పట్టుపుట్టము తొత్తుకు కట్టబెడితే పేడమరకలతో పాడు చేసింది

pattuputtamu tottuku kattabedite pedamarakalato padu chesindi

Translation

When a silk garment was given to a servant, she ruined it with cow dung stains.

Meaning

This proverb describes a situation where something precious or sophisticated is given to someone who doesn't know its value or how to handle it properly. It is used to mock people who lack class or discernment, implying that their inherent nature or lack of experience causes them to ruin high-quality things through improper use.

Related Phrases

The one who regulates the water flow will not let his own field dry up.

This proverb highlights that a person in a position of authority or control over resources will always ensure their own needs are met first. It is often used to describe self-interest or the inherent advantage one gains from being in charge of a process.

Disputing with the aged [ is as wrong as ] keeping company with ghosts.

This proverb highlights the futility and danger of two specific actions: engaging in heated arguments with wise or powerful elders (which leads to trouble) and attempting to befriend the dead (which is impossible or morbid). It is used to advise someone to respect social hierarchies and focus on the living and the practical.

The saree worn by a courtesan is considered Varanasi silk, while the saree worn by a poor woman is considered madman's silk.

This proverb highlights social prejudice and how the same thing is perceived differently based on a person's status or wealth. If a wealthy or influential person does something, it is praised or seen as a luxury; if a poor person does the same, it is dismissed or looked down upon.

Like putting the bridle on the horse's tail. To put the cart before the horse.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone is doing something in a completely wrong, backward, or illogical manner. Just as a bridle belongs on a horse's head to control it, putting it on the tail is useless and absurd. It highlights fundamental errors in planning or execution.

What he has planted although it be Strychnine he must cherish. Mushiṇi Mokka is the Strychnos Nux-Vomica. A patron must not forsake his dependent under any circumstances.

This expression signifies that one must take full responsibility for their actions, choices, or creations, even if the outcome turns out to be harmful or undesirable. It emphasizes accountability for one's own decisions.

A silk tassel to a broom.

This expression is used to describe an absurd or mismatched combination where something very beautiful, expensive, or high-quality is wasted on or attached to something lowly, ugly, or insignificant. It highlights the incongruity and pointlessness of such an arrangement.

The grand appearance of a worthless person. A leaden sword in an ivory scabbard.

Like serving poison along with milk

This expression describes a situation where something harmful or malicious is hidden within something seemingly good, pure, or beneficial. It is used to caution against treachery or to describe a betrayal where kindness is used as a facade for a hidden agenda.

When asked to feed, they asked to listen.

This proverb is used to describe a person who avoids doing a specific requested task by offering an irrelevant or useless alternative. It highlights an uncooperative attitude where one pretends to help but avoids the actual effort or responsibility required, similar to someone offering words instead of food to a hungry person.

Like building a dam after the water has already flowed away

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone takes corrective action or precautions after the damage has already been done and it is too late to be effective. It is similar to the English proverb 'locking the stable door after the horse has bolted'.

Argue with elders, fight with ancestors.

This proverb warns against the futility and disrespect of engaging in constant arguments with elders or ancestors. It suggests that such conflicts are destructive, lead to bad reputation, and result in mental unrest since elders possess more experience and ancestors represent one's roots.