చీకటి లేకుంటే దీపమేమిటికి?
chikati lekunte dipamemitiki?
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.
Related Phrases
వెలుగు లేకున్నా చీకటి లేదు, చీకటి లేకున్నా వెలుగు లేదు.
velugu lekunna chikati ledu, chikati lekunna velugu ledu.
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.
పగలు చస్తే వాటికి లేదు, రాత్రి చస్తే దీపము లేదు
pagalu chaste vatiki ledu, ratri chaste dipamu ledu
If one dies during the day, there is nothing for the mouth; if one dies at night, there is no lamp.
This proverb describes a state of extreme, wretched poverty where a family lacks even the most basic resources to perform funeral rites. It is used to highlight situations of utter destitution where someone has nothing to fall back on, regardless of the timing or circumstances of their hardship.
దీపం కింద చీకటి
dipam kinda chikati
It is always dark underneath a lamp. Rogucy hides under the judgment seat.
This proverb refers to a situation where someone who provides light, knowledge, or help to the world fails to apply the same to their own immediate surroundings or family. It is used to describe an influential or talented person whose own home or private life remains in neglect or ignorance.
బూతు లేనిదే నీతి లేదు
butu lenide niti ledu
There is no morality without profanity.
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.
పగలు చస్తే వత్తికి లేదు, రాత్రి చస్తే దీపానికి లేదు.
pagalu chaste vattiki ledu, ratri chaste dipaniki ledu.
If he dies in the day, there is no rice to put in his mouth; if he dies in the night, there is no oil for a lamp. Rice is put into the mouth of the dead at the funeral ceremony. Said of a miserably poor person.
This proverb is used to describe an extreme state of poverty or a situation of absolute misfortune where one lacks even the most basic resources for necessary rituals. It highlights a state of utter helplessness where no matter when or how a problem arises, the means to address it are completely absent.
పగలు చస్తే వత్తికి లేదు, రాత్రి చస్తే దీపానికి లేదు
pagalu chaste vattiki ledu, ratri chaste dipaniki ledu
If one dies during the day there is no wick, if one dies at night there is no lamp.
This proverb describes a state of extreme poverty or a sequence of unfortunate timings where basic necessities are unavailable regardless of the situation. It is used to highlight a person's miserable condition where they lack resources for even essential rites or survival, no matter when or how the need arises.
ఇంటికి దీపం ఇల్లాలే
intiki dipam illale
The woman of the house is the lamp of the home.
This expression highlights the importance of a woman (wife/mother) in maintaining the harmony, prosperity, and happiness of a family. Just as a lamp dispels darkness, a virtuous woman is seen as the light that guides and sustains the household.
నోటికి చేతికి చీకటి లేదు
notiki chetiki chikati ledu
There is no darkness between the mouth and the hand.
This expression is used to describe someone who eats excessively or constantly, often without any sense of timing or restraint. It implies that the person is always moving their hand to their mouth to eat, regardless of whether it is day or night.
చెంత దీపమిడక చీకటిపోవునా
chenta dipamidaka chikatipovuna
Will the darkness go away without placing a lamp nearby?
This proverb emphasizes that problems do not solve themselves and ignorance does not vanish without effort. Just as light is required to dispel darkness, active initiative or the light of knowledge is necessary to overcome obstacles or lack of understanding. It is used to suggest that one must take the necessary steps to achieve a result.
దీపం పేరు చెబితే చీకటి పోతుందా?
dipam peru chebite chikati potunda?
Will the darkness disappear just by mentioning the name of a lamp?
This proverb highlights that mere talk or chanting of words is no substitute for actual effort or action. Just as saying the word 'lamp' doesn't illuminate a dark room, theoretical knowledge or empty words cannot solve a practical problem without implementation.