దానం చేయని చేయి - కాయలు కాయని చెట్టు

danam cheyani cheyi - kayalu kayani chettu

Translation

A hand that does not give charity is like a tree that does not bear fruit.

Meaning

This expression highlights the importance of generosity and social responsibility. It suggests that a person's life or wealth is useless if they do not help others, just as a fruit tree is considered pointless or unproductive if it fails to yield fruit. It is used to criticize stinginess and emphasize that true value lies in giving.

Related Phrases

Laziness is like a tree that neither sprouts, nor flowers, nor bears fruit.

This expression serves as a metaphor for unproductive living. Just as a tree without leaves, flowers, or fruit is useless and essentially dead despite standing, a lazy person contributes nothing to society or themselves and lacks any signs of growth or success.

Education without character is like a tree that does not bear fruit.

This proverb emphasizes that formal education or knowledge is useless if it is not accompanied by good manners, ethics, and character (Samskaram). Just as a tree is valued for its fruit, a person's education is only meaningful if it results in good behavior and social responsibility.

Unperformed makeup and an un-faded fold.

This proverb is used to describe something that remains in its original, pristine condition because it has never been used or put into practice. It highlights that beauty or quality is only preserved perfectly when it is left untouched, often used sarcastically to refer to people who have knowledge but no practical experience, or items that are kept so safely that they serve no purpose.

Relying on her younger sister's husband, she held her hand pompously.

This proverb is used to criticize someone who acts arrogantly, lives extravagantly, or shows false pride based on the wealth and status of a relative (specifically a brother-in-law) rather than their own capability. It implies that their confidence is misplaced and dependent on someone else.

On the day of Kanuma, even a crow does not travel.

Kanuma is the third day of the Sankranti festival, traditionally dedicated to staying home with family and cattle. This proverb emphasizes the importance of resting and remaining at home on this specific day; it implies that if even a restless bird like a crow stays put, humans certainly should not undertake any journeys.

Honor not given by the husband, pampering not done by the mother.

This expression refers to something that is impossible to obtain or non-existent. It highlights that if a husband doesn't respect his wife and a mother doesn't pamper her child, one cannot expect to find those feelings from anyone else in the world. It is used to describe a situation where the most basic or essential support is missing.

One can have a relationship with those who were once wealthy and became poor, but one should not with those who were poor and became wealthy.

This proverb suggests that people who have fallen from a high status usually retain their values, culture, and humility. In contrast, those who suddenly gain wealth after being poor might become arrogant, boastful, or lack the character to handle their new status appropriately. It is a cautionary advice on choosing associations based on character and background rather than current financial standing.

Hands that do not work, a mouth that does not eat.

This proverb emphasizes the dignity of labor and the principle of self-reliance. It suggests that one who is unwilling to work or put in the effort does not deserve to enjoy the fruits or benefits. It is used to motivate someone to work hard or to critique laziness.

The woman who worked got fish, the woman who didn't got termites.

This proverb emphasizes that hard work leads to fruitful results, while laziness or procrastination leads to waste and decay. It is used to motivate someone to put in effort to reap rewards rather than letting opportunities rot away.

A womb that does not bear fruit and a tree that does not bear fruit.

This proverb is used to compare a childless woman to a barren tree, suggesting that both fail to fulfill their primary natural purpose or produce results. It is often used in a traditional or poetic context to describe fruitlessness or lack of legacy.