పేడ తిన్న పురుగు బెల్లం మెరుగురా
peda tinna purugu bellam merugura
A worm that eats dung cannot know the taste of jaggery.
This proverb is used to describe a person with low tastes or poor character who cannot appreciate the value or quality of something superior. Just as an insect that thrives in filth cannot comprehend the sweetness of jaggery, an ignorant or narrow-minded person cannot understand refined ideas or virtuous things.
Related Phrases
నీరు పల్లమెరుగును, నిజము దేవుడెరుగును.
niru pallamerugunu, nijamu devuderugunu.
Water finds the low ground, God knows the truth.
This expression means that just as water naturally flows towards lower ground, the ultimate truth is always known to the Divine. It is used to suggest that while humans may be deceived or facts may be hidden, the absolute truth cannot be concealed from God or will eventually be revealed by fate.
ఉరిమి మొరిగే కుక్క కన్నా యోగియే మేలురా.
urimi morige kukka kanna yogiye melura.
A quiet sage is better than a barking and growling dog.
This proverb is used to convey that a person who is calm, wise, and peaceful (like a yogi) is far superior to someone who is constantly aggressive, loud, or making empty threats (like a barking dog). It emphasizes the value of composure over unnecessary hostility.
నీరు పల్లమెరుగు, నిజం దేవుడెరుగు
niru pallamerugu, nijam devuderugu
Water knows the slope, God knows the truth
Just as water naturally flows towards a low-lying area, the ultimate truth is known only to God. It is used to emphasize that even if people are deceived or facts are hidden, the absolute truth cannot be hidden from the divine or will eventually be revealed.
మెరుగు వేయనిదే మెరుగురాదు
merugu veyanide meruguradu
Without polishing, shine does not come.
This expression means that excellence or brilliance cannot be achieved without hard work, refinement, or practice. Just as a gem needs to be polished to sparkle, a person or a skill needs consistent effort and improvement to reach its full potential.
నాభిలో పుట్టిన పురుగు నాభిలోనే పెరుగును
nabhilo puttina purugu nabhilone perugunu
The worm born in the poisonous plant grows within the same poisonous plant.
This proverb (sameta) is used to describe a person who is born into a specific environment or nature and continues to thrive or remain in it, regardless of how toxic or limited it may be. It is often applied to people who adapt perfectly to their surroundings, even if those surroundings are negative or harmful to others.
బురద గుంటలో పడ్డ పేడ పురుగు లాగా.
burada guntalo padda peda purugu laga.
Like a beetle (lit. a cowdung worm) fallen into a mire pit. Said of a man being in an harassing service from which he cannot escape, &c.
This expression describes someone who is hopelessly stuck in a bad situation or a messy problem. Just as a dung beetle struggles to move in sticky mud, it refers to a person who is struggling in vain or is deeply entangled in complications from which they cannot easily escape.
మీద మెరుగులు, లోన పురుగులు
mida merugulu, lona purugulu
Glitter on the outside, worms on the inside
This proverb is used to describe something or someone that looks attractive, polished, or perfect on the outside but is actually rotten, corrupt, or empty on the inside. It is equivalent to the English expression 'All that glitters is not gold' and is often used to warn against judging by outward appearances.
పూతకు ముందే పురుగు పట్టినది
putaku munde purugu pattinadi
Worm eaten before blossoming.
This expression is used to describe a situation where a project or an endeavor faces significant problems or failure right at its inception, before it even has a chance to develop or show progress.
Premature. Precocious.
సంతమెరుగు, సానిమెరుగు.
santamerugu, sanimerugu.
The decorations of a fair and of a loose woman. Ornament which soon disappears and exposes the real wretchedness.
This proverb describes things that are temporary and superficial. Just as a marketplace is bustling and vibrant only during trading hours and becomes desolate afterward, or a courtesan's beauty is enhanced only for professional allure, some situations or appearances lack depth and permanent value.
నాభిలో పుట్టిన పురుగు వంటివాడు
nabhilo puttina purugu vantivadu
One like a worm born in the Nâbhi. Nâbhi ( Sans. Vatsanâbha ) is an active vegetable poison, ' the root of the Aconite ferox brought from Nepal' ( Wilson ). Said of a treacherous villain.
This expression is used to describe someone who has intimate, first-hand, and deep knowledge of a person, family, or organization. Just as a worm residing in the navel knows everything about the body, this phrase refers to an insider who knows all the secrets and internal affairs.