ఉల్లి మల్లికాదు, కాకి కోకిలకాదు.

This expression is used to describe a person who stands out due to their unique talent, beauty, or virtue in a group of ordinary or inferior people. It highlights excellence amidst mediocrity.

This proverb is used to highlight that certain things have inherent limitations and can never replace the original or the ideal. Just as an onion's pungent smell can never match the fragrance of a jasmine, a temporary or illegitimate relationship cannot provide the status, stability, or respect of a legal marriage.

This expression is used to describe a person who is living or growing up in an environment where they do not truly belong, or among people who are not their own. It often implies a situation where someone's true identity or superior talents are hidden or misplaced within a common or mismatched setting, just as a cuckoo bird lays its eggs in a crow's nest to be raised by the crow.

This expression is used to describe a person who possesses both sweet, pleasant speech and a graceful, charming personality. It highlights a combination of auditory and behavioral beauty.

This proverb means that one person or a single small sign cannot represent the whole situation or achieve a massive change alone. It is used to emphasize that collective effort or multiple signs are needed to confirm a significant event or result, similar to the English proverb 'One swallow doesn't make a summer.'

This expression is used to convey extreme skepticism or to dismiss an idea as impossible. It suggests that just as a crow can never transform into a melodious cuckoo, certain unrealistic dreams or expectations will never manifest into reality. It is often used to ground someone who is being overly idealistic or delusional.

This proverb is used to warn against seeking comfort or reliability in things that are inherently hazardous or provide no real protection. Just as a palm tree provides very little shade or shelter (making it a poor 'home') and is often associated with intoxicants (toddy), one should not expect nourishment or maternal care from unreliable sources.

This proverb is used to describe how external appearances or sounds can be deceptive regarding a person's true nature or courage. While the crow has a harsh voice and plain appearance, it is bold and resilient; conversely, the cuckoo, despite its sweet and melodious song, is timid and even lays its eggs in other birds' nests because it lacks the courage to raise its own young.

This expression refers to someone who stands out as superior, talented, or graceful while surrounded by ordinary or inferior people. It is used to describe a person of quality in an environment where others lack that same refinement or skill.

This expression means that every being or object has its own inherent nature and limitations. It is used to suggest that one cannot change their fundamental character or capabilities to become something vastly different, emphasizing that appearances or minor similarities do not change one's true essence.