పేరు గొప్ప, ఊరు దిబ్బ
peru goppa, uru dibba
The name is great, but the village is a mound.
Used to describe a situation where someone or something has a grand reputation or a fancy name, but the actual reality is disappointing, poor, or hollow. It is similar to the English expression 'All that glitters is not gold' or 'Big name, no substance'.
Related Phrases
జీలకర్ర సింగినాదం
jilakarra singinadam
Cumin and the blowing of a horn
Used to describe a situation or a story that is completely meaningless, illogical, or a combination of nonsensical things. It refers to 'gibberish' or 'absurdity' where the words or actions have no real connection or significance.
నాడు కట్టాలేదు, నేడు చింతాలేదు
nadu kattaledu, nedu chintaledu
No effort was put in then, and no worry is felt now.
This proverb describes a state of total negligence or lack of foresight. It is used to describe a person who did not take action or plan during the appropriate time (the past) and consequently feels no regret or concern about the failure in the present. It often implies a sense of indifference toward one's responsibilities.
చూడబోతే వెండిగిన్నె తాగబోతే వెలితిగిన్నె
chudabote vendiginne tagabote velitiginne
If you look at it, it's a silver bowl; if you try to drink from it, it's an empty bowl.
This expression describes something that looks grand, expensive, or promising on the outside but is actually empty, useless, or disappointing upon closer inspection or when put to use. It is used to mock pretentiousness or things that lack substance despite their attractive appearance.
గాలిని మూటకట్టినా గయ్యాళి నోరు కట్టలేడు
galini mutakattina gayyali noru kattaledu
Even if one can tie the wind in a bundle, one cannot tie the mouth of a shrewish woman.
This proverb is used to describe the difficulty of dealing with a quarrelsome or loud-mouthed person (specifically a 'gayyali'). It suggests that controlling the wind—an impossible task—is still easier than stopping such a person from arguing or being verbally abusive.
చుట్టం కదా అని చూడబోతే దయ్యమై పట్టుకుందట
chuttam kada ani chudabote dayyamai pattukundata
When visited thinking they were a relative, they caught hold like a ghost.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where you approach someone out of kindness, goodwill, or a sense of relationship, but they end up becoming a source of trouble, harassment, or a burden. It signifies that a person you expected help or comfort from turned out to be toxic or problematic.
బావ అని చూడబోతే రావా అని కొంగు పట్టుకున్నాడట.
bava ani chudabote rava ani kongu pattukunnadata.
When she looked at him as a brother-in-law, he grabbed her saree hem saying 'wont you come?'.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone mistakes another person's kindness or respect for weakness and tries to take undue advantage of them. It highlights the behavior of people who respond to decency with disrespect or inappropriate advances.
ఆడబోతే చూడబుద్ది, చూడబోతే ఆడబుద్ది
adabote chudabuddi, chudabote adabuddi
When going to play, one feels like watching; when going to watch, one feels like playing.
This expression describes a state of indecision or fickle-mindedness. It refers to a person who is never satisfied with their current choice and constantly wishes they were doing the opposite of what they are presently engaged in.
అప్పను చూడబోతే టెప్పలు పోయినవి.
appanu chudabote teppalu poyinavi.
When I went to see my sister, the floats were lost.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where one incurs a significant loss while attempting to gain something small or perform a simple duty. It highlights how someone might lose their basic necessities or resources while pursuing an unnecessary or minor errand.
శింగినాదం జీలకర్ర
shinginadam jilakarra
Trumpet and cummin seed. Similar to the English slang expression " Bosh."
This expression is used to describe a situation that is nonsensical, worthless, or a complete waste of time. It refers to a task or a conversation that yields no useful result, often implying that something lacks substance or is a hollow claim.
చూడబోతే చుట్టాలు, రమ్మంటే కోపాలు
chudabote chuttalu, rammante kopalu
If you visit them they are relatives, if you invite them to visit you they are angry.
This proverb describes people who claim to be close relatives or friends but avoid any real interaction, responsibility, or visit. It is used to mock hypocritical relationships where people maintain a facade of closeness but become annoyed when actually asked to participate or visit.
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