అన్నం లేకపోయినా పట్టుబట్ట
annam lekapoyina pattubatta
Silk clothes even if there is no food
This expression is used to describe a person who prioritizes vanity, status, or external appearance over basic necessities and practical needs. It highlights a scenario where someone spends money on luxuries to look rich or sophisticated while struggling to afford essential items like food.
Related Phrases
చలాకిగా లేకపోయినా సలాకిలా ఉండాలి
chalakiga lekapoyina salakila undali
Even if you are not active, you should be like an iron rod.
This expression is used to advise someone that even if they lack agility, cleverness, or high energy (Chalakiga), they must at least be firm, strong, and resilient (Salaki - meaning an iron rod or poker) in their character and stance. It emphasizes strength over style.
తిండికి లేకపోయినా తిక్కకేమి లోటు
tindiki lekapoyina tikkakemi lotu
Even if there is no food to eat, there is no shortage of madness.
This proverb is used to describe someone who lacks basic necessities or means but still behaves with arrogance, stubbornness, or eccentric pride. It highlights the irony of a person having plenty of attitude or 'madness' despite their poor or desperate situation.
అన్నము లేకపోతే వరి అన్నము, బట్ట లేకపోతే పట్టుబట్ట.
annamu lekapote vari annamu, batta lekapote pattubatta.
If you have no common food, [give me] the best; if you have no common cloth, [give me] a silk one.
This is a sarcastic expression used to describe someone who, when they lack basic necessities, demands or expects high-end luxuries instead of seeking practical alternatives. It highlights the irony of having extravagant tastes or unrealistic expectations while being in a state of poverty or deprivation.
Said by an impertinent beggar when refused assistance by a stingy person.
అతి రహస్యం బట్టబయలు
ati rahasyam battabayalu
An extreme secret is revealed in the open
This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone tries too hard to keep a secret, but their excessive efforts or suspicious behavior eventually lead to the secret being exposed to everyone. It implies that nothing remains hidden forever, especially when over-guarded.
తెలివికి తల లేకపోయినా, భోజనానికి పొట్ట ఉంది.
teliviki tala lekapoyina, bhojananiki potta undi.
Even if there is no head for intelligence, there is a stomach for food.
This sarcastic expression is used to describe someone who lacks common sense, wisdom, or the desire to work, yet is always ready and eager to eat. It highlights the irony of a person being mentally inactive but physically demanding.
పిన్నమ్మ పెట్టకపోయినా, పోయకపోయినా నామీద బలే ప్రాణం
pinnamma pettakapoyina, poyakapoyina namida bale pranam
Even if younger maternal aunt doesn't serve food or water, she has great love for me.
This expression is used to describe someone who talks a lot about their affection or concern for others but never actually does anything helpful. It highlights the hypocrisy of showing superficial love through words while failing to provide basic necessities or tangible support.
మంత్రంలో పసలేకపోయినా తుంపర్లకు కొదవ లేదు
mantramlo pasalekapoyina tumparlaku kodava ledu
Even if there is no power in the mantra, there is no shortage of spit droplets.
This proverb is used to describe a person who lacks real substance, skill, or power in their work but makes a lot of noise or puts on a big show. Just as a priest might not know the actual hymns (mantras) but spits a lot while chanting, it refers to situations where the external display is excessive while the core quality is missing.
బ్రహ్మజ్ఞానులవారు వచ్చారు, పట్టుబట్టలు భద్రం
brahmajnyanulavaru vachcharu, pattubattalu bhadram
The enlightened one has arrived, keep the silk clothes safe.
This is a sarcastic expression used to warn others about a person who pretends to be holy or spiritual but is actually untrustworthy or likely to steal. It implies that despite the person's lofty talk or appearance, one should be cautious of their belongings.
పాతదొంగ పట్టుబడకపోడు
patadonga pattubadakapodu
An old thief will not remain uncaught forever.
This proverb suggests that no matter how experienced or clever a person is at committing wrongful acts, they will eventually be caught. It is used to warn that one's luck in getting away with misdeeds will eventually run out.
పెట్టేపోతలు లేకపోయినా వట్టి కూతలు ఎందుకు?
pettepotalu lekapoyina vatti kutalu enduku?
Why empty shouts when there are no offerings or deeds?
This expression is used to criticize someone who makes big claims, boasts, or gives advice without actually contributing anything tangible or being helpful. It highlights the hypocrisy of people who use loud words but lack action or generosity.