ఉల్లికాడలు నిట్రాళ్ళగునా
ullikadalu nitrallaguna
Can onion stalks ever become pillars?
This expression is used to convey that someone's inherent nature or lack of capability cannot be changed through superficial means. Just as a soft onion stalk can never provide the structural support of a sturdy wooden pillar, a person without the necessary character or skill cannot handle great responsibilities.
Related Phrases
నిట్టాళ్ళ ఇల్లయినా నిర్వంశంగా ఉండరాదు
nittalla illayina nirvamshanga undaradu
Even if it is a house supported by poles, it should not be without a family lineage.
This proverb emphasizes the importance of family and descendants. It suggests that it is better to live in a humble, temporary shack filled with children and family than to live in a grand mansion that is empty or where the family line has ended. It highlights that the true wealth of a home is its people, not its structure.
ఉల్లి మల్లికాదు, కాకి కోకిలకాదు.
ulli mallikadu, kaki kokilakadu.
An onion is not a jasmine flower; a crow is not a cuckoo.
This proverb is used to emphasize that an object's or person's inherent nature cannot be changed just because of outward similarities or pretension. Just as an onion's smell prevents it from being a jasmine, and a crow's appearance doesn't make it a melodic cuckoo, intrinsic traits define true character.
సకలగుణాభిరాముడు
sakalagunabhiramudu
Endowed with every grace. Said ironically.
This expression is used to describe a person who possesses all good qualities, virtues, and a charming personality. It is most commonly used as an epithet for Lord Rama, but in a modern context, it can be used to praise someone who is well-rounded, virtuous, and highly respected.
దున్నపోతులాగా కష్టపడి, దొరలాగా తినాలి.
dunnapotulaga kashtapadi, doralaga tinali.
One must work like a buffalo, and eat like a gentleman.
This proverb emphasizes the value of hard work and its rewards. It suggests that one should toil rigorously and tirelessly (like a buffalo in the fields) during their working years or phase so that they can eventually enjoy a life of luxury, comfort, and dignity (like a lord or nobleman).
ఈ పిల్లి ఆ పాలు తాగునా?
i pilli a palu taguna?
Would this cat have drunk that milk ?
This is a sarcastic rhetorical question used to describe a person who pretends to be innocent, modest, or naive, while actually being quite the opposite. It is used when someone acts as if they are too good or too shy to do something that they are secretly very capable of or already doing.
A demure humbug.
అత్త చచ్చిన ఆరునెలలకు, కోడలు నిట్రాయి పట్టుకొని నిగిడినిగిడి ఏడ్చిందంట
atta chachchina arunelalaku, kodalu nitrayi pattukoni nigidinigidi edchindanta
Six months after the mother-in-law died, the daughter-in-law held the central pillar and cried uncontrollably.
This proverb describes people who show fake concern or perform a duty long after it was relevant, often just for public display or to hide their previous indifference. It refers to 'crocodile tears' or delayed, hypocritical mourning.
మేఘాలు నలుపైతే వాననీళ్ళు నలుపగునా?
meghalu nalupaite vananillu nalupaguna?
If the clouds are black, will the rainwater be black?
This proverb is used to illustrate that the source or external appearance of something does not necessarily define the quality or essence of the outcome. Just as dark clouds produce clear water, a person's humble origins or outward appearance do not dictate their character or the value of their work.
నల్లకోడికైనా తెల్లగుడ్డే.
nallakodikaina tellagudde.
Even a black hen lays a white egg.
This proverb is used to convey that one's appearance, origin, or status does not dictate the quality of their work or character. It emphasizes that good results can come from anyone, regardless of their background.
చీమలు పాకిన రాయి అరుగునా?
chimalu pakina rayi aruguna?
Will a rock wear away just because ants crawl over it?
This proverb is used to describe an impossible task or an action that has no significant impact. It suggests that certain small or weak efforts, no matter how frequent, cannot change or damage something that is inherently strong and solid.
తల్లికి లేని ముద్దు దాదికి కలుగునా?
talliki leni muddu dadiki kaluguna?
Will a nanny have the affection that even a mother does not possess?
This proverb suggests that no one can care for or love a person more than their natural guardian or the person most closely responsible for them. It is used to express skepticism when a stranger or an outsider shows more concern or emotion than a person's own family or close relatives, often implying that such external affection might be insincere.