ఆయన ఉంటే విస్తరి అయినా కుట్టును

ayana unte vistari ayina kuttunu

Translation

If he were here, he would at least stitch the leaf platter.

Meaning

This proverb is used to describe someone who was unproductive or useless while alive, but is now being remembered with exaggerated importance or false hope by others. It mocks the act of attributing potential skills or value to someone after they are gone, when in reality, they contributed very little.

Related Phrases

When asked to clear the leaves (plates), counting the leaf-plates instead.

This proverb describes a person who, instead of doing the work assigned to them, engages in useless tasks or makes excuses by over-analyzing the situation. It is used to criticize someone who procrastinates or avoids simple labor by focusing on irrelevant details.

When told not to come to the feast, asking them to bring the leaf plate.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone is explicitly unwelcome or rejected from a core activity, yet they are still expected to perform chores or provide service for that same activity. It highlights the irony and unfairness of excluding someone while still trying to exploit their labor.

[ Like a widow saying ] " if he were alive, he would at least call the barber."

This expression is used to describe a person who is extremely talkative or craves company to such an extent that they would strike up a conversation with anyone available, regardless of their status or the relevance of the topic, just to avoid being alone or silent.

This is a reproach to the husband as being a useless fellow only fit to be employed as a messenger, and is also a joke, as the widow only, and not the wife, requires the services of a barber, to shave her head.

If he (the husband) were there, why would we need a barber?

This proverb is used to describe a situation where if the primary person or the necessary resource were available, one wouldn't have to seek an alternative or inferior help. It is often used to highlight a lack of self-sufficiency or the absence of a key person that forces one to depend on others.

An empty leaf plate jumps up and down, while a full leaf plate stays calm and steady.

This proverb is used to describe human behavior regarding knowledge and wealth. A person with little knowledge or substance often boasts loudly and makes a lot of noise to get attention, whereas a truly wise or wealthy person remains humble, composed, and silent. It is the Telugu equivalent of 'Empty vessels make the most noise.'

One must be a master of alms or a master of lakhs. i. e. either a beggar or a very rich man.

This proverb emphasizes that one should aim for extremes rather than being stuck in the middle. It suggests that a person should either be completely detached from worldly possessions (like a master ascetic/beggar) or be immensely wealthy (a millionaire), as both positions command a certain type of freedom or influence, whereas being in the middle often brings struggle and dissatisfaction.

A snake is the same whether small or big.

This expression is used to signify that danger or an enemy should not be underestimated based on size or scale. Just as a small snake's venom can be as lethal as a large one's, a problem or opponent remains dangerous regardless of their stature.

Like a leaf-plate torn by a dog

This expression describes something that is completely ruined, mangled, or left in a state of utter disorder. It is used to refer to situations, objects, or systems that have been damaged beyond repair or rendered messy due to clumsy or destructive handling.

One should either become a master of begging or a millionaire.

This expression emphasizes that one should aim for extremes or total mastery in their chosen path rather than being mediocre. It suggests that there is no point in being 'in-between' or average; one should either reach the pinnacle of wealth or, if choosing a humble path, be the most detached or humble version of it. It is often used to encourage commitment to a goal.

If you say 'wet land', they say 'paddy'.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone makes a very obvious or redundant statement. Since paddy is the primary crop grown on wet lands (tari), saying 'paddy' when 'wet land' is mentioned is an unnecessary clarification of the obvious.