ఈకలు లేవుగాని వింజమూరి పుంజే

ikalu levugani vinjamuri punje

Translation

No feathers, but it is a rooster from Vinjamoor.

Meaning

This proverb is used to describe a person who boasts or carries a lot of pride and attitude despite having no actual substance, wealth, or status. It highlights the irony of someone acting superior when their reality suggests otherwise.

Related Phrases

The lords of Macherla have no mustaches, and the lords of Palnadu have no rafters.

This is a satirical historical proverb reflecting on a period of extreme poverty or decline. Mustaches are traditionally symbols of pride and masculinity (lords), while rafters (vasalu) are essential for building a house. It implies that the rulers lost their dignity and the common people lost their shelter, used to describe situations where everyone, regardless of status, is lacking basic necessities or pride.

A worm-eaten seed is better than a gold coin.

This proverb highlights the value of productivity and life over inanimate wealth. A gold coin, while valuable, remains static and cannot grow, whereas even a damaged seed has the potential to sprout, grow, and produce more seeds. It is often used to emphasize that something with the potential for growth and utility is superior to mere stagnant riches.

There are no grains in the house, but the two are not on speaking terms.

This proverb describes a situation where a household is suffering from extreme poverty or lack of basic necessities, yet the family members are busy fighting or holding grudges instead of working together to solve their problems. It is used to mock people who prioritize ego and petty disputes over survival and common sense.

No eyes on the forehead, no teeth in the mouth.

This expression is used to describe a person who is extremely old or in a state of physical decline. It can also sarcastically refer to someone who is acting helpless or lacks basic common sense and capability.

When he went to swim, there was not enough water to drink. Disappointed hopes.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone aims for something grand or ambitious but lacks even the most basic necessities. It highlights a stark irony or extreme poverty/scarcity.

* A fonte puro pura default aqua.

Travelling on a grand carriage of vanity, but having no broken rice for daily sustenance.

This expression is used to describe a person who puts on an expensive or grand outward display of wealth and status, while in reality, they are struggling to afford even basic necessities. It mocks the act of prioritizing vanity and social status over practical needs and survival.

A mass of poison. Wickedness.

This expression is used to describe a person who is extremely malicious, hateful, or full of wicked intentions. It metaphorically represents someone whose entire character is composed of 'poisonous' traits.

Those who do not have sons have no salvation.

Historically, this proverb reflects an old belief that a son is necessary to perform final rites for parents to attain 'Moksha' (salvation). In a modern context, it is often used to discuss traditional family values or the cultural importance placed on continuing the lineage.

No legs to the tale, no ears to the pot. Said of a story that one cannot make head or tail of. A story without a head. (Greek.)

This proverb is used to describe a story, explanation, or excuse that lacks logic, consistency, or a proper foundation. It refers to something that is nonsensical or a 'cock and bull story' where the details don't add up or have no basis in reality.

There are no villages to rule over, but are there not villages to beg in? Said by a beggar refused alms.

This proverb is used to criticize someone who is too proud or lazy to work. It suggests that even if one lacks the status or means to be a leader or a ruler (high status), there are always ways to survive if one is willing to set aside their ego—often used sarcastically against those who complain about lack of grand opportunities while ignoring humble ways to make a living.