అంటుకోను ఆముదము లేకుంటే మీసాలకు సంపెంగ నూనె
antukonu amudamu lekunte misalaku sampenga nune
If there is no castor oil for basic application, then Champaca oil for the mustache.
This proverb is used to mock people who cannot afford basic necessities yet indulge in luxuries or maintain a false sense of vanity. It highlights the irony of someone lacking essentials (like cheap castor oil for general use) but pretending to be high-status by demanding expensive items (like fragrant Champaca oil for their mustache).
Related Phrases
మోహము లేకపోతే, మోదము లేదు.
mohamu lekapote, modamu ledu.
Where there is no love, there is no delight.
This proverb explains that without passion, attachment, or desire (Mohamu) for something, one cannot experience true happiness or delight (Modamu) in achieving or having it. It highlights that interest is the prerequisite for enjoyment.
కింద పడినా మీసానికి మన్ను కాలేదన్నట్లు
kinda padina misaniki mannu kaledannatlu
Like saying no dirt touched the mustache even after falling down.
This expression is used to describe a person who refuses to admit defeat or a mistake despite a clear failure. It portrays an arrogant attitude where someone tries to save face or maintain their pride with a flimsy excuse even when their failure is obvious to everyone.
మింగమెతుకు లేదుగానీ, మీసాలకు సంపెంగ నూనె.
mingametuku ledugani, misalaku sampenga nune.
There isn't a grain of food to swallow, but champaca oil for the mustache.
This proverb is used to describe a person who lacks basic necessities but indulges in expensive luxuries or puts on a show of wealth. It mocks vanity and the habit of maintaining a false status while struggling with essential needs.
తన దీపమని ముద్దు పెట్టుకుంటే తన మీసాలు కాలకుండా ఉంటాయా
tana dipamani muddu pettukunte tana misalu kalakunda untaya
If you kiss a lamp because it is your own, will your mustache not get burnt?
This proverb highlights that certain laws of nature or consequences are inevitable, regardless of ownership or affection. Just because something belongs to you doesn't mean it won't harm you if you handle it recklessly. It is used to caution people that favoritism or personal attachment cannot protect one from the negative results of a dangerous action.
మింగను మెతుకు లేదు, మీసాలకు సంపెంగ నూనె అట
minganu metuku ledu, misalaku sampenga nune ata
Not a single grain of rice to swallow, but Champak oil for the mustache.
This proverb is used to describe a person who lacks basic necessities but indulges in or shows off with extravagant luxuries. It mocks hypocritical behavior where someone tries to maintain a high social status or vanity despite being in poverty.
మింగ మెతుకు లేదు, మీసాల మీదికి సంపెంగనూనె
minga metuku ledu, misala midiki sampenganune
Not a grain to eat, but scented oil for his mustaches.
This proverb is used to describe a person who lacks basic necessities (like food) but indulges in expensive luxuries or maintains a false sense of status to show off to others. It mocks superficial vanity and the act of maintaining appearances while suffering in poverty.
Love of outward show disproportionate to one's means.
కూటికి గతిలేదుగాని, మీసాలకు సంపెంగ నూనె
kutiki gatiledugani, misalaku sampenga nune
There is no food to eat, but Champaca oil for the mustache.
This proverb is used to describe a person who lacks basic necessities or is in poverty, yet indulges in unnecessary luxuries or maintains a false sense of pride and status. It highlights the irony of someone prioritizing vanity over survival.
మింగ మెతుకు లేదు మీసాలాకి సంపెంగ నూనె
minga metuku ledu misalaki sampenga nune
Literally, no food to eat but for the moustache perfumed oil.
This is said when one does not live within one’s means. Extravagance is to be avoided at any cost, as it would turn one into a pauper sooner than later.
మింగ మెతుకు లేదు గానీ, మీసాలకు సంపెంగ నూనె అన్నాడట.
minga metuku ledu gani, misalaku sampenga nune annadata.
He doesn't have a single grain to swallow, but he wants champaca oil for his mustache.
This proverb describes a person who lacks basic necessities or is in a state of poverty, yet tries to maintain a fake, luxurious, or boastful outward appearance. It is used to mock people who focus on superficial vanity while neglecting their essential needs.
వానలుంటే పంటలు, లేకుంటే మంటలు
vanalunte pantalu, lekunte mantalu
If there are rains, there are crops; if not, there are fires.
This proverb highlights the critical importance of rainfall for agriculture. It signifies that timely rains lead to prosperity and food security (crops), whereas a lack of rain leads to drought, starvation, and economic devastation (metaphorically referred to as fires/suffering).