పెరటి చెట్టు మందుకు రాదు
perati chettu manduku radu
The tree in the back yard won't do for medicine. That which is near is not valued. Far fetch'd and dear bought is good for ladies. A cow from afar gives plenty of milk. (French.)
This proverb describes the human tendency to undervalue something or someone that is easily available or close at hand. Just as people often ignore the medicinal properties of a plant growing in their own backyard and seek treatment from far away, we often fail to recognize the talent, wisdom, or value of people we are familiar with.
Related Phrases
అప్ప అదనుకూ రాదు, ఆకలికీ రాదు
appa adanuku radu, akaliki radu
A sister who is neither there for the occasion nor for the hunger.
This proverb describes someone or something that is useless because they are never available when actually needed. It refers to a person who fails to show up both during important ceremonies (occasions) and during times of desperate need (hunger). It is used to point out the unreliability of a resource or person.
నేటి విత్తే రేపటి చెట్టు
neti vitte repati chettu
Today's seed is tomorrow's tree
This proverb emphasizes that small actions, investments, or habits formed today will grow into significant results or consequences in the future. It is commonly used to highlight the importance of childhood education, early investments, or environmental conservation.
చెట్టు ముందా, విత్తు ముందా అన్నట్టు
chettu munda, vittu munda annattu
Like asking whether the tree was first or the seed.
This expression is used to describe a classic 'chicken and egg' dilemma. It refers to a situation or debate where it is impossible to determine which of two related things happened first or is the primary cause of the other.
A problem that cannot be solved. Ask which was born first, the hen or the egg. (Italian.)*
తన పెరటి చెట్టు మందుకు పనికి రానట్లు
tana perati chettu manduku paniki ranatlu
Like the tree in one's own backyard is of no use for medicine.
This expression is used to describe a situation where people fail to recognize or value the talent, resources, or wisdom available close to them, often seeking the same elsewhere while undervaluing what they already have. It is similar to the English proverb 'A prophet is not honored in his own country'.
చెట్టు ముందా విత్తు ముందా అన్నట్లు
chettu munda vittu munda annatlu
Like asking whether the tree came first or the seed first.
This expression is used to describe a classic chicken-and-egg dilemma or a circular argument where it is impossible to determine which of two related things happened or existed first. It is often applied to situations involving infinite regress or complex causal loops.
ఈత చెట్టు నీడ కాదు, తాటి చెట్టు తల్లి కాదు
ita chettu nida kadu, tati chettu talli kadu
A date palm tree's shade is not real shade, a palmyra tree is not a mother.
This proverb highlights that not everything that appears beneficial is actually helpful. The shade of a date palm is too sparse to provide relief, and while a palmyra tree is tall and useful, it lacks the nurturing quality of a mother. It is used to describe things or people that are inadequate despite their outward appearance or status.
ఈతచెట్టు ఇల్లు కాదు, తాటిచెట్టు తల్లి కాదు.
itachettu illu kadu, tatichettu talli kadu.
A silver date palm is not a home, and a palmyra palm is not a mother.
This proverb is used to warn against seeking comfort or reliability in things that are inherently hazardous or provide no real protection. Just as a palm tree provides very little shade or shelter (making it a poor 'home') and is often associated with intoxicants (toddy), one should not expect nourishment or maternal care from unreliable sources.
గతి చెడినా, మతి చెడరాదు
gati chedina, mati chedaradu
Even if your situation worsens, your sense/mind should not go bad.
This expression means that even when one falls on hard times or loses their status, they should not lose their integrity, common sense, or wisdom. It is used to encourage someone to stay principled and mentally strong during a crisis.
ముషిణిచెట్టు అయినా పచ్చనిచెట్టు కొట్టరాదు.
mushinichettu ayina pachchanichettu kottaradu.
Even if it is a poisonous Musini tree, a green tree should not be cut down.
This proverb emphasizes the value of life and environmental preservation. It suggests that one should not destroy something that is thriving and green, even if it is seemingly useless or harmful like the Musini (Strychnine) tree, as every living thing has its place in nature.
ఏ చెట్టూ లేనిచోట వెంపలి చెట్టు మహావృక్షము
e chettu lenichota vempali chettu mahavrikshamu
In a place where there are no trees, even a Wild Indigo bush is a great tree
This proverb describes a situation where an ordinary or mediocre person is considered great simply because there are no better alternatives available. It is equivalent to the English proverb 'In the kingdom of the blind, the one-eyed man is king.'