బూతు లేనిదే నీతి లేదు

butu lenide niti ledu

Translation

There is no morality without profanity.

Meaning

This expression suggests that to truly understand or highlight what is moral and righteous, one must also acknowledge or encounter the base, crude, or immoral aspects of life. It implies that wisdom often comes from experiencing or witnessing the 'raw' realities of the world, or that strict moral lessons often stem from instances of bad behavior.

Related Phrases

Without light there is no darkness, and without darkness there is no light.

This expression highlights the concept of duality and interdependence. It signifies that opposites define each other; we cannot understand or appreciate success without failure, joy without sorrow, or good without evil. It is used to explain that contrasting elements are essential parts of a whole existence.

If there is no darkness, why is a lamp needed?

This proverb highlights the importance of context and necessity. It suggests that the value of something (like help, knowledge, or resources) is only realized when there is a problem or a deficiency to address. It is often used to explain that greatness or solutions are only recognized in the presence of challenges.

What does it matter if a son who ruins his family name lives long or not?

This expression emphasizes that quality of character is more important than longevity. If a person brings disgrace or ruin to their family line, their presence is considered worthless to the lineage, regardless of how long they live.

If there is no word, there is no place.

This proverb emphasizes the importance of communication and social interaction. It suggests that if you do not speak or express yourself properly, you will not find a place for yourself in society or in a specific situation. It is often used to encourage people to speak up or to highlight that social status and inclusion are built through speech and reputation.

One without morals is a monkey, one with morals is a woman.

This traditional expression emphasizes the importance of ethics and character. It suggests that a person lacking moral values is as unpredictable or undisciplined as a monkey, whereas a person (specifically referring to a woman in this poetic context) with integrity and principles is truly noble and respected.

Neither a string nor a top

This expression is used to describe a person who is irresponsible, lacks roots, or has no attachments or accountability. Just as a spinning top cannot be controlled or operated without a string, it refers to someone who is wandering aimlessly or a situation that has no proper foundation or control.

Neither did the mother-in-law say yes, nor did the daughter-in-law say no.

This expression describes a state of total agreement or perfect harmony between two parties. It is often used to describe situations where there is no conflict, or conversely, used sarcastically to describe a situation where no progress is being made because no one is taking a definitive stand or challenging the other.

Neither the bite of a frog, nor the blow of a Brahmin.

This expression is used to describe something that is completely harmless or insignificant. Since frogs do not bite and Brahmins (traditionally viewed as non-violent scholars) do not strike, the phrase suggests that there is no danger or impact to worry about from a particular source or situation.

Even if there is no food to eat, the application of eye-liner (kajal) does not stop.

This proverb describes a person who prioritizes vanity, appearances, or superficial habits over basic necessities and survival. It is used to critique someone who is struggling financially but refuses to give up their expensive hobbies, makeup, or luxury lifestyle.

There is no rhythm in the blowing horn.

This expression is used to describe a situation or a statement that is inconsistent, lacks logic, or is completely nonsensical. It refers to something that sounds loud or important but lacks any substance or harmony.