తెల్లబియ్యము, పాటి మానిక.
tellabiyyamu, pati manika.
White rice, but measured with a flawed mānika (a local unit of measurement).
This proverb describes a situation where something appears to be of high quality or value (like fine white rice), but is undermined by a fundamental flaw or deception in the process (like using a broken or unfair measuring cup). It is used to highlight instances where a benefit is neutralized by an accompanying disadvantage or hidden dishonesty.
Related Phrases
అల్లుని మంచితనము, పొల్లున దంచిన బియ్యములేవు
alluni manchitanamu, polluna danchina biyyamulevu
The goodness of a son-in-law and rice from pounding husks do not exist.
This proverb is used to express that certain expectations are futile. Just as one cannot obtain rice by pounding empty husks, one should not expect a son-in-law to be entirely selfless or a permanent asset to the household, as he traditionally belongs to another family. It highlights the inherent limitations or disappointment in relying on something that lacks substance.
అల్లుడు అర్ధబియ్యం
alludu ardhabiyyam
A son-in-law is like half a portion of rice.
This proverb is used to describe the transitory or uncertain nature of a son-in-law's belonging to his wife's family. Since he ultimately belongs to his own house and parents, he is considered a temporary guest or an unreliable permanent asset, much like rice that is only partially sufficient or 'half-measured'.
పొల్లు దంచిన బియ్యము, తెల్లని కాకి లేవు
pollu danchina biyyamu, tellani kaki levu
There is no rice from pounding chaff, and there is no such thing as a white crow.
This proverb is used to describe things that are impossible or non-existent. Just as you cannot get rice by pounding empty husks (chaff) and you cannot find a naturally white crow, certain expectations or results are simply unattainable or contrary to nature.
మాట ఘనము, మానిక పిచ్చ.
mata ghanamu, manika pichcha.
Great words, but small measure.
This proverb is used to describe a person who speaks grandly or makes lofty promises but fails to deliver anything substantial or acts in a very stingy manner. It highlights the contrast between high-sounding talk and poor or insignificant actions.
A Mânika is a dry measure. The greatest talkers are always the least doers.
పెండ్లాము బెల్లము, తల్లి దయ్యము.
pendlamu bellamu, talli dayyamu.
Wife is jaggery, mother is a ghost.
This proverb is used to describe a person who prioritizes his wife and finds her sweet (like jaggery) while neglecting his mother or viewing her as a burden/troublemaker (like a ghost). It is typically used as a criticism of someone who forgets their filial duties after marriage.
పొల్లు దంచి బియ్యము చేసినట్టు.
pollu danchi biyyamu chesinattu.
Like trying to get rice by pounding empty husk.
This proverb describes a futile or useless effort. Just as pounding empty grain husks (chaff) will never yield rice regardless of how much labor is put in, this expression is used when someone is wasting time on a task that has no possibility of a productive outcome.
ఊళ్ళో వియ్యం కయ్యముల పాలు.
ullo viyyam kayyamula palu.
Establishing a matrimonial alliance within the same village leads to quarrels.
This proverb warns against forming marriage alliances (becoming in-laws) with people residing in the same village. The logic is that constant proximity and frequent interaction between the two families can lead to unnecessary misunderstandings, interference in domestic affairs, and frequent conflicts (kayyamulu) that wouldn't occur if there were some distance between them.
కుంచెడు బియ్యము గుమ్మడి కాయ
kunchedu biyyamu gummadi kaya
A Kunçam of raw-rice and a gourd. A modest request. A thousand Brahmins went on an auspicious occasion to bless the king and on being asked how much rice and vegetable they would each have for their meal, replied as above. The king angry and disgusted at their greediness ordered that each should be forced, with the penalty of his life, to eat the whole quantity demanded. The Brahmins however cheated the king at the suggestion of a cunning Kômaṭi, by distributing one Kunçam of rice and one pumpkin at a time among the whole number of men.
This expression is used to describe an uneven or disproportionate exchange, or a situation where a lot of resources are consumed for a single item. In a traditional sense, it refers to the heavy requirement of rice needed to accompany a large pumpkin curry, signifying that one thing necessitates a large amount of another to be useful.
సన్నబియ్యంతో అన్నం ముతక బియ్యంతో పులిహోర.
sannabiyyanto annam mutaka biyyanto pulihora.
Rice with fine grains, Pulihora with coarse grains.
This expression refers to using the right resources for the right purpose. Just as fine rice is preferred for plain eating while thicker/coarser rice is better suited for dishes like Pulihora (tamarind rice) to maintain texture, it implies that every person or object has a specific situation where they excel or are most appropriate.
సన్నబియ్యం సాయపప్పు
sannabiyyam sayapappu
Fine-grained rice and split pulse
This expression is used to describe a meal or a lifestyle that is of high quality, delicate, and luxurious. In a cultural context, 'Sanna Biyyam' (fine rice) and 'Saaya Pappu' (polished/split lentils) represent the pinnacle of a refined and comfortable diet, often used to signify prosperity or being pampered.