పేరు నేతిబీరకాయ, చీరిచూస్తే నేతిచుక్కలేదు

This expression refers to someone who is being dishonest or opportunistic. It describes a situation where a person tries to steal or misappropriate something and only admits to it if they are caught; otherwise, they treat it as their own. It is used to highlight hypocrisy or lack of integrity.

This expression is used to describe something that is empty, deceptive, or lacks the quality its name suggests. Just as a ghee-ridge gourd (Nethi Beerakaya) contains no actual ghee, this phrase refers to people, objects, or promises that sound valuable but are practically useless or hollow.

This proverb is used to describe something that is purely nominal or deceptive. It refers to situations where a name or title implies the presence of something valuable or specific, but the actual object lacks that quality entirely. It is often used to comment on people who have grand titles but no actual power or substance.

This expression is used to describe the mindset of a thief or someone dishonest. It implies that a person will claim ownership of something only as long as they aren't caught stealing it. It highlights a lack of integrity where honesty depends entirely on being observed by others.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where there is a huge contrast between a person's grand name or reputation and their actual humble or poor reality. It highlights hypocrisy or a lack of resources despite having a fancy title.

This expression is used to describe something that is empty, misleading, or lacks the substance promised by its name. Just as a 'silk gourd' (Nethi Beerakaya) has the word 'Neyyi' (Ghee) in its name but contains no actual ghee, it refers to titles or claims that have no basis in reality.

This expression is used to describe someone who appears calm, beautiful, or well-behaved while stationary or silent, but turns out to be aggressive, loud, or ill-mannered once they start acting or speaking. It is often used to warn that appearances can be deceptive.

This expression is used to describe a person who lacks a strong individual will or firm stance, and is easily influenced or manipulated by whoever is currently in control of them. It suggests a state of dependency or vulnerability where one's actions are directed by others rather than their own judgment.

This expression is used to describe a very distant, weak, or insignificant relationship between two people. Just as the fiber inside a ridge gourd is thin and peripheral, this phrase highlights a connection that is barely there or purely namesake.

This expression is used to describe something that is only named after a quality it does not actually possess. In Telugu, 'Nethi Beerakaya' (Silk Gourd) has 'Neyi' (Ghee) in its name, but contains no actual ghee. It is applied to people or things that are deceptive in their titles, descriptions, or claims.

Nēti bīrakāya is the ghî cucumber. Grand in name but not worth anything. *Cleco è l'occhio, se l'animo è distrutto.