చలాకిగా లేకపోయినా సలాకిలా ఉండాలి
chalakiga lekapoyina salakila undali
Even if you are not active, you should be like an iron rod.
This expression is used to advise someone that even if they lack agility, cleverness, or high energy (Chalakiga), they must at least be firm, strong, and resilient (Salaki - meaning an iron rod or poker) in their character and stance. It emphasizes strength over style.
Related Phrases
తిండికి లేకపోయినా తిక్కకేమి లోటు
tindiki lekapoyina tikkakemi lotu
Even if there is no food to eat, there is no shortage of madness.
This proverb is used to describe someone who lacks basic necessities or means but still behaves with arrogance, stubbornness, or eccentric pride. It highlights the irony of a person having plenty of attitude or 'madness' despite their poor or desperate situation.
అన్నము లేకపోతే వరి అన్నము, బట్ట లేకపోతే పట్టుబట్ట.
annamu lekapote vari annamu, batta lekapote pattubatta.
If you have no common food, [give me] the best; if you have no common cloth, [give me] a silk one.
This is a sarcastic expression used to describe someone who, when they lack basic necessities, demands or expects high-end luxuries instead of seeking practical alternatives. It highlights the irony of having extravagant tastes or unrealistic expectations while being in a state of poverty or deprivation.
Said by an impertinent beggar when refused assistance by a stingy person.
ఎద్దుకాలిలో ముల్లంత లేకపోయినా, ఏడూళ్ళ పెత్తనానికి తక్కువలేదు
eddukalilo mullanta lekapoyina, edulla pettananiki takkuvaledu
Even if one doesn't have the worth of a thorn in a bull's foot, there is no lack of bossing over seven villages.
This proverb is used to describe a person who lacks any real capability, substance, or worth, yet constantly tries to exert authority or interfere in others' affairs. It mocks someone who acts like a leader despite having zero credentials or value.
తెలివికి తల లేకపోయినా, భోజనానికి పొట్ట ఉంది.
teliviki tala lekapoyina, bhojananiki potta undi.
Even if there is no head for intelligence, there is a stomach for food.
This sarcastic expression is used to describe someone who lacks common sense, wisdom, or the desire to work, yet is always ready and eager to eat. It highlights the irony of a person being mentally inactive but physically demanding.
మంత్రంలో పసలేకపోయినా తుంపర్లకు కొదవ లేదు
mantramlo pasalekapoyina tumparlaku kodava ledu
Even if there is no power in the mantra, there is no shortage of spit droplets.
This proverb is used to describe a person who lacks real substance, skill, or power in their work but makes a lot of noise or puts on a big show. Just as a priest might not know the actual hymns (mantras) but spits a lot while chanting, it refers to situations where the external display is excessive while the core quality is missing.
కాకిలా తిరిగాడు, హంసలా ఈదాడు.
kakila tirigadu, hamsala idadu.
Wandered like a crow, swam like a swan.
This expression describes a person who has spent a long time searching or struggling through various difficulties (wandering aimlessly like a crow) but eventually finds grace, success, or a smooth path (swimming elegantly like a swan). It highlights a transformation from a state of struggle to a state of dignity and ease.
అన్నం లేకపోయినా పట్టుబట్ట
annam lekapoyina pattubatta
Silk clothes even if there is no food
This expression is used to describe a person who prioritizes vanity, status, or external appearance over basic necessities and practical needs. It highlights a scenario where someone spends money on luxuries to look rich or sophisticated while struggling to afford essential items like food.
పెట్టేపోతలు లేకపోయినా వట్టి కూతలు ఎందుకు?
pettepotalu lekapoyina vatti kutalu enduku?
Why empty shouts when there are no offerings or deeds?
This expression is used to criticize someone who makes big claims, boasts, or gives advice without actually contributing anything tangible or being helpful. It highlights the hypocrisy of people who use loud words but lack action or generosity.
ఎక్కువైన సొమ్ము బ్రహ్మలకిత్తునా, బట్లకిత్తునా
ekkuvaina sommu brahmalakittuna, batlakittuna
Should I give the excess money to Brahmins or to the bards (Bhats)?
This expression is used sarcastically to describe a situation where someone who actually has nothing (or is in debt) talks grandly about how to spend non-existent surplus wealth. It highlights the absurdity of worrying about distributing profits when one is actually facing losses.
భయమైనా ఉండాలి, భక్తి అయినా ఉండాలి
bhayamaina undali, bhakti ayina undali
There should be either fear or devotion
This expression is used to emphasize that a person should be governed by some form of discipline. It implies that if one does not have genuine respect (devotion) for authority or rules, they should at least have a fear of the consequences of breaking them. It is often used in contexts of parenting, workplace management, or social conduct to suggest that a complete lack of both leads to chaos or irresponsible behavior.