రత్నాలున్న గనిలోనే రాళ్ళుండేది.
ratnalunna ganilone rallundedi.
Rocks exist only in the mine that contains gems.
This expression is used to convey that greatness or value often comes with imperfections or obstacles. Just as one must sift through many rocks to find a precious gem, one must accept minor flaws or challenges in a person or situation that is otherwise excellent.
Related Phrases
రాళ్ల చేను రత్నాలు పండుతుంది
ralla chenu ratnalu pandutundi
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.
రాళ్ళ చేనే రత్నాలు పండుతుంది.
ralla chene ratnalu pandutundi.
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.
రాళ్ళు తినే పక్షి రాళ్ళు తింటుంది, రత్నాలు తినే పక్షి రత్నాలు తింటుంది.
rallu tine pakshi rallu tintundi, ratnalu tine pakshi ratnalu tintundi.
The bird that eats stones will eat stones, and the bird that eats gems will eat gems.
This expression refers to the inherent nature and destiny of individuals based on their character and surroundings. It signifies that people will gravitate towards things that match their worth, status, or habits. Just as birds follow their natural diet, humans pursue what they are accustomed to or what they truly deserve.
నవరత్నములున్నా, నరరత్నముండవలె.
navaratnamulunna, nararatnamundavale.
Even if you possess the nine precious gems, you must have a 'human gem'.
This proverb emphasizes that material wealth (represented by the Navaratnas) is secondary to the presence of a virtuous, capable, and loyal human being. It suggests that a person's character and the presence of good people in one's life are more valuable than any amount of riches.
రత్నాలు తినే పక్షికి రత్నాలు, రాళ్లు తినే పక్షికి రాళ్లు.
ratnalu tine pakshiki ratnalu, rallu tine pakshiki rallu.
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.
సొమ్ము పొమ్ములోనే ఉండె, సోమయ్య మందిలోనే ఉండె.
sommu pommulone unde, somayya mandilone unde.
The money remained in the pouch, and Somayya remained in the crowd.
This proverb describes a situation where someone fails to accomplish a task or utilize resources effectively despite having the means. It refers to a person who is too busy socializing or distracted by a crowd to take action, while their money or tools remain untouched. It is used to mock someone's laziness, procrastination, or lack of initiative.
పంతులకు కట్నాలు, మాకు పట్నాలు
pantulaku katnalu, maku patnalu
Gifts for the teacher, and cities for us.
This expression is used to describe a situation where one person receives a small, immediate reward (like a ritual fee) while the other person gains something vast and significant (like territory or knowledge). It highlights a disparity in gains or results between two parties involved in the same activity.
రాజు తలచుకుంటే దెబ్బలకు కొదవా?
raju talachukunte debbalaku kodava?
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.
రాజుల దగ్గర ఉంటే రత్నాలు, పేదల దగ్గర ఉంటే పలుకురాళ్ళు
rajula daggara unte ratnalu, pedala daggara unte palukurallu
If they are with kings they are gems, if they are with the poor they are just pebbles.
This proverb highlights how society perceives the same object or quality differently based on a person's status or wealth. When a powerful or rich person possesses something, it is highly valued and praised, but when a poor person has the same thing, it is often dismissed as worthless or ordinary. It is used to describe social bias and the unfair weight given to status.
రత్నాలు రాలాలి, మంత్రాలు వెయ్యి అన్నట్టు
ratnalu ralali, mantralu veyyi annattu
Like saying gems should fall, but only if you chant mantras.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone expects extraordinary results or high rewards without putting in the necessary hard work or realistic effort. It highlights the irony of demanding a miracle while performing a trivial or mismatched action.