సంతమెరుగు, సానిమెరుగు.

santamerugu, sanimerugu.

Translation

The decorations of a fair and of a loose woman. Ornament which soon disappears and exposes the real wretchedness.

Meaning

This proverb describes things that are temporary and superficial. Just as a marketplace is bustling and vibrant only during trading hours and becomes desolate afterward, or a courtesan's beauty is enhanced only for professional allure, some situations or appearances lack depth and permanent value.

Related Phrases

Water finds the low ground, God knows the truth.

This expression means that just as water naturally flows towards lower ground, the ultimate truth is always known to the Divine. It is used to suggest that while humans may be deceived or facts may be hidden, the absolute truth cannot be concealed from God or will eventually be revealed by fate.

Water knows the slope, God knows the truth

Just as water naturally flows towards a low-lying area, the ultimate truth is known only to God. It is used to emphasize that even if people are deceived or facts are hidden, the absolute truth cannot be hidden from the divine or will eventually be revealed.

Without polishing, shine does not come.

This expression means that excellence or brilliance cannot be achieved without hard work, refinement, or practice. Just as a gem needs to be polished to sparkle, a person or a skill needs consistent effort and improvement to reach its full potential.

Glitter on the outside, worms on the inside

This proverb is used to describe something or someone that looks attractive, polished, or perfect on the outside but is actually rotten, corrupt, or empty on the inside. It is equivalent to the English expression 'All that glitters is not gold' and is often used to warn against judging by outward appearances.

A glutton's secret is known to his wife.

This proverb suggests that a person's true nature, habits, or secrets are best known to those who live with them or are closest to them. Just as a wife knows exactly how much her husband eats regardless of his public image, those in close proximity see the unvarnished truth of a person's character.

Desire knows no sin, and the woman running a mess house knows no charity.

This proverb highlights two harsh realities: first, that intense desire or greed often blinds a person to moral or ethical wrongs (doing anything to achieve a goal); second, that a person running a business (like an innkeeper or caterer) is driven by profit and cannot afford to give away food for free or act out of pure merit/charity.

Running on the roof and shining the mustache.

This expression refers to someone who focuses on outward appearances, vanity, or superficial shows of status while lacking actual substance, property, or a solid foundation. It describes a person who prioritizes pride and showing off over practical stability.

The field is better than the seed

This proverb emphasizes that environment and upbringing (nurture) are often more influential than inherent traits or lineage (nature). Just as a good quality seed cannot flourish in barren soil, a talented person needs a supportive environment to succeed. It is used to highlight the importance of the surroundings in which someone grows or works.

A worm that eats dung cannot know the taste of jaggery.

This proverb is used to describe a person with low tastes or poor character who cannot appreciate the value or quality of something superior. Just as an insect that thrives in filth cannot comprehend the sweetness of jaggery, an ignorant or narrow-minded person cannot understand refined ideas or virtuous things.

Lust knows no time

This expression suggests that intense desire or lust does not care for timing, circumstances, or appropriateness. It is used to describe a state where a person's impulses override their judgment of when and where it is suitable to act.