అన్నీ రుచులు సరేగాని, అందులో ఉప్పు లేదు

anni ruchulu saregani, andulo uppu ledu

Translation

All flavors are fine, but there is no salt in it.

Meaning

This expression is used to describe a situation where everything appears perfect or complete on the surface, but a crucial, essential element is missing that makes the entire effort useless. Just as salt is vital for a meal's taste, certain tasks or relationships are incomplete without their core requirement.

Related Phrases

Like asking about the taste just before starting to eat.

This proverb is used to describe someone's impatience or redundant curiosity when they are about to experience or find out the result anyway. It suggests that there is no point in questioning or speculating about something when the final outcome is imminent and will be known shortly through direct experience.

I was hopeful looking at the appearance, but the gentleman has no substance within.

This proverb is used to describe a person or situation that looks impressive or grand on the outside but lacks actual talent, quality, or depth. It is similar to the English saying 'Don't judge a book by its cover' or 'All that glitters is not gold,' specifically referring to being deceived by outward appearances.

There are many who preach the morals of Srirangam, but none who practice them.

This expression is used to describe hypocrites who give lofty moral advice to others but fail to follow it themselves. It is similar to the English proverb 'Practice what you preach' or 'Do as I say, not as I do.' It highlights the gap between words and actions.

Ninety tastes for a tongue that weighs only a Tola.

This proverb highlights human greed and the constant craving for variety in food. Despite the tongue being a very small organ (a Tola is a small unit of weight), it demands an endless variety of flavors and delicacies. It is used to describe someone who is overly fastidious about food or someone whose desires are disproportionate to their size or status.

You are a relative, that is fine, but do not put your hand in the crop.

This proverb emphasizes that while personal relationships and kinship are important, they should not interfere with business, property, or professional boundaries. It is used to advise someone that being a friend or relative does not grant them the right to meddle in one's livelihood or assets.

All the flavours are right, but there is no salt in it. Said of badly prepared food.

This expression is used to describe a situation where something has all the superficial qualities or fancy elements but lacks the most essential ingredient or core component needed for it to be useful or satisfying. Just as salt is vital for the taste of food, this highlights a fundamental missing piece in an otherwise grand effort.

No help in the royal court, and no salt in the porridge.

This proverb is used to describe a state of complete helplessness or extreme poverty where there is neither protection from the high-ups (the court/government) nor the most basic necessity (salt) for daily survival. It highlights a situation where both external support and internal resources are absent.

Like throwing salt into the fire

This expression is used to describe someone who gets extremely irritated, flares up in anger, or reacts with instant agitation. Just as salt crackles and pops loudly when thrown into a fire, it refers to a person's explosive or sharp temper in response to a situation.

The insect dies in the same place where it was born.

This expression is used to describe a person who is deeply attached to their place of origin, a specific habit, or a particular situation and remains there until the very end, despite better opportunities or the need for change. It signifies that one eventually perishes in the environment or lifestyle they are accustomed to.

Like salt in the fire

This expression is used to describe someone who is extremely agitated, irritable, or prone to sudden outbursts of anger. Just as salt crackles and pops violently when thrown into a fire, it characterizes a person's volatile temperament or a situation that is highly unstable and reactive.