ఏతాము పాటకు ఎదురు పాటలేదు.
etamu pataku eduru pataledu.
There is no counter-song to the song of the Etam.
An 'Etam' is a traditional water-lifting device used in ancient irrigation. The singing associated with this rhythmic labor is unique and continuous. This expression is used to describe something that is incomparable, peerless, or an argument/statement so definitive that there is no possible rebuttal or equivalent response.
Related Phrases
దంపుళ్ళ పాటకు దరిద్రం లేదు
dampulla pataku daridram ledu
There is no dearth of songs during the pounding of grain.
This expression describes a situation where there is an endless supply of something, often referring to talkativeness or irrelevant commentary. Just as people used to sing continuous, rhythmic folk songs to pass the time while manually pounding grain, it is used to describe someone who keeps talking or producing content without much effort or thought.
పనీలేదు, పాటా లేదు పట్టత్తా, నీ కాళ్ళకైనా మొక్కుతాను అన్నట్లు
paniledu, pata ledu pattatta, ni kallakaina mokkutanu annatlu
Like saying 'No work, no song, Pattatta, I will even bow to your feet'
This proverb describes a situation where someone is so idle or lacking any productive work that they begin to interfere in others' matters or resort to unnecessary, trivial, or desperate actions just to pass the time. It is used to mock someone who is completely jobless and meddling where they aren't needed.
దబ్బర పాటకు తలత్రిప్పులు మెండు
dabbara pataku talatrippulu mendu
Too much head-nodding for a false song.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone puts on an exaggerated display of appreciation or fake enthusiasm for something that is actually mediocre, incorrect, or deceptive. It highlights the hypocrisy of people who pretend to understand or enjoy something just to fit in or please others.
ఏతాం పాటకు ఎదురు పాట లేదు
etam pataku eduru pata ledu
There is no rival song to the Étam song. The song of drawers of water is not composed according to the rules of music and cannot be compared with any other.
This expression is used to describe a situation where there is no argument, alternative, or response possible against a certain fact or a person's authority. Just as the rhythmic chant of a farmer operating an 'Etam' (a traditional water-lifting device) is continuous and rhythmic without a secondary singer to answer it, this phrase highlights something that is final, undisputed, or lacks a match.
కత్తికి ఎదురు లేదు, మాటకు తిరుగులేదు.
kattiki eduru ledu, mataku tiruguledu.
No one can face the sword, and there is no turning back on the word.
This expression is used to describe a person of great power and unwavering integrity. It implies that the person is physically invincible or authoritative (the sword) and that they are exceptionally honorable, always keeping their promises and never retracting what they have said (the word).
కట్టను పాతకొయ్య, తాగను పాతనీరు, నమ్మను పాత స్నేహితుడు, చదువను పాత పుస్తకాలు శ్రేష్టములు.
kattanu patakoyya, taganu pataniru, nammanu pata snehitudu, chaduvanu pata pustakalu shreshtamulu.
Old wood for burning, old water for drinking, old friends for trusting, and old books for reading are the best.
This proverb highlights the value of experience, reliability, and time-tested quality. Just as old wood burns better and aged water is settled, long-standing friendships are the most trustworthy and classic books contain timeless wisdom.
తాడుకు పట్టలేదు, తలుగుకు పట్టలేదు, గుంజ కెందుకమ్మా గుంజలాట?
taduku pattaledu, taluguku pattaledu, gunja kendukamma gunjalata?
If it's not caught by the rope, and not caught by the halter, why bother with the peg?
This proverb is used to describe a situation where the main components of a plan or system are missing or failing, making efforts on minor details completely useless. It highlights the absurdity of worrying about insignificant matters when the primary goal is already unachievable.
కొత్తగుడ్డకు రంగు పట్టినట్లు పాతగుడ్డకు పట్టదు
kottaguddaku rangu pattinatlu pataguddaku pattadu
Just as a new cloth takes on color, an old cloth does not.
This expression means that it is much easier to teach, influence, or mold something young, fresh, or new than something that is old and set in its ways. It is often used to describe how children learn faster than adults or how a new mind is more receptive to new ideas than an experienced one with preconceived notions.
ఎదురు తిరిగిన కుక్కను ఏదీ కరవలేదు.
eduru tirigina kukkanu edi karavaledu.
Nothing can bite a dog that turns back to face it.
This proverb emphasizes that when you stand your ground and face a problem or an enemy bravely, they lose their power to harm you. It is used to encourage courage and resilience in the face of adversity, suggesting that fear attracts more trouble while confrontation can end it.
తినలేదు పట్టలేదు బొట్టన్నా పెట్టుకో
tinaledu pattaledu bottanna pettuko
Neither eaten nor caught, at least wear a bindi/dot.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone has gained no actual benefit or success from their efforts, but still tries to maintain appearances or asks for a small, superficial token of recognition to save face.