కందకు లేదు, చేమకు లేదు, తోటకూరకు వచ్చెనా దురద?
kandaku ledu, chemaku ledu, totakuraku vachchena durada?
No acridity in Kanda or Chêma, how can there be any in Tôṭakûra ?
This expression is used to mock someone who is unnecessarily bothered or offended by something when the people directly involved are perfectly fine. It highlights the absurdity of an outsider reacting more strongly than the principal parties, similar to the English sentiment of being 'more Catholic than the Pope.'
Kanda is the Arum Campanulatum; Chêma is the Colocasia Antiquorum; Tôṭakûra is applied to the Amaranthus Oleraceus, and other herbs. When a man's relatives and friends won't assist him, why should help be expected from a mere acquaintance ?
Related Phrases
కర్మకు అంతమూ లేదు, కాలముకు నిశ్చయమూ లేదు.
karmaku antamu ledu, kalamuku nishchayamu ledu.
There is no end to religious ceremonies, and there is no find- ing the times [ fixed for the observance of them ].
This expression highlights the cyclical nature of actions and the unpredictability of time. It is used to convey that one's deeds (karma) have continuous consequences and that the future or the timing of events (kala) is never guaranteed or fixed. It serves as a philosophical reminder to be mindful of actions and to respect the uncertainty of life.
తాగబోతే దప్పికకు లేదు, తలకు అటకలి.
tagabote dappikaku ledu, talaku atakali.
There is no water to drink for thirst, but starch is applied to the hair.
This proverb describes a situation where a person lacks basic necessities for survival (like drinking water) but indulges in superficial or luxurious displays (like styling hair with starch). It is used to mock someone who maintains an outward show of status while suffering in poverty or lacking essentials.
అయ్యకు విద్య లేదు, అమ్మకు గర్వమూ లేదు.
ayyaku vidya ledu, ammaku garvamu ledu.
When the husband has no learning, the wife has no pride.
This proverb is used to describe a family or a situation where everyone is simple, humble, or lacks specific status/qualities, leading to a life without complications or pretenses. It often implies a state of being basic or unremarkable but content.
కందకు లేని దురద కత్తిపీటకెందుకు?
kandaku leni durada kattipitakenduku?
If the elephant yam itself doesn't have an itch, why should the slicer (the knife board) have one?
This proverb is used to criticize an outsider who shows more concern, agitation, or anger about an issue than the person directly affected by it. It highlights unnecessary interference or exaggerated reactions by someone who has no stake in the matter.
ఆలు లేదు, చూలు లేదు, కొడుకు పేరు సోమలింగం.
alu ledu, chulu ledu, koduku peru somalingam.
No wife and no pregnancy, but the child’s name is Somalingam.
Some people look for results even before the necessary tasks are performed. This indicates absurdity in wildly expecting something to happen.
We have no son and yet are giving him a namc. (Spanish.)* Count not your chickens before they are hatched. * Hijo no tenemos, y nombre le ponemos.
తాడూ లేదు, బొంగరం లేదు
tadu ledu, bongaram ledu
Neither a string nor a top.
This expression is used to describe someone who lacks any ties, responsibilities, or assets. It often refers to a person who is roaming aimlessly without any sense of direction or accountability, or to a situation that is completely disorganized and lacks a proper basis.
తాడూ లేదు, బొంగరమూ లేదు
tadu ledu, bongaramu ledu
Neither a string nor a top
This expression is used to describe a person who is irresponsible, lacks roots, or has no attachments or accountability. Just as a spinning top cannot be controlled or operated without a string, it refers to someone who is wandering aimlessly or a situation that has no proper foundation or control.
కాడికిందకు వచ్చిన గొడ్డు, చేతికిందకు వచ్చిన బిడ్డ
kadikindaku vachchina goddu, chetikindaku vachchina bidda
The ox that has come under the yoke, and the child who has come to hand.
This proverb highlights two stages of life where support is expected. Just as an ox is ready to share the burden of farm work once it fits the yoke, a child is expected to assist and support their parents once they grow up and become capable. It refers to the point when a person or animal becomes productive and helpful to the family.
కందకు లేని దురద చేమకు ఎందుకు?
kandaku leni durada chemaku enduku?
Why should the taro root itch if the yam does not?
This proverb is used to criticize a situation where a third party is more concerned or agitated about an issue than the person directly affected by it. It highlights unnecessary meddling or over-enthusiasm by someone who has no stake in the matter.
కందకు లేని దురద బచ్చలికేమి
kandaku leni durada bachchalikemi
If the Kanda possess no acridity, why should it be looked for in the Bachchali ?
This proverb is used to describe a situation where a third party is more concerned, anxious, or reactive about an issue than the person directly involved. Just as the Yam (Kanda) causes itching but the Spinach (Bachali) cooked with it does not, it highlights the irony of meddling or overreacting to someone else's problems.
Bachchali is Basella Cordifolia ( the Indian spinach ).