రాట్టల వాడికంటే తునకలవాడు ఘనుడు.
rattala vadikante tunakalavadu ghanudu.
The person with the pieces is greater than the person with the bones.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone who possesses the actual substance or the best parts of something is superior to someone who only has the large, hollow, or useless parts. It emphasizes quality and substance over sheer size or volume.
Related Phrases
నమిలేవానికన్నా మింగేవాడు ఘనుడు.
namilevanikanna mingevadu ghanudu.
He who swallows is better off than he who chews. He gets along at a greater pace.
This proverb describes someone who is more efficient or cunning than another. While one person is busy working through details or struggling (chewing), the other person finishes the task instantly or takes the credit effortlessly (swallowing). It is often used to describe someone who outperforms another with less apparent effort.
Said of an energetic man.
ఎటుక తేలిన ఏడు ఘడియల వాన.
etuka telina edu ghadiyala vana.
If a brick floats, there will be rain for seven hours.
This is a traditional Telugu proverb or folk saying used to describe an extremely heavy or impossible-looking downpour. In reality, bricks do not float; therefore, the expression suggests that if conditions are so unusual that a brick floats, the ensuing rain will be long-lasting and intense. It is often used to emphasize the severity of a storm.
రొట్టెలవానికంటే, తునకలవాడు ఘనుడు.
rottelavanikante, tunakalavadu ghanudu.
The beggar of crumbs gets more than the beggar of loaves.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where an assistant, subordinate, or middleman behaves with more authority, arrogance, or showiness than the actual owner or master. It highlights how someone who only holds a small part of the wealth or power often tries to appear more significant than the person who holds the whole.
నమిలే వాడికన్నా మింగేవాడే ఘనుడు.
namile vadikanna mingevade ghanudu.
The one who swallows is greater than the one who chews.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where one person does the hard work or preparations (chewing), but another person quickly takes away the result or benefit (swallowing). It can also refer to people who are more efficient or aggressive in consuming resources or grabbing opportunities compared to those who take their time.
అతడికంటే ఘనుడు ఆచంట మల్లన్న
atadikante ghanudu achanta mallanna
Achanta Mallanna is even greater than him.
This expression is used to describe a situation where one person meets someone who is even more clever, powerful, or capable than themselves. It is often used to caution someone who is acting arrogant or boastful that there is always someone superior to them in the world.
దుఃఖమును అణచుకోగలిగిన వానికంటె సంతోషాన్ని అణచుకోగలిగిన వాడే ఘనుడు.
duhkhamunu anachukogaligina vanikante santoshanni anachukogaligina vade ghanudu.
One who can suppress their joy is greater than one who can suppress their sorrow.
While most people struggle to hide their grief, it is considered a sign of true character and maturity to remain humble and composed during times of great success or happiness without boasting. It emphasizes the importance of equanimity (Sthitapragyata).
అతనికంటే ఘనుడు ఆచంట మల్లన్న
atanikante ghanudu achanta mallanna
Achanta Mallanna is greater than him.
This expression is used to describe a situation where one person encounters someone even more clever, skilled, or cunning than themselves. It is often used to imply that there is always someone superior or more formidable regardless of how great one thinks they are.
చద్ది కంటే ఊరగాయ ఘనం
chaddi kante uragaya ghanam
The best part of the cold food is the pickle.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where a side-dish or a secondary accompaniment overshadows the main meal. Metaphorically, it refers to instances where accessories or trivial additions are given more importance or are more impressive than the main subject or person.
చద్ది కంటే ఊరగాయ ఘనం
chaddi kante uragaya ghanam
The pickle is greater than the leftover rice
This proverb is used to describe a situation where a secondary or trivial thing is given more importance, or seems more impressive, than the primary or essential thing. It's often applied when an accessory or an accompaniment overshadows the main subject.
మాట తప్పిన వాడు మాల వాడు
mata tappina vadu mala vadu
He that breaks his word is a Pariah.
This proverb emphasizes the supreme importance of honesty and integrity. It suggests that a person's character and social standing are defined by their ability to keep promises. Historically, it was used to imply that failing to honor one's word leads to a loss of honor and respect in society, comparing the act of lying to being cast out of the social order.