పలుకులు బంగారము, గుణము పాలకన్నా పలుచదనము
palukulu bangaramu, gunamu palakanna paluchadanamu
Words are gold, but character is thinner than milk.
This expression describes a hypocritical person who speaks very sweet, valuable, or virtuous words (like gold) but possesses a weak, watery, or poor character (thinner than milk). It is used to warn others about individuals whose actions and true nature do not match their eloquent speech.
Related Phrases
మన్ను పెట్టితే బంగారము, బంగారము పెట్టితే మన్ను.
mannu pettite bangaramu, bangaramu pettite mannu.
You get gold out of earth and earth out of gold. i. e. you buy land with money.
This proverb highlights the unpredictable nature of luck and timing. It suggests that when one is going through a fortunate period, even a worthless effort (mud) turns into wealth (gold), but during an unfortunate period, even a valuable investment (gold) can turn into a loss (mud). It is often used to describe the irony of success and failure.
నిష్ఠ నీళ్ల పాలు, మంత్రము మాలల పాలు
nishtha nilla palu, mantramu malala palu
His religious rites go to the water, and his Mantras to the Pariahs. Said of a great formalist. Most of the religious rites of the Brahmans are performed with water. The sacred formulas ( Mantras ) ought according to the Śāstras to be pronounced in a low voice, inaudible to the people.
This expression describes a situation where all the hard work, discipline, or ritualistic effort put into a task goes to waste due to a small mistake or lack of focus. It is used when someone meticulously follows a process but fails at the final stage, rendering the entire effort useless.
పాడి ఆవును దానము చేసి పాలు మాత్రము పితుకుకొన్నట్టు.
padi avunu danamu chesi palu matramu pitukukonnattu.
Like making a present of a milch cow and merely milking her for himself afterwards.
This expression refers to someone who gives something away as a gift or charity but still tries to maintain control over it or enjoy its benefits. It is used to describe a person who wants the reputation of being generous without actually letting go of the advantages of the object donated.
రామచిలక పలుకు, కోకిలమ్మ కులుకు.
ramachilaka paluku, kokilamma kuluku.
The speech of a parrot, the grace of a cuckoo.
This expression is used to describe a person who possesses both sweet, pleasant speech and a graceful, charming personality. It highlights a combination of auditory and behavioral beauty.
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.
దొరలు ఇచ్చిన పాలుకన్నా ధరణి ఇచ్చిన పాలు మేలు.
doralu ichchina palukanna dharani ichchina palu melu.
The share given by the earth is better than that given by the government. Free lands are better when fertile, than shares of grain allotted by government.
This proverb emphasizes self-reliance and the bounty of nature over patronage from the powerful. It suggests that what one earns through honest labor on their own land is superior and more sustainable than gifts or favors received from those in power, which often come with conditions or strings attached.
ఆలు చచ్చినవాడికి ఆలు బంగారం
alu chachchinavadiki alu bangaram
To a man whose wife has died, she is like gold.
This proverb is used to describe how people tend to appreciate the value of someone or something only after they are lost. It highlights the human tendency to ignore virtues during a person's lifetime but praise them excessively once they are gone.
లోకులు పలుగాకులు
lokulu palugakulu
People are like many crows
This proverb is used to convey that people in society have diverse opinions and often engage in gossip or criticism, much like the incessant cawing of crows. It suggests that one should not take public criticism too seriously because it is the nature of the world to talk.
పాపమని పాలుపోస్తే, పలుచనని పారబోసినాడట.
papamani paluposte, paluchanani parabosinadata.
When milk was given out of pity, he poured it out saying it was too thin.
This proverb describes someone who is ungrateful or overly critical of an act of kindness. It is used when a person receives help or a gift but instead of being thankful, they find minor faults in it and reject or complain about it.
ఏ వాడ చిలుక ఆ వాడ పలుకు పలుకుతుంది
e vada chiluka a vada paluku palukutundi
The parrot of a street speaks the language of that street.
This expression is used to describe a person who lacks a firm stance or individual principles, instead adapting their speech and behavior to please the people they are currently with. It can also refer to how someone's environment or upbringing heavily influences their dialect and opinions.