పూలవాసన నారకు పట్టినట్లు.

pulavasana naraku pattinatlu.

Translation

Like the scent of flowers rubbing off on the fiber.

Meaning

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.

Related Phrases

Like a pest attacking before the flowering stage.

This expression is used to describe a situation where a project, idea, or life stage is ruined or faces major obstacles right at its inception or even before it has had a chance to begin properly. It signifies early misfortune or premature failure.

Like lice infesting a bald head.

Used to describe a situation that is logically impossible, highly improbable, or a baseless allegation. Just as lice cannot live on a head without hair, this expression mocks claims or events that lack any foundation or sense.

When yoga postures (asanas) were practiced, stools (pasanalu) were born.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where an attempt to improve something or do something good leads to an unexpected, messy, or undesirable outcome. It highlights irony when a sophisticated effort results in a crude or counterproductive consequence.

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

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.

Do you need to search for the fragrance of Ippa flowers?

This expression refers to something that is obvious and doesn't require proof or searching. Just as the strong scent of Ippa flowers (Madhuca Longifolia) is instantly recognizable and fills the air without effort, certain truths or qualities are so evident that they do not need investigation or validation.

Whatever one touches/holds, it is as if a ghost has possessed it.

This expression is used to describe someone who goes to extremes or becomes obsessively persistent in whatever task they undertake. It can also refer to someone who consistently encounters bad luck or complications in every endeavor they start, as if it were cursed or jinxed.

Like lice infestation on a bald head

This expression is used to describe a situation that is impossible, illogical, or a blatant lie. Just as lice cannot live on a bald head because there is no hair to cling to, the phrase refers to claims or events that lack any basis in reality or common sense.

Just as a new cloth takes on color, an old cloth does not.

This expression means that it is much easier to teach, influence, or mold something young, fresh, or new than something that is old and set in its ways. It is often used to describe how children learn faster than adults or how a new mind is more receptive to new ideas than an experienced one with preconceived notions.

Like lifting and throwing (water) to catch a fish.

This expression refers to a traditional method of catching fish by bailing water out of a small pond or puddle until it is dry enough to catch the fish by hand. It is used to describe a situation where someone puts in a lot of hard work, effort, or systematic labor to achieve a specific goal or to expose something hidden.

A neck-sprain in the knee. Like saying " He has a head-ache in his big toe."

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone gives a completely irrelevant, illogical, or absurd excuse. It highlights a disconnect between a cause and its effect, often used to mock someone who is lying poorly or trying to justify an impossible scenario.