రాతి బొమ్మకు బంగారపు సొమ్ములు, బంగారు బొమ్మకు ఆకులే గతి.
rati bommaku bangarapu sommulu, bangaru bommaku akule gati.
Gold ornaments for a stone idol, but only leaves for a golden person.
This proverb highlights a common irony in society where inanimate objects (like stone statues in temples) are adorned with immense wealth and jewelry, while living, breathing people of great virtue or talent (the 'golden' people) suffer in poverty or lack basic necessities. It is used to critique the unfair distribution of resources or the misplaced priorities of society.
Related Phrases
అరువు సొమ్ములు బరువుకు చేటు
aruvu sommulu baruvuku chetu
Borrowed jewelry is only a burden.
This proverb highlights that borrowing things (especially ornaments or jewelry) for the sake of showing off only brings anxiety and a sense of burden, as one is constantly worried about their safety and eventual return. It is used to advise people to live within their means and be content with what they own.
రాకు, పోకు బంగారు చిలక.
raku, poku bangaru chilaka.
Don't come, don't go, golden parrot.
This is a traditional Telugu expression or nursery rhyme phrase used to describe someone who is being indecisive or is in a state of idle hesitation. It is often used playfully or teasingly to address someone who is just standing there without taking any action or making a move in either direction.
బంగారపు కత్తి
bangarapu katti
A golden knife. Said of something of intrinsic value but of no utility.
This expression is used to describe something that is beautiful or attractive but nonetheless harmful or dangerous. Just because a knife is made of gold, it doesn't mean it won't cut; it implies that one should not be deceived by outward elegance when the inherent nature is destructive.
బంగారు గాలానికే బంగారు చేపలు పడవు
bangaru galanike bangaru chepalu padavu
Golden hooks do not necessarily catch golden fish.
This expression means that using expensive or high-quality tools does not always guarantee a superior or successful outcome. It highlights that merit, skill, or luck often matter more than the outward appearance or cost of the resources used. It is used to caution against the belief that money alone can buy success.
జాతి బొమ్మకు చక్కిలిగింతలా?
jati bommaku chakkiligintala?
Is it like tickling a stone statue?
This expression is used to describe a futile action or an attempt to evoke a reaction from someone who is completely indifferent, emotionless, or stubborn. Just as a stone statue cannot feel or react to being tickled, some people remain unaffected by persuasion, humor, or criticism.
రాతి బొమ్మకు చక్కిలిగింతలు పెట్టినట్లు
rati bommaku chakkiligintalu pettinatlu
Like trying to tickle a stone statue.
This expression describes a futile effort where one tries to evoke a reaction or emotion from someone who is completely indifferent, heartless, or unresponsive. It is used when advice or humor falls on deaf ears, or when someone remains unmoved despite significant attempts to engage them.
మన్ను పట్టితే బంగారం, బంగారం పట్టితే మన్ను
mannu pattite bangaram, bangaram pattite mannu
Touching mud turns it into gold, touching gold turns it into mud
This proverb describes the extremes of luck or fortune. It refers to a person's current 'luck streak'—when someone is highly successful, even their smallest efforts (mud) yield great results (gold). Conversely, when someone is going through a period of extreme misfortune, even their most valuable assets or best efforts fail miserably.
బంగారపు పిచ్చుక
bangarapu pichchuka
A golden sparrow. The Telugu term for the grossbeak ( Loxia Philippina ). Pretty to look at but of no use.
This expression is used to describe a person who is extremely precious, innocent, or fortunate. It is often used as a term of endearment for children or to refer to someone who brings prosperity and joy, similar to the English 'golden goose' but with a more affectionate and delicate connotation.
బొమ్మకు మొక్కినా నమ్మకం ఉండవలె
bommaku mokkina nammakam undavale
Even if you pray to a doll/statue, there must be faith.
This expression emphasizes that the power of prayer or any action lies in the sincerity and faith of the person performing it, rather than the object of worship itself. It is used to suggest that without true belief, rituals or actions are meaningless.
రాతిబొమ్మకు చంకలిగింతలు పెట్టినట్టు
ratibommaku chankaligintalu pettinattu
Like trying to tickle a stone statue.
This expression is used to describe a futile effort or an action that yields no response. It refers to situations where one tries to evoke an emotion, reaction, or change in someone who is completely indifferent, stoic, or stubborn.