చతురతకు జాణగాడేగాని, చేతిలో చిల్లిగవ్వలేదు

chaturataku janagadegani, chetilo chilligavvaledu

Translation

He is a clever man in wit, but doesn't have a broken cowry shell in his hand.

Meaning

This expression describes a person who is extremely eloquent, smart, or boastful in conversation but is actually penniless or lacks any real resources. It is used to mock someone who talks big despite being in a state of absolute poverty.

Related Phrases

Anxiety exists, but struggle does not

This expression is used to describe a person who talks a lot about their desires, worries, or goals but fails to take any concrete action or put in the necessary effort to achieve them. It highlights the gap between mere wishing and actual hard work.

Only waste of castor oil, but not [ saving ] the child's life. Useless endeavours.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where, despite putting in effort, resources, or expensive remedies, the desired result is not achieved. It signifies a futile attempt where the investment (symbolized by the medicinal castor oil) is lost without saving the outcome (symbolized by the child).

A mirror in a woman's hand and a child in a man's hand do not survive.

This is a traditional proverb highlighting gender-stereotypical roles from the past. It suggests that a mirror in a woman's hand will break because she uses it too frequently, and a baby in a man's hand will not thrive because he lacks the natural nurturing patience or skill required for childcare. In modern usage, it is often cited to remark on the lack of care or the inherent risk of mishandling something when it is not in the hands of an 'expert' or 'natural' caretaker.

There is no good for a mother-in-law, and there is no raw state for a tamarind.

This proverb highlights two perceived universal truths: that a mother-in-law is rarely seen as 'good' or appreciated by a daughter-in-law, just as a tamarind fruit is almost never considered truly 'raw' because of its inherent sourness and immediate utility. It is used to describe situations where a person's nature is fixed or where a certain relationship is traditionally difficult and unlikely to change.

There are many to say it's bad, but none to put something in the hand.

This proverb describes a situation where many people are ready to criticize one's poverty, struggles, or bad circumstances, but no one is willing to step forward and offer actual financial or material help. It is used to highlight the hypocrisy of society which offers criticism instead of support.

Like letting go of one's hand in the middle of a river.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone is abandoned or left without support in the middle of a crisis or a difficult situation, especially after being promised help initially.

A budding desire cannot be hidden in the hand

This expression suggests that a new or growing desire, passion, or intention is impossible to conceal for long. Just as a growing sprout cannot be contained within a closed fist, one's true feelings or ambitions will eventually manifest and become visible to others.

Only the sound of footsteps is heard, but the journey does not progress.

This expression is used to describe a situation where there is a lot of noise, talk, or activity, but no actual progress or results are being achieved. It is similar to the English idiom 'All talk and no action'.

A household without mischief/noise is not even worth a broken shell.

This proverb suggests that a home without the lively noise of children, laughter, or even minor disagreements is lifeless and lacks true value. It emphasizes that a vibrant, slightly chaotic family life is better than a silent, empty one. It is often used to comfort parents when their children are being naughty or to highlight the joy of a bustling household.

The bridegroom is ours, but his earrings are not ours.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone or something might be closely related to you or under your control, but the resources or assets they possess belong to someone else. It highlights the distinction between personal relationships and ownership of property, or a situation where one's authority is limited despite a close connection.