ఒజ్జల పుచ్చకాయ వలె
ojjala puchchakaya vale
Like a teacher's watermelon
This expression refers to a person or thing that is well-guarded, well-cared for, or treated with extreme caution and high regard. Historically, it stems from a story where a teacher's watermelon was protected so strictly that it became a symbol for something highly prioritized or carefully watched over.
Related Phrases
చేటలో వెలగకాయలవలె
chetalo velagakayalavale
Like wood apples in a winnowing tray.
This expression describes a situation where things or people are scattered, unorganized, and constantly rolling or moving about without stability. It is often used to refer to a lack of unity or a group where members are not cooperating and are heading in different directions.
పచ్చని వరహా కంటే పుచ్చిన గింజ మేలు
pachchani varaha kante puchchina ginja melu
A worm-eaten seed is better than a gold coin.
This proverb highlights the value of productivity and life over inanimate wealth. A gold coin, while valuable, remains static and cannot grow, whereas even a damaged seed has the potential to sprout, grow, and produce more seeds. It is often used to emphasize that something with the potential for growth and utility is superior to mere stagnant riches.
కాలు తంతే పెరిగేది పుచ్చకాయ, కుళ్ళేది గుమ్మడికాయ
kalu tante perigedi puchchakaya, kulledi gummadikaya
If kicked with a foot, a watermelon grows, but a pumpkin rots.
This proverb highlights that different people react differently to the same situation or criticism. While some take hardship or pressure as a challenge to grow stronger (like the watermelon vine), others are fragile and succumb to it (like the pumpkin). It is used to describe resilience versus fragility in character.
జాతి టెంకాయవలె.
jati tenkayavale.
Like a high-quality coconut.
This expression refers to a person who may appear tough, hard, or indifferent on the outside but possesses a soft, kind, and pure heart within. It is used to describe someone with a strong exterior but a compassionate nature.
తలకోసి ఇచ్చినా పుచ్చకాయ అనేవాడు.
talakosi ichchina puchchakaya anevadu.
Even if you cut off your head and give it, he will call it a watermelon.
This expression is used to describe a person who is incredibly ungrateful, cynical, or stubborn. It refers to someone who refuses to acknowledge a great sacrifice or a profound truth, instead dismissing it as something trivial or worthless.
రేల పూచినట్టు
rela puchinattu
As the Cassia blossoms. Rēla chettu is the Cassia ( Cathartocarpus ) Fistula.
This expression is used to describe something that appears in great abundance or looks exceptionally beautiful all at once. Just as the Rela tree bursts into vibrant yellow blossoms covering the entire tree during its season, this phrase refers to a sudden, striking, or grand display of beauty or prosperity.
* O dia de amanbā ninguem o vio.
గచ్చకాయల కుండవలె
gachchakayala kundavale
Like a pot full of fever nuts (Gachakayalu)
This expression is used to describe a situation or a person that is extremely unstable, noisy, or prone to sudden disruption. Since Gachakayalu (fever nuts) are hard, round, and smooth, a pot filled with them will rattle loudly at the slightest touch and the nuts will easily spill out and scatter everywhere if the pot tips even slightly.
పైన పటారం, లోపల లోటారం
paina pataram, lopala lotaram
Shiny on the outside, hollow on the inside
This expression describes something that looks attractive, grand, or high-quality on the surface but is actually empty, defective, or worthless inside. It is used to point out hypocrisy, superficial beauty, or deceptive appearances.
వెన్న పుచ్చుకొని వేసినవారిని రాయి పుచ్చుకొని వేతురా?
venna puchchukoni vesinavarini rayi puchchukoni vetura?
Will you throw stones on those that threw butter ? Returning evil for good.
This expression emphasizes the importance of responding to kindness with kindness, rather than with hostility or ingratitude. It is used to suggest that if someone treats you gently or does you a favor (symbolized by butter), it is morally wrong to respond with harshness or harm (symbolized by a stone).
పుచ్చకాయ దొంగ అంటే, భుజము తడిమి చూచుకొన్నాడట.
puchchakaya donga ante, bhujamu tadimi chuchukonnadata.
When the robber of the water melon was spoken of, he felt his shoulders.
This proverb describes a person with a guilty conscience. When a general accusation is made, a guilty person instinctively reacts or checks themselves, inadvertently revealing their culpability. It is similar to the English expression 'If the shoe fits, wear it' or 'A guilty conscience needs no accuser.'
Guilty conscience.