పంది ఎంత బలిసినా నంది కాదు
pandi enta balisina nandi kadu
No matter how fat a pig gets, it will never become a Nandi (sacred bull).
This proverb is used to say that outward appearance or physical growth cannot change one's inherent nature, character, or status. Just as a pig cannot become a divine bull by simply gaining weight, an unworthy person cannot become noble or great just by acquiring wealth or power.
Related Phrases
పిండి ఎంత ఉంటే నిప్పట్టు అంతే
pindi enta unte nippattu ante
As much the flour is, so much the flatbread will be
This proverb means that the quality or quantity of an outcome is directly proportional to the effort or resources invested. It is used to explain that one gets what they pay for, or that results depend on the quality of the input/work.
నంది అంటే నంది, పంది అంటే పంది
nandi ante nandi, pandi ante pandi
If he says it's Śiva's bull, it is Śiva's bull; if he says it's a pig, it is a pig.
This expression describes extreme sycophancy, blind obedience, or a 'yes-man' attitude. It is used to characterize someone who agrees with everything a powerful person says, even if the statements are contradictory or obviously false, just to please them.
Said of the power of a great and unjust man.
జీల బలిసి బందికాడయినట్లు
jila balisi bandikadayinatlu
Like a cumin seed getting fat and becoming a log/beam.
This proverb is used to describe an insignificant person who grows arrogant due to a slight increase in wealth or status. It highlights the absurdity of a tiny thing (cumin seed) imagining itself to be something massive and sturdy (a heavy wooden beam or log).
పంది ఎంత బలిసినా నందితో సమమవునా?
pandi enta balisina nandito samamavuna?
However fat the pig may grow will it ever be equal to Nandi ?
This proverb is used to convey that an inferior person or object can never match the stature, dignity, or quality of a superior one, regardless of how much external growth or wealth they acquire. It highlights that intrinsic nature and worth cannot be changed by superficial improvements.
వరి చెడి ఊదర బలిసినట్లు
vari chedi udara balisinatlu
Like the rice crop failing while the weeds flourish
This expression is used to describe a situation where the main objective or productive element is ruined, while useless or parasitic elements thrive. It refers to a field where the actual paddy crop is destroyed, but the weeds (Oodara) grow thick and healthy. It is used in contexts where unworthy people prosper at the expense of the worthy.
పందిని నందిని, నందిని పందిని చేసేవాడు
pandini nandini, nandini pandini chesevadu
He can make a common pig into Śiva's bull, and Śiva's bull into a common pig. ( Sec Nos. 1082, 1915. ) Ability in argumentation.
This expression refers to a person who is extremely cunning, manipulative, or persuasive. It describes someone capable of twisting facts so skillfully that they can make a lie seem like the truth and vice versa, often used to describe crooked politicians, lawyers, or deceivers.
నంది అంటే నందే, పంది అంటే పందే
nandi ante nande, pandi ante pande
If you say it's a bull, it's a bull; if you say it's a pig, it's a pig.
This expression describes a person who is a 'yes-man' or someone who blindly agrees with whatever an influential person says, regardless of the truth or logic. It highlights submissiveness or a lack of independent judgment, often used to mock someone who changes their stance just to please a superior.
ఆడమంటే పాడమన్నాడట, పాడమంటే పొమ్మన్నాడట
adamante padamannadata, padamante pommannadata
When asked to dance, he sang; when asked to sing, he left.
This expression is used to describe someone who is being uncooperative, stubborn, or intentionally doing the opposite of what is requested. It highlights a person's lack of interest or skill in following simple instructions, often choosing to be difficult or evasive instead of helpful.
నందిని పంది, పందిని నందిని చేయగలిగినవాడు.
nandini pandi, pandini nandini cheyagaliginavadu.
A person who can turn a divine bull into a pig, and a pig into a divine bull.
This expression describes someone who is extremely manipulative, cunning, or skilled at distorting the truth. It is used to refer to a person who can make something good look bad, or something bad look good, often through clever words, influence, or deceitful arguments.
ఎంత పండినా కూటికే, ఎంత ఉండినా కాటికే.
enta pandina kutike, enta undina katike.
No matter how much is harvested, it's for food; no matter how much one has, it ends at the cremation ground.
This proverb reflects on the ultimate simplicity and transience of life. It emphasizes that despite one's wealth, achievements, or surplus, the basic necessity remains food, and the final destination for everyone is death. It is used to counsel humility and to remind people not to be overly greedy or proud of their possessions.