అన్ని రుచులూ సరేగాని, అందులో ఉప్పు లేదు.

anni ruchulu saregani, andulo uppu ledu.

Translation

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

Meaning

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.

Related Phrases

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.

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.

If he puts a little salt in the palm of your hand, you should think of it for six months. The duty of gratitude.

This expression emphasizes the virtue of gratitude. It suggests that one should be thankful and remember even the smallest act of kindness or the tiniest gift (symbolized by a pinch of salt) for a long time. It is used to teach people not to be ungrateful for the help they receive.

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

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.

For the husband who does not love his wife, there is not enough salt in the İlakûra.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone who is already biased or displeased with another person will find faults in everything they do, no matter how trivial or perfect the work is. It suggests that when there is a lack of affection or a pre-existing prejudice, excuses for criticism are easily invented.

This herb ( Salsola Indica ) is occasionally used as a vegetable, and is naturally very salt. Where there is no love, all are faults. If you want a pretence to whip a dog, it is enough to say he ate up the frying pan.

They count the days (spent), but nobody looks at the sorrow (endured).

This expression is used when people are quick to count the benefits, time, or wages given to someone, but completely ignore the hardships, pain, or effort that person went through to complete the task. It highlights the lack of empathy in a transactional or judgmental society.

The pedigree of a family numbering three hundred branches cannot be traced nor can a shoe be made to fit a mained foot. A hopeless task.

This is a traditional proverb reflecting historical social observations. The first part suggests that a large, united community (specifically the Munnuru Kapu) is resilient and protected from threats. The second part is a metaphorical observation that some things are impractical or impossible, such as fitting a sandal on a leg without a foot. It is used to describe inherent strengths or undeniable, sometimes harsh, realities.

Put the faultless man into the salt. If you cannot ruin him in any other way, put him into the Salt Depart- ment—there, you can easily bring a charge of dishonesty against him and get rid of him.

This proverb is used to describe an illogical, unjust, or tyrannical person who punishes someone innocent. Just as putting someone in salt is painful and destructive, the saying highlights the height of injustice where a person who has done nothing wrong is subjected to severe punishment due to someone's whim or arrogance.

Rice water and salt without debt are good.

This proverb emphasizes the peace of mind that comes with being debt-free. It suggests that living a humble life with minimal resources is far superior to living in luxury or comfort if it means being burdened by financial debt.

Without debt, without care. (Italian.) * He is rich enough who owes nothing. (French.)†