ఉల్లి ఊరినా, మల్లె పూసినా మంచినేలలోనే.
ulli urina, malle pusina manchinelalone.
Whether an onion grows or a jasmine blooms, it happens in good soil.
This proverb emphasizes that any significant growth, whether it is for something basic (onion) or something beautiful (jasmine), requires a solid foundation or a good environment. It is used to highlight that a person's success and character depend largely on their upbringing, family background, or the quality of the environment they grow up in.
Related Phrases
అంతా అయినవాళ్ళే, మంచినీళ్ళు పుట్టవు.
anta ayinavalle, manchinillu puttavu.
Everyone is a relative, but one doesn't even get drinking water.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where despite being surrounded by family, relatives, or many known people, no one actually steps up to help in a time of need. It highlights the irony of having a large social circle or family that offers no practical support.
ఆషాఢ మాసంలో ఆకులు రాలినట్లు
ashadha masamlo akulu ralinatlu
Like leaves falling in the month of Ashadha
This expression is used to describe something happening in massive quantities or very rapidly. Just as trees shed their leaves heavily during the windy Ashadha month, this phrase illustrates a situation where people are losing jobs, dying in large numbers during a disaster, or falling down in quick succession.
మడ్డి ముండకు మల్లెపూలు ఇస్తే, మడిచి ముడ్డి కింద పెట్టుకుందట.
maddi mundaku mallepulu iste, madichi muddi kinda pettukundata.
When Jasmine flowers were given to a boorish woman, she folded them up and sat on them. Instead of putting the garland round her neck.—Malle ( prop. Jasminum Sambac ) is a general name given to all common jasmines ( W. Elliot. )
This proverb is used to describe a situation where a person of low taste or lack of refinement is given something beautiful or valuable, but they fail to appreciate its worth and instead misuse it or treat it with disrespect. It highlights that certain things are wasted on those who do not understand their value.
మంచివాడు మంచివాడంటే, మంచమంతా కంతలు చేసినాడు.
manchivadu manchivadante, manchamanta kantalu chesinadu.
When called a good man, he made holes all over the cot.
This proverb describes a situation where someone takes undue advantage of the praise or kindness shown to them. It refers to people who, when trusted or given freedom due to their 'good' reputation, end up causing damage or acting irresponsibly. It is used to caution against blind trust or to describe someone who lacks common sense despite being called 'good'.
మాసిన తలకు మల్లెపూల అలంకారమా
masina talaku mallepula alankarama
Jasmine flowers for unwashed hair?
This proverb is used to point out a mismatch between a person's basic condition and their superficial embellishments. It suggests that it is futile or inappropriate to adorn something that is fundamentally dirty or neglected with expensive or beautiful things. It is often used when someone tries to show off with luxuries while lacking basic necessities or hygiene.
ఆంతా మన మంచికే
anta mana manchike
Everything is only for our good.
Normally used in comforting someone, the statement indicates that acceptance of what befalls one is a positive attitude. Worrying about what is unavoidable serves no purpose. One should realize what will be, will be.
మంచి ఉల్లిగడ్డకు మంచి బొడ్డు.
manchi ulligaddaku manchi boddu.
A good onion has a good navel (core).
This proverb is used to describe something or someone that is of high quality both inside and out. Just as the quality of an onion is determined by its core, the character of a person or the integrity of a thing is judged by its inner essence. It suggests that true quality is consistent throughout.
ఊరంతా ఉల్లిపూస్తే మాలపల్లి మల్లెపూసె
uranta ullipuste malapalli mallepuse
When the whole village bloomed with onions, the dalit hamlet bloomed with jasmine.
This proverb is used to describe a person who behaves contrary to the general trend or logic of their surroundings. It highlights an ironic or defiant situation where someone claims or exhibits something high-end or beautiful (jasmine) while everyone else is dealing with something common or pungent (onions).
మంచి మాటకు మంది అంతా మనవాళ్లే.
manchi mataku mandi anta manavalle.
For a good word, everyone is ours.
This proverb emphasizes that kind speech and pleasant behavior can win over anyone. If you speak politely and kindly, the whole world becomes your kin, whereas harsh words alienate even close friends.
ఉల్లిపూవు ఉల్లిపూవే, మల్లెపూవు మల్లెపూవే.
ullipuvu ullipuve, mallepuvu mallepuve.
An onion flower is an onion flower, a jasmine flower is a jasmine flower.
This expression is used to emphasize that every person or object has its own unique nature, value, and place. It suggests that you cannot compare two inherently different things or expect one to replace the other, as each is significant in its own context.