ఏపులేని తీగ వెల్తి తీగలు పెట్టు

epuleni tiga velti tigalu pettu

Translation

A vine that does not grow vigorously will only put out thin, weak offshoots.

Meaning

This expression is used to describe a situation where a weak foundation or a person lacking inherent capability produces poor or insignificant results. Just as a plant without strength cannot produce healthy branches, an individual without the necessary skills or resources cannot achieve significant progress or meaningful outcomes.

Related Phrases

Like a fool operating a water lever

This expression is used to describe a person who continues to do a task mechanically or pointlessly without knowing when to stop or understanding the purpose of the work. Just as a foolish person might keep treading a water lever (etam) even after the fields are flooded or the vessel is empty, it refers to mindless repetition or inefficient effort.

Bees have work without any leisure.

This expression is used to describe someone who is constantly busy or a situation involving non-stop activity. Just as bees are perpetually occupied with collecting nectar and building hives, it refers to a state of being extremely industrious or having an endless to-do list with no free time.

Like the whole bush shaking when a single vine is pulled

This expression refers to a situation where a single action or investigation leads to the discovery of many interconnected things. It is commonly used when a small lead in a case or problem reveals a massive network or a larger chain of events, showing that things are more linked than they initially appeared.

Will the water-creeper that went to see the lake ever return?

This proverb describes someone who gets so deeply involved or entangled in a situation that they never return to their original state or place. It is often used to refer to people who get caught up in distractions, addictions, or specific tasks to the point where they lose their original purpose or identity.

Like the vine you were searching for entangling your own foot.

This expression is used when you are searching for someone or something, and unexpectedly, that person or thing appears before you or crosses your path without any effort. It signifies a stroke of luck where a solution presents itself just when you were about to start looking for it.

They are like fire dogs. Bosom friends.

This expression is used to describe three people who are always seen together, or are inseparable and mutually dependent, much like the three stones required to balance a cooking pot over a fire.

A blow without a rod, a bond without a rope.

This proverb describes a situation where someone is deeply affected, controlled, or punished by words, social pressure, or psychological influence rather than physical force. It is often used to refer to a verbal reprimand or a situation where a person is bound by their own sense of duty or obligation without any physical constraints.

A sudden and unaccountable calamity.

Even if you scold loudly, it goes away with the wind

This expression is used to signify that harsh words, verbal abuse, or criticisms are intangible and temporary. It suggests that one should not take verbal insults to heart because they do not cause physical harm and eventually vanish, just like sound waves disappearing into the air.

Is there a marriage without Dâl, or a vegetable dressed with- out salt?

This proverb is used to emphasize that certain components are absolutely essential for an event or a task to be complete. Just as dal is a staple at a traditional Telugu wedding feast and salt is indispensable for taste in a curry, some things are fundamental requirements that cannot be ignored.

Said to a great friend whose presence at an entertainment is indis- pensable.

Adulterated seed leads to empty storage bins.

This proverb highlights the importance of quality at the source. Just as poor quality or impure seeds result in a failed harvest and empty granaries, starting any project with flawed materials or bad intentions will lead to disappointing results and lack of success. It is used to advise someone to ensure the foundation of their work is strong.