వీసానికి వీసన్నర అయితే, దూలన్నర ఎంత?
visaniki visannara ayite, dulannara enta?
If a rafter and half goes for a Visam, how much for a beam and a half? Chaffing an arithmetician.
This proverb is used to mock someone who is bad at basic arithmetic or logic. It illustrates a situation where a simple calculation is over-complicated or where the math is nonsensical, highlighting the absurdity of the person's reasoning or the disproportionate nature of a deal.
Related Phrases
గవ్వన్నరకు గడ్డం గొరుగుతానంటే, వెంట్రుకన్నరకు ఎంత అన్నాడట?
gavvannaraku gaddam gorugutanante, ventrukannaraku enta annadata?
When told a beard would be shaved for one and a half cowrie shells, he asked how much it would cost for one and a half hairs.
This proverb is used to describe a person who is extremely stingy or excessively calculative over trivial matters. It mocks someone who tries to negotiate or find a bargain even when the price is already negligibly low, often missing the bigger picture due to their pettiness.
ఉద్దర అయితే నాకిద్దరు అన్నాడట.
uddara ayite nakiddaru annadata.
If it is for free, give me two, he said.
This proverb is used to mock people who are overly greedy or take undue advantage when something is offered for free. It describes a situation where someone wants more than they need simply because they don't have to pay for it.
మేడసాని కులానికి మంగసాని డోలు
medasani kulaniki mangasani dolu
The drum of the barber woman for the Medasani caste.
This expression is used to describe a situation where the resources, tools, or methods applied are mismatched or disproportionate to the task or the group involved. It often highlights irony or a lack of coordination where one person's actions or style do not suit the status or nature of another.
ఉల్లి ముట్టనిదీ వాసన రాదు
ulli muttanidi vasana radu
Unless you had touched the garlick [ your fingers ] would not have smelt.
This proverb is equivalent to 'There is no smoke without fire.' It suggests that rumors or accusations usually have some basis in truth, or that an effect must have a cause.
If you had not meddled with a bad business you would not have got a bad name. He who touches pitch defiles himself. ( Italian. )*
అన్నరసముకన్నా ఆదరణరసము మేలు
annarasamukanna adaranarasamu melu
A kind reception is better than a feast.
This proverb emphasizes that when hosting someone, the warmth, hospitality, and respect shown to the guest are far more important than the quality or quantity of the food served. It is used to highlight that material offerings lose their value if they are not given with a kind heart.
Welcome is the best cheer. In hospitality it is the spirit that is the chief thing. (Greek.)
వీసానికి వాసిన్నర అయితే, దూలన్నర ఎంత?
visaniki vasinnara ayite, dulannara enta?
If a 'veesam' costs one-and-a-half 'vaasi', how much is a 'doolannara'?
This is a sarcastic expression used to dismiss someone who is talking nonsense or using complex, made-up calculations to confuse others. It is a retort to illogical arguments or meaningless statistics, essentially asking 'If your premise is nonsense, what is the value of this other nonsense?'
బ్రతికే బిడ్డ అయితే, పాశిన వాసన ఎందుకు వస్తుంది?
bratike bidda ayite, pashina vasana enduku vastundi?
If the child is to live, why should there be such an offensive smell? Said of a sure sign.
This proverb is used to describe a situation or project that is doomed to fail from the start. Just as a healthy living child would not smell of decay, a successful endeavor should not show signs of failure or corruption in its early stages. It is often used to criticize something that is obviously failing despite claims to the contrary.
అన్నరసం కన్న ఆదరణరసం మేలు
annarasam kanna adaranarasam melu
Kind hospitality is better than the flavor of the food itself.
This proverb emphasizes that how one is treated (with respect and warmth) is more important than the quality of the meal being served. It is used to highlight that heartfelt hospitality and a welcoming attitude hold more value than material offerings or luxury.
వీసం ఇచ్చి వాసానికి ఒడ్డినట్లు
visam ichchi vasaniki oddinatlu
Like giving a small fraction and aiming for a heavy beam.
This proverb is used to describe a person who invests something very small or trivial (Veesam) and expects a huge return or result (Vaasam - a heavy roof beam). It highlights disproportionate expectations, greed, or someone trying to gain a large advantage with a negligible effort or investment.
వీసము ఇచ్చి వాసానికి వచ్చేవాడు
visamu ichchi vasaniki vachchevadu
One who gives a Visam and expects a Vâsam.
This proverb describes a person who provides a very small or insignificant amount of help (a 'veesamu' was a tiny unit of currency) and expects an exorbitantly large return or attempts to take over a significant asset (the house beam). It is used to caution against opportunistic people who leverage minor favors to gain major control.
— Vâsam is a rafter ; ( the original word has been retained to preserve the jingle . )