situation where the person or entity responsible for protection becomes the source of harm. It is used when leaders, authorities, or protectors betray their trust, leaving others helpless because there is no higher authority to appeal to.

Trying to make an idol of a God, but ending up with a monkey instead.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone's attempt to improve or create something noble results in a complete failure or a ridiculous mess. It highlights unintended negative consequences of unskilled or over-ambitious work.