గడియ పురసత్తు లేదు, గవ్వ ఆదాయం లేదు

gadiya purasattu ledu, gavva adayam ledu

Translation

Not a moment of leisure, not a penny of income

Meaning

This expression is used to describe a person who is constantly busy with work or errands but earns absolutely no profit or meaningful reward from their efforts. It highlights a state of unproductive busyness.

Related Phrases

There is no light like the eye, and there is no support like the earth.

This proverb highlights the fundamental necessities of life. It signifies that our eyes are the primary source of vision (enlightenment) and that the earth/soil is the ultimate foundation for all living beings, providing food and stability.

There is no place without an end, and no beginning without an origin.

This philosophical expression emphasizes the cyclical and interconnected nature of existence. It suggests that everything that exists occupies space and must eventually conclude, and every start has a preceding cause or source. It is used to describe the continuity of life, the laws of nature, or the inevitability of consequences based on origins.

A fowl has no happiness and a Kômaṭi has no feeling. The Kômaṭis are a class of shopkeepers.

This proverb describes the inherent nature of certain entities. It suggests that a hen is always busy scratching the ground for food (never resting), and traditionally implies that in business, a merchant prioritizes profit over personal loyalty or trust. It is used to describe situations where constant restlessness or self-interest is expected.

Neither a string nor a top.

This expression is used to describe someone who lacks any ties, responsibilities, or assets. It often refers to a person who is roaming aimlessly without any sense of direction or accountability, or to a situation that is completely disorganized and lacks a proper basis.

Neither a string nor a top

This expression is used to describe a person who is irresponsible, lacks roots, or has no attachments or accountability. Just as a spinning top cannot be controlled or operated without a string, it refers to someone who is wandering aimlessly or a situation that has no proper foundation or control.

Not a moment of leisure, not a penny of earnings

This expression describes a situation where a person is extremely busy and constantly working, yet their hard work yields no financial gain or significant results. It is used to mock someone's unproductive busyness or to lament a period of fruitless labor.

Neither the bite of a frog, nor the blow of a Brahmin.

This expression is used to describe something that is completely harmless or insignificant. Since frogs do not bite and Brahmins (traditionally viewed as non-violent scholars) do not strike, the phrase suggests that there is no danger or impact to worry about from a particular source or situation.

As long as there is victory, there is no fear

This expression is used to signify that success and confidence eliminate fear. It suggests that when one is continuously winning or in a state of triumph, they do not feel intimidated by challenges. It is often used to motivate someone to focus on achieving success to overcome their insecurities.

There is no acidity, there is no cold, just throw the heavy blanket over here.

This proverb is used to describe someone who makes excuses to avoid work or pretends to have health issues, but when it comes to resting or enjoying comforts (like sleeping under a warm blanket), they suddenly have no ailments. It highlights hypocrisy or laziness.

Not a moment of leisure, not a penny of income.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone is extremely busy and hardworking, yet their efforts yield no financial gain or productive results. It highlights a state of being pointlessly or unprofitably occupied.