వరి చెడి ఊదర బలిసినట్లు

vari chedi udara balisinatlu

Translation

Like the rice crop failing while the weeds flourish

Meaning

This expression is used to describe a situation where the main objective or productive element is ruined, while useless or parasitic elements thrive. It refers to a field where the actual paddy crop is destroyed, but the weeds (Oodara) grow thick and healthy. It is used in contexts where unworthy people prosper at the expense of the worthy.

Related Phrases

Like a cumin seed getting fat and becoming a log/beam.

This proverb is used to describe an insignificant person who grows arrogant due to a slight increase in wealth or status. It highlights the absurdity of a tiny thing (cumin seed) imagining itself to be something massive and sturdy (a heavy wooden beam or log).

Like mixing buttermilk and milk, and then trying to curdle the buttermilk.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone attempts a task that is inherently contradictory or logically impossible. Just as milk and buttermilk neutralize or change each other's properties when mixed, making it impossible to treat the result as just one of the original substances, this phrase highlights futility or confusion in actions.

No matter how fat a pig gets, it will never become a Nandi (sacred bull).

This proverb is used to say that outward appearance or physical growth cannot change one's inherent nature, character, or status. Just as a pig cannot become a divine bull by simply gaining weight, an unworthy person cannot become noble or great just by acquiring wealth or power.

Like a sheep growing fat and coming into the slaughterhouse.

This expression is used to describe someone who, out of overconfidence or arrogance due to their prosperity or strength, unknowingly walks straight into trouble or invites their own downfall. It signifies that being overly proud or reckless because of one's resources can lead to a trap or a dangerous situation.

One can have a relationship with those who were once wealthy and became poor, but one should not with those who were poor and became wealthy.

This proverb suggests that people who have fallen from a high status usually retain their values, culture, and humility. In contrast, those who suddenly gain wealth after being poor might become arrogant, boastful, or lack the character to handle their new status appropriately. It is a cautionary advice on choosing associations based on character and background rather than current financial standing.

Even if your situation worsens, your sense/mind should not go bad.

This expression means that even when one falls on hard times or loses their status, they should not lose their integrity, common sense, or wisdom. It is used to encourage someone to stay principled and mentally strong during a crisis.

Like extracting fiber from hair

This expression describes a task that is practically impossible or an attempt to find something where it doesn't exist. It is used to mock someone who is being overly pedantic, searching for non-existent flaws, or attempting a futile, logic-defying action.

Look at my finery/makeup, O golden husband!

This is a sarcastic expression used to describe a person who tries to hide their incompetence, flaws, or failures by putting on a showy exterior or focusing on superficial appearances. It originates from a folk story where a woman uses elaborate dressing as a distraction from her lack of skill or a mistake she made.

If cattle get fat they go to work, if a person gets arrogant they go to the cemetery.

This proverb warns against arrogance and over-indulgence. In the case of livestock, gaining weight/strength means they are put to harder labor. However, when a human becomes 'fat' with ego or pride (balupu), it leads to their downfall or destruction. It is often used to humble someone who is acting overly proud or reckless due to their wealth or power.

Like a wet knot tightening further.

This expression is used to describe a situation or problem that becomes more complicated, stubborn, or difficult to resolve over time or due to certain actions. Just as a wet hemp rope or knot becomes tighter and harder to undo, some issues become increasingly rigid and unmanageable.