ఇంటికి పేరు, తలకు జుట్టు, మొలకు మొలతాడు లేని తురకను నమ్మరాదు
intiki peru, talaku juttu, molaku molatadu leni turakanu nammaradu
One should not trust a Turaka (man) who has no house name, no hair on his head, and no thread around his waist.
This is an old proverb used to express skepticism towards individuals who lack traditional identifiers or social markers of accountability. It suggests that a person with no roots (house name), no identifiable features, or who doesn't follow local customs is difficult to hold responsible or trust. In modern usage, it serves as a metaphor for being cautious of people who lack transparency or have no stake in the local community.
Related Phrases
మొలిచే చెట్టు మొలకలోనే తెలుస్తుంది
moliche chettu molakalone telustundi
The tree that will grow is known even at the sprout stage.
This proverb suggests that a person's future potential or character can be identified during their childhood or at the very beginning of a project. It is similar to the English proverb 'The child is the father of the man' or 'Coming events cast their shadows before'.
అవ్వ వడికిన నూలు తాత మొలతాటికి సరి
avva vadikina nulu tata molatatiki sari
The thread spun by the grand-mother is only sufficient for the waist cord of the grand-father. Waste of that gained by another's industry.
This proverb describes a situation where the output or productivity is just barely enough to meet basic, immediate needs. It implies that despite a lot of effort or time spent (like an old woman spinning yarn), the result is minimal and only sufficient for a single, small purpose (the grandfather's waistband), leaving no surplus.
వరి మొలకా, మగమొలకా ఒకటి.
vari molaka, magamolaka okati.
A paddy sprout and a male sprout (child) are one and the same.
This proverb highlights that both a paddy sprout and a male child require constant care, protection, and nurturing in their early stages to ensure a productive future. Just as a young plant is vulnerable to pests and weather, a young boy needs proper guidance and safeguarding to grow into a responsible man.
మొండిచెట్టు గాలికి మొగ్గదు, మొలకులేనివాడు దొంగలకు దొరకడు.
mondichettu galiki moggadu, molakulenivadu dongalaku dorakadu.
A stubborn tree doesn't bend for the wind, and a naked man cannot be robbed by thieves.
This proverb is used to describe people who have nothing to lose or are extremely stubborn. Just as a dead, leafless stump (stubborn tree) cannot be swayed by the wind, and a person with no clothes or possessions cannot be looted by thieves, an individual who is already at their lowest or has no attachments is immune to threats or losses.
అసలు లేదు శ్రీరామా అంటే, మొలతాడు లేని గోచి అన్నట్లు
asalu ledu shrirama ante, molatadu leni gochi annatlu
When one says there is nothing at all, asking for a loincloth without a waist thread.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone asks for something specific or extra when the basic foundation is completely missing. It highlights the absurdity of requesting minor details when the core necessity is non-existent.
తొలకరి వానలు మొలకలకు తల్లి.
tolakari vanalu molakalaku talli.
The first monsoon rains are the mother to the sprouts.
This proverb highlights the vital importance of the first rains of the season for agriculture. Just as a mother nurtures and gives life to her children, the early monsoon rains provide the necessary moisture and life-force for seeds to germinate and young plants to grow. It is used to describe something that acts as a primary source of life, growth, or a successful beginning.
తలకోసి మొల వేసినట్టు
talakosi mola vesinattu
Like cutting off the head and attaching it to the waist.
This expression is used to describe a completely illogical, foolish, or disproportionate solution to a problem. It refers to a situation where the remedy is worse than the disease, or when someone tries to fix a minor issue by causing a much larger, irreversible disaster.
జోడు లేని బ్రతుకు, తాడు లేని బొంగరం.
jodu leni bratuku, tadu leni bongaram.
A life without a partner is like a spinning top without a string.
This proverb highlights the importance of companionship. Just as a top cannot be spun or controlled without a string, a person's life is seen as directionless, unstable, or incomplete without a life partner or soulmate to support and balance them.
కోలలేని పెట్టు, తాడులేని కట్టు
kolaleni pettu, taduleni kattu
A blow without a rod, a bond without a rope.
This proverb describes a situation where someone is deeply affected, controlled, or punished by words, social pressure, or psychological influence rather than physical force. It is often used to refer to a verbal reprimand or a situation where a person is bound by their own sense of duty or obligation without any physical constraints.
A sudden and unaccountable calamity.
మొలది విప్పి తలకు చుట్టినట్టు
moladi vippi talaku chuttinattu
Taking the cloth from the waist and wrapping it around the head
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone solves one problem by creating another, or uses a resource meant for a fundamental necessity to satisfy a less critical need. It refers to poor planning or a makeshift solution that lacks common sense, as leaving the waist uncovered to cover the head is counterproductive.