రత్నాలన్నీ కోటలో, రాళ్ళన్నీ పేటలో

ratnalanni kotalo, rallanni petalo

Translation

All the gems are in the fort, all the stones are in the town.

Meaning

This expression is used to describe a situation where wealth, talent, or high-quality things are concentrated in a specific elite circle (the fort), while the common, ordinary, or lower-quality items are left for the masses (the town). It highlights social or economic disparity and the unequal distribution of value.

Related Phrases

A field of stones yields diamonds

This expression is used to describe a situation where hard work and perseverance in seemingly barren or difficult circumstances lead to great rewards. It signifies that appearances can be deceptive, and with proper effort, even the most challenging land or situation can become highly productive.

All the gems in one place, all the snails in another.

This expression is used to describe the segregation of people or things based on their quality, value, or character. It suggests that talented, virtuous, or high-quality entities naturally group together, while mediocre or useless ones form their own separate group. It is often used to comment on social circles or the classification of objects.

Like will to like.

Like hoisting a flag (or placing a turban) in a fort.

This expression is used to describe achieving a significant victory, establishing control over a difficult territory, or successfully securing a position in a place that seemed hard to reach. It signifies a major milestone or a successful 'conquest' in a professional or personal context.

All stones in one place, all gems in one place.

This expression is used to describe a situation where things or people are organized and categorized by quality or merit. It suggests that excellence is separated from the ordinary, or that like-minded/similar-status individuals naturally group together.

Let all your rice be chunam and all your cakes frogs ! A certain sage was, on account of his eccentricities, treated as a crazy fellow and not received into society. On one occasion, irritated by being refused admittance to an entertainment, he uttered the above imprecation which to the consternation of the assembled company took effect. They begged his pardon, whereupon he restored in the same miraculous manner the chunam into rice and the frogs into cakes ! The power acquired by austerities.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone is extremely ungrateful or dismissive of the food and hospitality provided to them. It suggests that despite being fed well, the person treats the main meals as nothing (zeros) and views the snacks or treats as a burden or tax (tributes) rather than a kind gesture.

Like placing a turban in the fort

This expression is used to describe a significant achievement, a grand success, or the act of establishing one's authority or presence in a difficult-to-reach place. Historically, placing one's turban in an enemy's fort symbolized victory and conquest. In modern context, it refers to reaching a milestone or securing a strong position in a competitive field.

Even in a field of stones, gems can grow.

This expression is used to describe a situation where great success or high-quality results are achieved despite extremely difficult, harsh, or unfavorable conditions. It emphasizes that with hard work and determination, prosperity can be found even in a place that looks barren or challenging.

To the bird that lives on gems, gems; to the bird that lives on stones, stones.

This proverb highlights the concept of merit and individual capacity. It suggests that people receive rewards or outcomes based on their worth, habits, or capabilities. Just as a bird is fed according to its nature, individuals get what they deserve or what they are accustomed to seeking.

God provides all his creatures with that which they need.

If the king decides, will there be a shortage of blows?

This proverb highlights the absolute power of an authority figure. It means that if a person in power wants something done or wants to punish someone, they have the resources and authority to make it happen instantly without any hurdles. It is often used to describe how a powerful person's whim can change everything.

Like the wealth of a fort being swept away in a heavy stream of water.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where a massive amount of wealth or resources is being wasted or lost rapidly and uncontrollably. It signifies that even a vast treasure (like that found in a fort) can disappear if there is a continuous, unchecked drain or leakage.