తలలు బోడులయితే తలపులు బోడులా?
talalu bodulayite talapulu bodula?
Their heads are clean shaven, but are their thoughts clean also ? ( See Vēmana Book III. 375. )
This proverb suggests that changing one's external appearance or adopting a religious persona (like shaving one's head to become a monk) does not automatically purify one's mind or eliminate worldly desires. It is used to critique hypocrisy or to emphasize that true transformation must happen internally, not just superficially.
Related Phrases
తలలు బోడులైనా దక్కునా తత్త్వంబు
talalu bodulaina dakkuna tattvambu
Even if the heads are shaved, can one attain the ultimate truth?
This expression highlights that external changes or superficial displays of piety (like shaving one's head to look like a monk) do not equate to internal wisdom or spiritual realization. It is used to point out hypocrisy or the futility of performing rituals without genuine understanding or a change in character.
బోడి తలకు బొడ్డు మల్లెలు ముడిచినట్టు
bodi talaku boddu mallelu mudichinattu
Like decorating a bald man with a jasmine garland. Boddu Malle is the Jasminum Sambac. Something being thrown away upon a person.
This expression is used to describe an attempt to decorate or improve something that lacks the necessary foundation or suitability. It refers to something that is out of place, mismatched, or a waste of effort because the underlying situation doesn't support the addition.
గ్రామశాంతికి బోడితల.
gramashantiki boditala.
[Shaving] a bald head, to [propitiate] the village goddess. No other will submit to the ignominy.
This proverb describes a situation where someone is unfairly singled out as a scapegoat to resolve a larger problem or to satisfy a ritualistic requirement. It refers to a person being sacrificed or humiliated (symbolized by shaving the head) for the supposed well-being of the community, often highlighting the absurdity of the solution or the innocence of the victim.
బొండు మల్లెలు బోడిముండకెందుకు?
bondu mallelu bodimundakenduku?
Why does a tonsured widow need plump jasmine flowers?
This is a traditional (and often considered harsh or outdated) proverb used to describe a situation where someone desires or possesses something that is of no use to them, or something they are socially/practically restricted from using. It highlights the irony of having a luxury or beauty that one cannot or should not enjoy according to specific contexts.
నవాబు తల బోడి అయితే, నా తల కూడా బోడి అని వితంతువు విర్రవీగిందట.
navabu tala bodi ayite, na tala kuda bodi ani vitantuvu virravigindata.
When the Nawab's head was bald, a widow boasted that her head was bald too.
This proverb is used to mock someone who tries to equate their own misfortune or common condition with the status or actions of a powerful person. It highlights the foolishness of seeking pride or equality in a negative or irrelevant coincidence.
లోకులెల్ల వెట్టిపోకళ్ళు పోదురు
lokulella vettipokallu poduru
All people go about with foolish ways/fancies.
This expression is used to describe how common people often follow baseless trends, engage in silly behaviors, or hold irrational beliefs without thinking for themselves. It suggests that the masses frequently act in a whimsical or foolish manner.
పోరాని చుట్టము వచ్చినాడు, తమలపాకులు బొడ్డు వంచి కోయుమన్నట్టు
porani chuttamu vachchinadu, tamalapakulu boddu vanchi koyumannattu
" A near relation has come," said he "stoop and pluck the betel leaves." The owner of the garden unwillingly complied with his relation's de- mand to be supplied with betel leaf gratis, and instructed his gardener with the ambiguous phrase "stoop and pluck," which the relation understood to mean that the order was to be obeyed with alacrity, the object really being that the worst leaves, which are always nearest the ground, should be given. The word translated "near" signifies literally "one who goes not." Applied to that which is done because politeness requires it, but un- willingly.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone is being inhospitable or stingy toward an unwelcome guest. Breaking the stem (boddu) of a betel leaf ruins the plant's future growth; it implies that the host is so annoyed or reluctant to serve the guest that they are willing to provide something in a destructive or rude manner just to get rid of them or show their displeasure.
ఆదాయం లేనిదే శెట్టి వరదను పోడు
adayam lenide shetti varadanu podu
Without a profit, the merchant will not step into the flood.
This proverb describes a person who is extremely calculating and profit-oriented. It suggests that certain individuals will never take a risk or perform an action unless they are guaranteed a personal gain or benefit. It is used to mock someone's stinginess or their habit of never doing anything out of pure altruism.
వూళ్ళో అందరూ బోడి అంటే, నీ అమ్మ బోడి, నీ అక్క బోడి అందట.
vullo andaru bodi ante, ni amma bodi, ni akka bodi andata.
When someone said the whole village is bald, she replied 'Your mother is bald, your sister is bald'.
This proverb is used to describe a person who lacks common sense or the ability to understand general context. Instead of understanding that a statement refers to a collective group (including themselves), they take it as a personal insult and react defensively by insulting the speaker back.
ముద్దులయ్య పోయి, మొద్దులయ్య అయినాడు.
muddulayya poyi, moddulayya ayinadu.
The beloved boy left, and a blockhead has taken his place.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone who was once charming, active, or promising has become dull, lazy, or unresponsive over time. It signifies a negative transformation in personality or utility, often used when a child loses their childhood charm and becomes difficult or slow-witted.