శిశువుకు దక్కని స్తన్యం వలె
shishuvuku dakkani stanyam vale
Like breast milk that doesn't reach the infant
This expression refers to something that is wasted or fails to serve its primary, intended purpose. It describes a situation where a valuable resource exists but does not benefit the person who needs it most, often due to poor timing, negligence, or unfortunate circumstances.
Related Phrases
విరామం లేని పశువుకు ఊరట లావు
viramam leni pashuvuku urata lavu
To a tireless beast of burden, rest is strength.
This expression highlights the importance of rest and rejuvenation. Just as a hardworking animal regains its strength through a small break, a person who works without pause finds immense value and renewed energy in a moment of relief. It is used to suggest that taking a break is essential for long-term productivity.
వ్రతం చెడ్డా సుఖం దక్కలేదు
vratam chedda sukham dakkaledu
The ritual was ruined, and no pleasure was gained.
This proverb is used when someone compromises their principles or makes a sacrifice to achieve a certain benefit, but ends up losing both their integrity and the expected reward. It describes a situation of total loss where a 'sin' was committed for a gain that never materialized.
తోకలేని గాలిపటం వలె
tokaleni galipatam vale
Like a kite without a tail
This expression is used to describe a person who lacks direction, stability, or control in their life. Just as a kite without a tail spins out of control and is at the mercy of the wind, this phrase refers to someone wandering aimlessly or being highly unstable in their actions or situation.
గురువుకు మించిన శిష్యుడు
guruvuku minchina shishyudu
A disciple greater than his Guru.
This expression is used to describe a situation where a protege, student, or apprentice becomes more skilled, knowledgeable, or successful than their mentor. It is often used as a compliment to both the student's talent and the teacher's effective guidance.
Said of an insolent fellow.
గురువుకు తగ్గ శిష్యుడు
guruvuku tagga shishyudu
A disciple worthy of his Guru. Both blockheads.
This expression is used to describe a student who is as capable, skilled, or talented as their mentor. It can be used positively to praise excellence or sarcastically to imply that the student has inherited the same flaws or bad habits as the teacher.
ఘనమగు పులి గోరూపము కాగానే బిడ్డకు పాలుకల్లునా?
ghanamagu puli gorupamu kagane biddaku palukalluna?
Will a mighty tiger, just by taking the form of a cow, yield milk to a child?
This proverb highlights that an individual's fundamental nature or character cannot be changed simply by putting on a disguise or changing their outward appearance. A wicked person remains wicked even if they pretend to be kind or saintly, and one should not expect nourishment or goodness from someone who is inherently harmful.
సంపదగలవాని సన్నిపాతం వలె
sampadagalavani sannipatam vale
Like the delirium of a wealthy man
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone who possesses great wealth or power behaves in an irrational, arrogant, or unpredictable manner, similar to a patient suffering from 'sannipatam' (a state of high fever or delirium). It suggests that the pride and ego resulting from excessive wealth can cloud a person's judgment and cause them to act nonsensically or recklessly.
గురువుకు తగిన శిష్యుడు
guruvuku tagina shishyudu
A disciple worthy of the teacher
This expression is used to describe a student or follower who is a perfect match for their teacher, often inheriting both their skills and their traits (positive or negative). It is similar to the English idiom 'Like father, like son' or 'A chip off the old block', specifically applied to a mentor-mentee relationship.
పులికి పారణం పశువుకు మారణం
puliki paranam pashuvuku maranam
A feast for the tiger is death for the cattle.
This proverb highlights a situation where one person's gain or pleasure results in another's suffering or loss. It is used to describe zero-sum games or exploitative situations where the benefit of the powerful inherently involves the destruction of the weak.
పశువును శిశువును గానరసం బెరుగును
pashuvunu shishuvunu ganarasam berugunu
Even animals and infants can experience the essence of music.
This expression highlights the universal power of music. It suggests that music is a divine and primal force that transcends language and intellect, capable of soothing or attracting even animals and newborn babies who do not understand lyrics or complex concepts.