పేరు ధర్మరాజు, పని వేప విత్తనం
peru dharmaraju, pani vepa vittanam
The name is Dharmaraju (righteous), but the action is like a neem seed (bitter).
This expression is used to describe a person whose name or outward appearance suggests they are noble or virtuous, but whose actual character or behavior is harsh, bitter, or wicked. It highlights the irony of someone having a positive identity while performing negative actions.
Related Phrases
రాజు ఎంతో ధర్మం అంతే
raju ento dharmam ante
As is the king, so will the virtue [of the people] be.
This expression means that the character, behavior, and values of a leader directly influence the conduct and morality of the people they lead. It is used to suggest that the subjects of a kingdom or the members of an organization will mirror the qualities of their head.
తప్పులేనివారు ధరణిలో లేరు
tappulenivaru dharanilo leru
There are no people without faults on this earth.
This proverb is used to convey that perfection is impossible and that everyone makes mistakes. It is typically used to encourage forgiveness, humility, or to remind someone not to be too judgmental of others' flaws since error is a universal human trait.
తిండికి తిమ్మరాజు, పనికి పోతురాజు
tindiki timmaraju, paniki poturaju
A king at eating, but a buffalo at working.
This proverb is used to describe a person who is very enthusiastic and consumes a lot when it comes to food, but becomes extremely lazy or avoids effort when it is time to work. It highlights the irony of having great energy for consumption but zero energy for productivity.
తగవు తీర్చమంటే ధర్మరాజా! దూడ, బర్రె రెండూ నావే అన్నాడట
tagavu tirchamante dharmaraja! duda, barre rendu nave annadata
When asked to settle a dispute, the person acting like the righteous Yudhisthira claimed both the calf and the buffalo for himself.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone who is appointed as a neutral mediator or judge turns out to be greedy and tries to take everything for themselves. It highlights hypocrisy and the betrayal of trust by those in positions of authority.
ఆడిది ధర్మాన అబ్బాయి పుడితే, ఏందోడి ధర్మాన కడియాలు దొరికినవి
adidi dharmana abbayi pudite, endodi dharmana kadiyalu dorikinavi
When a boy was born by the virtue of a dancer, the anklets were found by the virtue of a silver-smith.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where one person's hard work or merit results in a success, but another person tries to take the credit for the associated benefits or accessories. It highlights the irony of misplaced gratitude or credit-seeking.
ధర్మానికి పోతే కర్మం చుట్టుకున్నదట
dharmaniki pote karmam chuttukunnadata
When one went to do a good deed, bad fate/karma coiled around them.
This expression is used when someone tries to help others or do something virtuous, but ends up facing unexpected trouble or negative consequences as a result of their kindness. It is similar to the English saying, 'No good deed goes unpunished.'
విత్తహీనుడు ధర్మవృత్తి దలచు
vittahinudu dharmavritti dalachu
A person without wealth thinks of being charitable.
This expression describes a situation where someone who lacks the financial resources or capacity starts thinking about performing grand acts of charity or righteousness. It highlights the irony of intending to give when one has nothing to give, often used to point out impracticality or the tendency of people to think of noble deeds only when they are unable to execute them.
తప్పులేని వారు ధరణిలో లేరు.
tappuleni varu dharanilo leru.
There is not a blameless man in the world.
This proverb is used to emphasize that no human being is perfect and everyone makes mistakes. It encourages forgiveness and tolerance towards others' flaws, reminding us that error is a natural part of the human experience.
There's nane without a faut. (Scotch.) Lifeless, faultless. * Cada hum em sua casa be Rei,
తిండికి తిమ్మరాజు, పనికి పోతరాజు
tindiki timmaraju, paniki potaraju
He is a Timma Râzu (monkey-king) at eating; and a Pôta Râzu ( buffalo-king ) at work.
This proverb is used to describe a lazy person who is always first in line when it comes to eating or enjoying benefits, but disappears or becomes completely incompetent when there is work to be done. 'Thimmaraju' implies a regal presence at the dining table, while 'Potharaju' here signifies someone who avoids tasks or is useless at labor.
As greedy as a monkey and as lazy as a buffalo. Like the smith's dog, that sleeps at the sound of the hammer, and wakes at the crashing of the teeth. He eats till he sweats, and works till he freezes.
కుప్ప విత్తనాలు చప్పనారు
kuppa vittanalu chappanaru
Heaped seeds, tasteless sprouts
This proverb is used to describe a situation where a lot of effort or resources are gathered at once, but the result is poor or unproductive. It implies that quantity does not guarantee quality, or that poor planning leads to a disappointing outcome despite having the raw materials.