చేయలేని వారికి మాటలు మెండు, చెల్లని రూపాయికి గీతలు మెండు

cheyaleni variki matalu mendu, chellani rupayiki gitalu mendu

Translation

Those who cannot do the work talk a lot; a counterfeit coin has many scratches.

Meaning

This proverb describes people who compensate for their lack of ability or skill with excessive talk and excuses. Just as a fake or invalid coin often has many marks or scratches to hide its flaws or draw attention away from its worthlessness, an incompetent person uses words to hide their inability to perform a task.

Related Phrases

A house already built has many critics.

This proverb is used to describe how people find numerous faults or suggest unnecessary improvements only after a task is completed. It is similar to the English expression 'Hindsight is 20/20' or 'Everyone is a master after the event.'

The barren cow bellows much, and in the year of drought there is much thunder. Much smoke and little roast. (Italian.) All talk and no go.

This proverb describes people who possess little knowledge or substance but make the most noise or display. Just as a cow that doesn't give milk moos loudly, and a riverbed during a drought may produce lightning or illusions of water without providing actual relief, empty or incompetent people often brag or shout the loudest to hide their lack of worth.

The lady who cannot cook seeks for much praise; the gentleman who cannot earn his livelihood is a great eater. He earns a farthing and has a penn'orth of thirst. (Dutch.)

This proverb is used to mock people who make excuses to avoid their responsibilities. It describes a situation where an incapable or lazy person blames physical ailments for not working, while someone who doesn't contribute resources still demands the most benefits. It highlights hypocrisy and laziness within a household or team.

A worthless coin has many rough edges

This proverb is used to describe people who lack substance, skill, or character but make a lot of noise or show off excessively. Just as a counterfeit or worthless coin might have many jagged edges or imperfections, an incompetent person often tries to compensate for their lack of value with arrogance, excuses, or loud behavior.

False gold is very rough.

This proverb means that items or people lacking genuine quality often overcompensate with excessive outward show or boastfulness. Just as impure gold requires more processing or hides behind a rough exterior, an incompetent person often makes the most noise or displays more arrogance than a person of true substance.

An incapable woman has many antics, an invalid coin has many scratches.

This proverb is used to describe people who lack actual skills or competence but try to overcompensate with excessive behavior, excuses, or drama. Just as a counterfeit or damaged coin often has more visible marks or decorations to hide its lack of value, a person who cannot perform a task often puts on a show of being busy or makes a lot of fuss to distract from their inadequacy.

There are more small sacks than big ones.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where there are more advisors or supervisors than actual workers. It points out an imbalance where there is an abundance of secondary or unnecessary things compared to the primary essentials, similar to the English expression 'Too many chiefs and not enough Indians.'

A woman who cannot work has many antics; a woman who cannot cook has many grievances.

This proverb describes people who make excuses or create drama to avoid their responsibilities. It is used to mock those who lack skill or willingness to work but pretend to be busy or complain about external factors to hide their incompetence.

Difficulty is plenty for the impossible; scratches are plenty on a worthless coin.

This proverb is used to describe things or people that are useless or ineffective but require an excessive amount of effort or come with unnecessary complications. It highlights that a task that doesn't yield results often feels more burdensome, just as a counterfeit or worthless coin often has more markings or scratches than a genuine one.

For that which is not meant to be, troubles are many

This expression is used to describe a situation or a project that is destined to fail or is inherently problematic. It suggests that when something is not right or is 'ill-fated', one will encounter an excessive number of obstacles and complications. It is often said when someone is struggling with a task that seems to be going wrong at every turn.