తాళ్లపాకవారి కవిత్వము కొంత, తన పైత్యము కొంత

tallapakavari kavitvamu konta, tana paityamu konta

Translation

Part [ of the book ] is the poetry of Tâllapâkavâru, the rest is his own rubbish. Said of a man who has spoilt the good work of another.

Meaning

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone takes a classic or well-known work and mixes it with their own unnecessary or nonsensical ideas. It highlights a blend of genuine quality and personal eccentricity, often used to critique someone who is distorting facts or stories with their own imagination.

Related Phrases

Alapati's poetry, and within it, madness (biliousness).

This expression is used to describe a situation where something is already flawed or mediocre, and it is made even worse by additional eccentricities or absurdities. It highlights double-layered nonsense or unnecessary complexity in an already poor piece of work.

The husband who is never around made a promise to return every day.

This proverb is used to describe a person who is habitually unreliable or inconsistent, yet makes grand promises that they have no intention or capacity to keep. It highlights the irony of someone who fails at basic commitments offering even larger, unrealistic assurances.

Thinking that poetry is grass, all the donkeys started grazing on it.

This expression is used to criticize people who lack taste or intelligence yet try to consume or critique high art or intellectual work. It implies that when something refined (like poetry) is treated as a common commodity, unqualified people (metaphorically called donkeys) will rush to ruin or disrespect it without understanding its true value.

The tamarind that bears fruit and flowers, the market for oleander, the small vessel near the water pot—what will you take for sleep?

This is a traditional Telugu folk riddle or a rhythmic nursery rhyme (lullaby style). It describes a series of everyday objects and nature scenes in a rhyming pattern, used to distract or soothe a child into sleeping. It reflects rural life where tamarind trees, flower markets, and water pots were central themes.

Like the bat which thinks it holds up the sky and keeps it from falling.

This proverb is used to mock an individual's arrogance or delusions of grandeur. It describes a person who overestimates their own importance or capabilities, believing that a massive task or organization is succeeding solely because of their insignificant efforts.

Said of a man who thinks everything depends on himself.

A mortgaged asset always suffers some damage.

This expression is used to highlight that when an item is pledged or borrowed, it is rarely returned in its original condition. It serves as a warning that one should expect some wear, tear, or loss of value when leaving property in someone else's possession or control.

The Nambi's poetry and the Thamballa's astrology.

This proverb is used to describe work that is of poor quality, unreliable, or amateurish. It refers to people attempting tasks for which they lack true expertise, resulting in something mediocre or untrustworthy. It is often used to mock someone's superficial skills.

As the seed, so the plant

This proverb means that the quality or nature of the outcome is directly determined by its origin or source. It is used to describe how children often inherit the traits of their parents, or how the quality of a product depends on the quality of the raw materials used.

When it is cheap, all will buy.

This proverb is used to describe things that are easily accessible or low in price, leading to high demand regardless of quality. It can also be used metaphorically to suggest that when something loses its value or rarity, it is no longer exclusive or special.

If it is cheap, everyone will buy it.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where a product, service, or idea is so low in price or effort that people flock to it regardless of its quality or necessity. It highlights the human tendency to be attracted to low-cost items and is often used as a cautionary remark about value versus price.