పాడు గోడకైనా పూత చక్కన, కోతి ముండకైనా రాత చక్కన

padu godakaina puta chakkana, koti mundakaina rata chakkana

Translation

Even a ruined wall looks good with a coat of plaster; even a monkey-faced woman looks good with makeup.

Meaning

This proverb highlights that external decorations or makeup can temporarily mask inherent flaws or ugliness. It is often used to comment on how cosmetics or outward appearances can be deceptive, or to emphasize that presentation can make even a poor object or situation look attractive.

Related Phrases

Even for a widow, morning sickness is unavoidable.

This proverb is used to illustrate that the consequences of one's actions or natural laws cannot be escaped, regardless of one's social status or the scandalous nature of the situation. It implies that certain physical or situational realities are inevitable once a specific path has been taken.

Even for a monkey-faced person, the 'line' (destiny) must be good.

This proverb emphasizes that luck or destiny is more important than physical appearance or status. It suggests that even someone who is considered unattractive or incompetent can succeed if they have good fortune written in their fate.

Even if a beautiful woman becomes thin or a handsome man faints, they still look beautiful.

This proverb suggests that true beauty or quality does not fade easily even under unfavorable conditions. It is used to describe people or things that maintain their grace and value despite hardships, illness, or slight deterioration.

Poison covered with sugar.

This expression is used to describe something that appears attractive, sweet, or beneficial on the surface but is actually harmful or dangerous underneath. It is often applied to deceptive words, treacherous people, or tempting offers that have hidden negative consequences.

A flattering speech is honeyed poison. (Latin.)* Sugared words generally prove bitter. (Spanish.)†

For such a beautiful wedding, play the nadaswaram well.

This expression is used sarcastically to describe a situation where things are already going wrong or are messy, and someone adds more chaos or makes a foolish mistake that worsens it. It implies that since a situation is already a 'spectacle' (in a bad way), one might as well finish it off with more noise or absurdity.

A new coat of paint makes an old wall look good, a new sari makes an old woman look good.

This proverb highlights the power of external appearances or enhancements. Just as a layer of whitewash or paint can hide the cracks and age of an old wall, dressing up or using cosmetics can improve one's outward appearance regardless of age. It is often used to remark on how external decorations can temporarily mask underlying flaws or aging.

Whether for friendship or for a fight, there must be equality.

This proverb emphasizes that relationships, whether friendly or adversarial, are best suited between people of equal status, strength, or standing. It suggests that for a bond to be meaningful or a conflict to be fair, the parties involved should be evenly matched.

Even for a widow, pregnancy cravings are unavoidable.

This expression is used to signify that certain natural consequences or biological truths cannot be avoided, regardless of one's social status or the scandal it might cause. It highlights that if an action has been taken (or a situation has occurred), the inevitable symptoms or results will eventually manifest, no matter how much one tries to hide the truth.

A beautiful woman is still beautiful even if she becomes thin.

This proverb is used to describe things or people of high quality or inherent value. It suggests that even if someone naturally beautiful loses weight or undergoes hardship, their underlying grace and quality remain evident. In a broader sense, it means that excellence cannot be hidden by temporary setbacks or physical changes.

Even if a beautiful woman loses weight, she remains beautiful.

This expression is used to describe things or people of high quality that retain their value or essence even when they face hardship, poverty, or physical decline. Just as a naturally beautiful woman looks graceful even when she becomes thin, a truly valuable person or object doesn't lose its inherent worth due to temporary setbacks.