పూలతో కూడా నార తలకెక్కినట్లు

pulato kuda nara talakekkinatlu

Translation

Like the fiber that reaches the head along with the flowers.

Meaning

This proverb describes how an ordinary or low-status person gains respect or a higher position simply by being in the company of great people. Just as the fiber (nara) used to tie a garland is worn on the head along with the fragrant flowers, an individual benefits from the association with virtuous or successful people.

Related Phrases

One who eats hot rice with father-in-law, cold rice with sister, and drinks porridge with mother.

This proverb describes a clever, adaptable, or opportunistic person who knows how to adjust their behavior depending on who they are with to suit their own benefit. It highlights the tendency to enjoy luxuries with those who can afford them while appearing humble or simple with those who have less, or simply fitting into any social circle seamlessly.

Like running with the rabbits and hunting with the hounds.

This expression describes a person who is hypocritical or double-dealing. It refers to someone who pretends to be a friend to both sides of a conflict, or someone who tries to support opposing interests simultaneously for their own benefit.

Like the scent of flowers rubbing off on the fiber.

This expression describes how association with good or noble people can influence and improve the character of an ordinary person. Just as the plain fiber used to tie a garland eventually smells like the fragrant flowers it holds, a person gains good qualities by being in good company.

Like the secrets of the house being brought to the public square

This expression is used when a private family matter, secret, or internal conflict is exposed to the public. It highlights the embarrassment or loss of reputation that occurs when personal issues are discussed openly in a community or marketplace (raccha).

Like soaked fiber climbing onto the head

This expression refers to people who take advantage of kindness or proximity to become overly familiar, disrespectful, or dominant. It describes a situation where someone who was initially humble or in a subordinate position starts acting superior or bothersome once they are given some comfort or leeway.

If you give familiarity, they will climb onto your shoulder

This expression is used to describe people who take undue advantage of one's kindness, friendliness, or leniency. It suggests that if you are too approachable or fail to set boundaries, others may become over-familiar or disrespectful, crossing their limits.

He eats cold rice with his father, hot rice with his sister, and rice pudding with his mother.

This expression describes a person who is highly opportunistic or clever at adapting to their surroundings to get the best out of every situation. It refers to someone who manages to dine with everyone, upgrading their meal each time, symbolizing their ability to benefit from multiple parties by playing different roles.

Like serving poison along with milk

This expression describes a situation where something harmful or malicious is hidden within something seemingly good, pure, or beneficial. It is used to caution against treachery or to describe a betrayal where kindness is used as a facade for a hidden agenda.

Like the steps of the feet reaching the head.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone of a lower status or position suddenly acts with arrogance or oversteps their boundaries toward their superiors. It signifies an inversion of the natural order or a sudden rise in ego where a person forgets their place.

Like eating the sugarcane along with its roots just because it is sweet.

This proverb describes greed or over-exploitation. It is used to caution someone who, out of liking or benefit, tries to consume or exhaust a resource completely without leaving anything for sustenance or the future, eventually ruining the source itself.