పెరటి చెట్టు మందుకు రాదు

perati chettu manduku radu

Translation

The tree in the backyard is not used for medicine.

Meaning

This proverb suggests that people often undervalue things or people that are close to them or easily available, while overestimating the value of things that are far away or hard to get. It is similar to the English expression 'Familiarity breeds contempt' or 'A prophet is not honored in his own country.'

Related Phrases

Shall I fear those who salute me? or those who rap me with their knuckles?

This proverb is used to describe a state of confusion or dilemma when facing contradictory reactions or consequences from different people. It is often used by someone in a position of authority or a performer who is receiving both excessive praise (bowing) and harsh criticism or physical harm (striking) at the same time, wondering which group poses the greater threat or deserves more attention.

Yielding to force and not to entreaties.

Is it time? Is it an hour? Look at the end, O wife!

This proverb is used to describe a person who procrastinates or ignores responsibilities for a long time, only to panic or become desperate at the very last moment. It highlights the folly of not being prepared and waiting until the end to realize the gravity of a situation.

A fly seeks a wound, a fox seeks a corpse.

This proverb describes people with pessimistic or malicious mindsets who specifically look for flaws, failures, or the misfortunes of others to benefit themselves or satisfy their nature. Just as a fly ignores a healthy body to find a sore, and a fox looks for a carcass, some people only take interest in negativity.

Cleaning or mopping the house does not mean the festival has arrived.

This proverb is used to warn against premature celebration or assuming a task is complete based on superficial initial actions. Just as mopping a floor is only a preliminary step for a festival, one must complete the actual hard work or wait for the true results before claiming success.

Chip the wood according to the size of the log.

This proverb suggests that one should act according to their capacity, resources, or status. It is often used to advise people to spend within their means or to take on responsibilities that are proportionate to their ability.

We can neither die by catching it, nor can we die in the trap.

This expression describes a situation where one is stuck in a dilemma or an 'in-between' state where they cannot find a way out or a resolution. It is used when a person is frustrated because they can neither commit to a difficult task nor abandon it completely, often feeling trapped by circumstances.

They desire the rub/polishing, but cannot bear the wetting.

This proverb is used to describe people who desire the end results, status, or benefits of a difficult process but are unwilling to endure the hard work, sacrifice, or struggles (the 'wetting') required to achieve them. It is often applied to those who want the glory without the grind.

The doctor wishes for diseases, while the merchant wishes for a famine.

This proverb describes how certain professions benefit from the misfortunes of others. A doctor's income depends on people being sick, and a merchant (Vaishya) profits from scarcity or high prices during a famine. It is used to point out that one person's crisis can be another's opportunity.

Gutttam chavalam, jinu mucchavalam.

This is a traditional rhyming proverb or a playful expression often used to describe someone who is overly decorated or dressed up without real substance, or to mock someone who puts on a grand show with little results. It refers to the fancy saddle and decorations on a horse that might not be of great quality itself. It is also used in children's games or folk songs to maintain a rhythmic cadence.

A gang leader of widows/wretched women

A derogatory or slang expression used to describe a person (usually a man) who constantly hangs around or leads a group of disreputable or quarrelsome women. It is often used to criticize someone for engaging in petty gossip or unnecessary group politics rather than focusing on meaningful work.