ఇరుసుకు కందెన పెట్టక, పరమేశ్వరుని బండి అయినా పారదు

irusuku kandena pettaka, parameshvaruni bandi ayina paradu

Translation

Without grease to the axle, even Paramesvara's car will not run.

Meaning

This proverb emphasizes that even the most powerful or divine projects require basic maintenance, preparation, or small incentives (like grease) to function. In a practical sense, it is often used to suggest that one must take care of small but necessary details, or sometimes used as a metaphor for giving small tips or bribes to get work done through administrative machinery.

Related Phrases

When he went to Râmeśvaram, Śaneśvaram followed him.

This proverb describes a situation where a person's bad luck follows them no matter where they go or what remedies they seek. It is used to express that changing locations or seeking divine intervention sometimes does not solve problems if one's misfortune is persistent.

His bad luck followed him.—Śaneśvaram is an incorrect name given to the planet Saturn ; it appears to be a corruption of Sanaischar.

If the husband himself acts as a pimp, does one need to go as far as Rameswaram for it?

This proverb describes a situation where the person responsible for protection or morality is the one causing the corruption or problem. It implies that when trouble starts at home or from the person in charge, one doesn't need to look elsewhere for the cause of ruin. It is used to criticize leaders or guardians who lead those under them astray.

An ungreased cart provides as much music as you want.

This expression is used to sarcastically describe a situation where a lack of proper maintenance or care leads to annoying noises, problems, or complaints. Just as an unlubricated wheel screeches loudly, a task done without proper resources or a machine not cared for will create a lot of 'noise' or trouble.

Like a discarded leaf plate becoming useful on a festival day.

This expression describes a situation where something or someone previously considered useless or neglected suddenly becomes valuable or essential due to specific circumstances. It is often used to highlight a stroke of luck or the unexpected utility of a discarded object/person.

Even after going to Rameswaram, the bad luck (Shani) did not leave.

This expression is used to describe a situation where a person's problems or misfortunes follow them no matter where they go or what remedies they seek. It implies that changing one's location or performing rituals cannot easily erase deep-rooted problems or fate.

Even if you perform a pilgrimage to Râmêśvaram, the pre- destinated evil will not fail to overtake you.

This proverb is used to convey that one's destiny or the consequences of their fate cannot be escaped simply by changing locations or seeking divine intervention. It highlights the inevitability of certain hardships and is often used when someone tries to run away from their problems only to find them following them anyway.

Whether it is a child or a calf, do we abandon them once they are born?

This expression is used to emphasize that once a project is started, a responsibility is taken, or a commitment is made, one must see it through regardless of the quality or the difficulties involved. It suggests that once something belongs to you or is your creation, you cannot simply discard it.

In bad times, even a pigeon pea plant will not bear fruit

This proverb describes a period of misfortune where even the simplest or most reliable tasks fail to yield results. It is used to express that when luck is against someone, even their best efforts and usually dependable resources will let them down.

who brings misfortune to people

When one is dogged by misfortune, one will not escape misfortune, even if one goes to a holy place to ward off the evil influence.

Do not fail after playing (committing), do not lie after speaking.

This expression emphasizes the importance of integrity and keeping one's word. It suggests that once a promise is made or a statement is uttered, one must stand by it and never retreat from their commitment or resort to lies.