పైన పటారం, లోన లొటారం

paina pataram, lona lotaram

Translation

Showy on the outside, hollow on the inside

Meaning

This proverb is used to describe something or someone that looks grand, beautiful, or impressive externally but is actually empty, worthless, or deficient internally. It is similar to the English expression 'All that glitters is not gold' or 'A fair face and a foul heart'.

Related Phrases

An incarnation of Shesha in the ocean of milk, and an incarnation of a fish in the salt ocean.

This expression is used to describe a person who behaves with great dignity and sophistication in elite circles but resorts to crude or low-level behavior when in common or less refined environments. It highlights how an individual's conduct changes drastically based on the status of their surroundings.

A Tambaḷi prates, but does not listen to what others say.

This expression is used to describe a person who is quick to criticize others for their flaws or annoying habits while being completely oblivious to the fact that they possess the exact same faults. It highlights self-centeredness and a lack of self-awareness.

The priest knows only his own chatter, but not the chatter of others.

This proverb is used to describe a person who is so engrossed in their own problems, talk, or selfishness that they fail to recognize or empathize with the struggles and perspectives of others. It highlights self-centered behavior where one expects others to listen or understand but offers no reciprocity.

A wood apple is very small in an elephant's throat. A very easy matter.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where a resource or quantity is completely inadequate for someone's huge appetite or vast requirements. Just as a small wood apple is insignificantly small for a giant elephant, it refers to something being 'like a drop in the ocean' or vanishing instantly without satisfying the need.

Flashy on the outside, hollow on the inside.

This proverb is used to describe something or someone that looks very attractive, expensive, or impressive outwardly, but is actually empty, poor quality, or lacks substance internally. It is often used to criticize pretentiousness or superficiality.

Sparkle on the outside, hollow on the inside

This proverb is used to describe something or someone that looks very impressive, attractive, or expensive on the outside but is actually empty, poor quality, or worthless internally. It is similar to the English expression 'All that glitters is not gold.'

Shiny on the outside, hollow on the inside

This expression is used to describe something or someone that looks very attractive, impressive, or high-quality on the outside but is empty, flawed, or useless on the inside. It is often used to criticize superficiality or deceptive appearances.

Sweet on the tongue, poison inside

This expression describes a hypocritical person who speaks very kindly and sweetly to your face but harbors malicious intentions or hatred in their heart. It is used to warn others about deceitful people who hide their true nature behind pleasant words.

Delicacy, like a thread in a needle.

This expression is used to describe something extremely delicate, fine, or sensitive. It can refer to a person's gentle temperament, a precise piece of work, or a situation that requires very careful handling, much like the precision needed to pass a fine thread through the eye of a needle.

Ugliness inside, beauty outside

This expression is used to describe a person who is deceptive or hypocritical. It refers to someone who maintains a polished, attractive, or virtuous appearance to the world while harboring wicked intentions, bad character, or inner turmoil. It is similar to the English phrase 'All that glitters is not gold' or 'A fair face and a foul heart'.