ఇల్లంతా కొడితే తట్టెడు పెంకులు లేవు
illanta kodite tattedu penkulu levu
When the whole house was knocked down, the tiles did not fill a basket.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where a lot of effort is put into something, or a great deal of noise/fuss is made about a person or thing, but the actual value, result, or substance is negligible. It highlights a disproportion between appearance and reality.
Appearances are deceitful.
Related Phrases
జిల్లేళ్ళకు మల్లెలు పూయునా?
jillellaku mallelu puyuna?
Will jasmine flowers bloom on Calotropis plants?
This proverb is used to emphasize that one's inherent nature or upbringing cannot be changed. It suggests that good qualities or noble results cannot be expected from something that is fundamentally bad or inferior, just as a fragrant jasmine cannot grow on a bitter Calotropis (Jilledu) shrub.
నొసట కళ్ళు లేవు, నోట్లో పళ్ళు లేవు
nosata kallu levu, notlo pallu levu
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.
పుణ్యం పుట్టెడు, పురుగులు తట్టెడు
punyam puttedu, purugulu tattedu
A basketful of merit, but a basketful of worms.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone performs a deed with the intention of gaining religious merit (punyam), but the act inadvertently causes harm or results in a mess. It is often applied when an attempt to do good backfires or when a seemingly pious person's actions are actually riddled with flaws.
ఈదబోతే తాగ నీళ్లు లేవు
idabote taga nillu levu
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.
జిల్లేళ్ళకు మల్లెలు పూస్తాయా?
jillellaku mallelu pustaya?
Do jasmine flowers bloom on crown flower plants?
This expression is used to signify that good results or noble qualities cannot be expected from someone who is inherently bad or from a source that is inferior. It is similar to the English proverb 'You cannot gather grapes from thorns'.
పుణ్యం పుట్టెడు, పురుగులు తట్టెడు
punyam puttedu, purugulu tattedu
A measure of merit, but a basketful of worms.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone performs a small good deed or gains a little spiritual merit, but in the process, commits many sins or causes significant harm. It highlights hypocrisy or the irony of small virtues being overshadowed by large vices.
సుతులు లేని వారికి గతులు లేవు.
sutulu leni variki gatulu levu.
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.
కథకు కాళ్లు లేవు, ముంతకు చెవులు లేవు
kathaku kallu levu, muntaku chevulu levu
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.
తట్టెడు గుల్లల కొక దుడ్డుపెట్టు
tattedu gullala koka duddupettu
One blow with a heavy stick for a basketful of hollow shells.
This expression is used to describe a situation where a single powerful action or a solid fact can easily destroy a large amount of empty talk, baseless arguments, or weak excuses. It signifies quality over quantity, or the power of truth over many lies.
పుణ్యము పుట్టెడు, పురుగులు తట్టెడు
punyamu puttedu, purugulu tattedu
A bushelful of good works, and a dishful of worms. A great show of piety, but the prospect of future punishment for evil deeds.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone performs a supposedly good deed or religious act, but the unintended negative consequences, sins, or flaws associated with it far outweigh the benefits. It highlights hypocrisy or the futility of an action that brings more harm than good.