చదవ నేర్తువా వ్రాయ నేర్తువా అంటే, చదవా వ్రాయా నేరనుగాని చించ నేర్తును అన్నాడట.

chadava nertuva vraya nertuva ante, chadava vraya neranugani chincha nertunu annadata.

Translation

When asked whether he could read and write, he said, "I can't read or write, but I can tear."

Meaning

This proverb is used to describe a person who is incompetent or destructive rather than being helpful or skilled. It mockingly refers to someone who lacks basic constructive skills but claims expertise in useless or damaging actions.

Related Phrases

One who says 'who am I to know everything' is wise, while one who claims to know everything earns blame.

This expression highlights the importance of humility and the dangers of arrogance. It suggests that a person who acknowledges their limitations and the vastness of knowledge is respected, whereas a person who boastfully claims to know everything eventually makes mistakes or faces criticism when their ignorance is exposed. It is often used to advise someone to remain humble about their skills or knowledge.

The word spoken with learning is the word of an expert.

This expression emphasizes that knowledge and skill bring weight to one's words. It suggests that when someone speaks after truly learning or mastering a subject, their words carry authority and wisdom, distinguishing them as a capable or clever person (Neravaadi).

A barking dog never bites. Great barkers are nae biters. (Scotch.) A barking cur does not bite. (Italian.)

This proverb is used to describe people who make loud threats or talk aggressively but rarely take any real action. It suggests that those who boast or bluster the most are often the least dangerous.

When asked 'Can you read or write?', he replied, 'I cannot read, but I can tear the paper.'

This proverb is used to describe someone who lacks constructive skills but is proficient in destruction or making excuses. It highlights incompetence where a person, instead of performing a task, focuses on undoing or ruining it. It is often used to mock people who are useless or lazy when it comes to meaningful work.

Learn to lie, then learn to support that lie.

This expression suggests that if one chooses to tell a lie, they must also have the cleverness and consistency to maintain it without getting caught. It is used to remark on the complexity of deception and the need for a 'logical cover' when being dishonest.

When someone who rarely does anything goes to eat jamun fruits, crimes were pinned on them.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where an innocent or inexperienced person tries to do something simple or enjoy a rare treat, but ends up being blamed for something wrong or getting into unexpected trouble. It signifies bad timing or being caught in a streak of misfortune.

When set to read, the [ little ] sense he had left him.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone's attempt to learn or improve themselves results in them becoming more confused or losing the common sense they originally had. It is often applied to people who overthink simple things or become less practical after formal education.

Making bad worse. John has been to school to learn to be a fool. ( French. )* ' Jean a étudié pour être bête,

Will the one who only hoards know how to enjoy the meal?

This proverb highlights that people who are obsessed with accumulating wealth often lack the ability to spend it on themselves or enjoy the comforts of life. It is used to describe a miserly person who focuses entirely on saving and never experiences the fruits of their labor.

A woman who knows how to eat also knows how to serve.

This proverb implies that someone who enjoys or appreciates the value of something will also know how to provide it to others. In a broader sense, it means that a person who understands their own needs and comforts is better equipped to care for the needs of others. It is often used to describe someone's hospitality or their proficiency in managing resources.

Before studying he said 'Vara Vara', and after studying he said 'Vada Vada'.

This proverb is used to mock someone whose education or learning has not improved their wisdom or has actually made them more confused or foolish. It describes a situation where despite putting in the effort to learn, the person remains ignorant or produces nonsensical results, often misapplying their knowledge.