అతుకు కుట్టు వస్తుంది గాని, అక్షంత కుట్టు రాదు; తీర్పు కుట్టు వస్తుంది గాని, దిబ్బ కుట్టు రాదు

atuku kuttu vastundi gani, akshanta kuttu radu; tirpu kuttu vastundi gani, dibba kuttu radu

Translation

One might know how to sew a patch, but not how to sew a decorative rice-grain stitch; one might know how to finish a seam, but not how to make a thick, sturdy stitch.

Meaning

This expression highlights a person's limited or superficial skill set. It describes someone who knows how to do basic, rudimentary tasks (like patching a hole) but lacks the expertise or finesse required for delicate, decorative, or highly specialized work. It is used to point out that knowing the basics of a craft does not make one a master of its intricate details.

Related Phrases

Does a stitch (on a garment) appear as soon as you eat a crepe?

This expression is used to highlight that some results take time and cannot be achieved instantly. It suggests that actions and their consequences aren't always immediate, emphasizing patience or the realistic timeline of a process.

Can he who has sewn himself a quilt, not cover himself with it?

This proverb implies that someone who has the skill and effort to create or achieve something is certainly capable of enjoying its benefits or managing its outcomes. It is used to suggest that if a person can handle a difficult task, they can surely handle the simple result of that task.

Until eating it is hunger's sting; after eating it is a stick's sting.

This expression highlights the fickle nature of desire or the physical toll of overindulgence. It describes a situation where one is desperate and eager for something (like food) until they get it, but immediately suffers the consequences or feels burdened/lethargic once the desire is satisfied.

Pricking of hunger until eating, and pricking of the stomach after eating.

This proverb refers to a situation where one is never satisfied or comfortable. It describes people who complain about being hungry before they eat, and then complain about being too full or having stomach discomfort after eating. It is used to mock someone who is always grumbling regardless of the circumstances.

Dryness is a secret, but the harvest is a public announcement.

This proverb suggests that while a farmer's struggles or the initial dry conditions of the soil might be kept private, the eventual success (or failure) of the harvest is visible to everyone in the village. It is used to imply that results eventually reveal the truth of one's efforts.

Is this natural fragrance, or borrowed perfume ? Said of a man of great pretensions but of no real learning.

This expression is used to distinguish between natural, inherent qualities (character or talent) and artificial, acquired, or temporary ones. It emphasizes that true nature (puttu vasana) is permanent, while external influences or pretenses (pettu vasana) are transient.

Can the one who stitched the quilt not cover himself with it?

This proverb implies that someone who is capable of performing a difficult or laborious task is certainly capable of enjoying or managing the final result. It is often used to suggest that if a person can handle the hard work of creation or preparation, they surely possess the simple right or ability to utilize what they have made.

Won't a stomach that ate flattened rice cry out for its stitches?

This proverb is used to describe a situation where one must inevitably face the consequences of their actions, specifically referring to the physical or financial strain caused by indulging in something beyond one's means or capacity. Just as flattened rice (atukulu) swells in the stomach and causes discomfort, certain actions will eventually demand a 'price' or cause a reaction.

The time of the day passes, but the word spoken remains.

This proverb emphasizes the lasting impact of words compared to the temporary nature of time. While moments pass and hardships are forgotten, a promise made or a hurtful word spoken stays in people's memories forever. It is used to advise someone to be careful with their speech and to honor their commitments.

Stitching an old cloth is a waste of thread

This proverb is used to describe a situation where attempting to repair or fix something that is completely worn out, outdated, or beyond saving is a futile effort. It suggests that the resources (time, money, or effort) spent on such a task are wasted because the object is no longer viable.