గతిలేనివాడికి గంగానమ్మే గతి
gatilenivadiki ganganamme gati
For the one with no recourse, Goddess Gangamma is the only refuge.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone has absolutely no other options or alternatives left, forcing them to rely on a single, often final, source of hope or support. It is similar to the English proverb 'Beggars can't be choosers' or 'A drowning man catches at a straw'.
Related Phrases
గొడ్డులేనివాడు బిడ్డలేనివాడు ఒకటి.
goddulenivadu biddalenivadu okati.
A person without cattle and a person without children are the same.
In traditional agrarian societies, cattle were considered as vital as family members for one's livelihood and legacy. This expression highlights the essential role of livestock in prosperity, implying that lacking them is as significant a loss as not having heirs to carry on the family name or support the household.
కాలు జారితే గంగానమ్మదే మహిమ అన్నట్టు.
kalu jarite ganganammade mahima annattu.
Like saying it is the miracle of Goddess Ganga if one's foot slips into the water.
This proverb is used to describe a person who tries to cover up their mistakes or accidents by attributing them to divine will or some noble cause. It mocks the hypocrisy of justifying a failure or a clumsy act as if it were a pre-planned or spiritual event.
లేనివాడు పుడమి లేనివాడు.
lenivadu pudami lenivadu.
One who has not is as one who is not in the world. i. e. A penniless man has nothing in the world.
This proverb highlights the harsh reality of social status and poverty. It suggests that a person without wealth or resources is often treated as if they have no place or belonging in the world, emphasizing how society values individuals based on their possessions.
గతిలేనివానికి కనబడిందే కూడు
gatilenivaniki kanabadinde kudu
For the one who has no way (helpless), whatever is seen is food.
This proverb describes a state of absolute necessity or helplessness. It implies that when a person is in a desperate situation or has no alternatives, they cannot afford to be choosy and must accept whatever is available to them, regardless of quality.
కానివాడు లేనివాడితో జత
kanivadu lenivadito jata
An unfriendly person is equal to one that is not.
This expression is used to describe a situation where two people who are equally useless, incapable, or lacking resources join forces. It implies that their partnership will be unproductive because neither has the means or character to succeed or help the other. It is often used to mock an alliance that is destined for failure.
గతిలేనమ్మకు గంజే పానకము.
gatilenammaku ganje panakamu.
Rice water is a rich drink to a poor lady. Pânakam is a rich beverage made of expensive materials.
This proverb describes a situation where someone in extreme poverty or with no alternatives considers even the most basic or low-quality thing as a great luxury. It is used to highlight how necessity and lack of choice change one's perspective on value.
గతిలేనివాడు గాడిదకాళ్ళు పట్టుకొన్నట్లు
gatilenivadu gadidakallu pattukonnatlu
Like a helpless man clutching the legs of a donkey.
This expression is used to describe a person who, in a state of absolute desperation or helplessness, seeks assistance from someone completely insignificant, unworthy, or incapable of helping. It highlights the irony and humiliation of being forced to rely on the lowest possible means when one has no other choice.
గతిలేని వాడికి మతిలేని పెళ్ళాం
gatileni vadiki matileni pellam
For a man with no resources, a wife with no sense.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where one's existing misfortunes are compounded by even more trouble or incompetence. It suggests that when a person is already in a helpless or poor state, they often end up with additional burdens that make their situation worse, rather than better.
గతిలేనమ్మకు మతిలేని మొగుడు
gatilenammaku matileni mogudu
A helpless woman will get a foolish husband.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where an already difficult or miserable circumstance is made worse by poor companionship or inadequate support. It signifies the misfortune of someone who, being in a vulnerable state, ends up with a partner or resource that is incompetent or useless.
రతిలేని నాతి, గతిలేని గుఱ్ఱము రాణించవు.
ratileni nati, gatileni gurramu raninchavu.
A woman without passion and a horse without speed will not shine.
This proverb highlights that certain entities are defined by their inherent functional qualities. Just as a horse is valued for its ability to run (gati) and move with speed, certain traits are traditionally expected in specific roles for them to be considered successful or effective. It is used to suggest that without essential qualities, things lose their primary purpose or appeal.