పంజరం అందంగా ఉంటే పక్షికి సంతోషమా?

panjaram andanga unte pakshiki santoshama?

Translation

If the cage is beautiful, is the bird happy?

Meaning

This expression emphasizes that material luxury and external beauty cannot replace freedom and basic happiness. It is used to describe situations where a person might have all the physical comforts or a high-status environment, yet feels trapped or miserable because they lack liberty or emotional fulfillment.

Related Phrases

Decoration is the beauty of a hair bun, and a fair trial is the beauty of a mistake.

This proverb highlights the importance of propriety and resolution. Just as flowers or jewels enhance a hair bun, a mistake or a conflict should be addressed through a proper inquiry or dispute resolution process to bring a sense of justice or 'beauty' to an otherwise messy situation. It emphasizes that problems should be faced and solved rather than ignored.

Joy on the wedding night and crying during labor pains - aren't both inevitable?

This proverb highlights that life is a package of both pleasure and pain. Just as one enjoys the intimacy of marriage, one must also endure the inevitable pain of childbirth that follows. It is used to suggest that if you choose a certain path for its benefits, you must be prepared to face the associated hardships as well.

A bird with colorful feathers is the beauty of a cage.

This expression is used to describe how someone's presence or outward appearance adds elegance and prestige to a particular place or environment. It implies that a decorative or talented person makes their surroundings look better just by being there.

To the soul's delight, a heavy pestle is a musical instrument.

When one is truly happy or content from within, even the most mundane or crude objects (like a heavy wooden pestle) can seem like beautiful musical instruments (like a Tanpura). It describes a state of mind where external circumstances or the quality of tools do not matter as long as one is joyful and satisfied.

Happiness needs no excuse, and thoughts have no end.

This proverb suggests that one doesn't need a specific reason to be happy; it is a state of mind. Conversely, it highlights that the human mind is prone to endless worrying or overthinking, implying that while joy is spontaneous, anxiety can be a never-ending cycle if not controlled.

To the bird that lives on gems, gems; to the bird that lives on stones, stones.

This proverb highlights the concept of merit and individual capacity. It suggests that people receive rewards or outcomes based on their worth, habits, or capabilities. Just as a bird is fed according to its nature, individuals get what they deserve or what they are accustomed to seeking.

God provides all his creatures with that which they need.

Up the waist in grief, up to the knees in joy.

This expression is used to describe a situation where there is a small amount of relief or joy amidst an overwhelming amount of grief or trouble. It highlights that the positive aspect, though present, is significantly smaller than the hardship being faced.

If it's white it's milk, if it's dark it's water. Said of a simple minded, guileless man.

This expression is used to describe a person who is extremely naive, innocent, or gullible. It refers to someone who lacks discernment and blindly believes whatever they are told based on superficial appearances without any critical thinking.

Seeing its own kind makes a dog angry, but a horse happy.

This proverb is used to contrast different attitudes toward one's own community or peers. It suggests that while some people are jealous or hostile toward their own kind (like a dog barking at another dog), others feel joy and a sense of belonging when they see their peers (like a horse neighing happily at another horse). It is a commentary on human nature regarding professional or social rivalry versus solidarity.

Being joyful is half one’s strength.

This is to suggest that one should be joyful, especially in unfavourable circumstances. That is the way to draw strength from even adverse circumstances.