కందెనవేయని బండికి కావలసినంత సంగీతం

kandenaveyani bandiki kavalasinanta sangitam

Translation

An ungreased cart provides as much music as you want.

Meaning

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.

Related Phrases

If you tie a decorated bull to a cart it goes through the street; if you tie Gangiraavu to a cart it goes through every house.

This proverb contrasts performance and outcomes based on the nature of the subject. It refers to the idea that a trained, decorated bull (Gangireddu) follows a broad path through the streets, whereas a common or untrained one (Gangiraavu) might wander erratically into every doorway. In a broader sense, it is used to describe how a person's behavior or a specific method determines the extent or quality of the result, often highlighting inefficiency or unnecessary persistence.

The music of a donkey, the beauty of a camel

This expression is used to mock a situation where two people with significant flaws or lack of talent start praising each other insincerely. It describes a mutual admiration society between those who are incompetent or unattractive, highlighting the absurdity of their mutual compliments.

A festival without bustle is like music without rhythm.

This expression is used to describe a situation that lacks its essential characteristic or spark. Just as a festival feels incomplete without joy and crowds, and music is chaotic without a beat, an event or person lacking their core quality is considered dull and meaningless.

To a lean man, a wealthy man is a brother-in-law; to a wealthy man, a lean man is also a brother-in-law.

This proverb highlights the reciprocity and equality inherent in kinship and relationships, regardless of economic status. In Telugu culture, 'Bava' (brother-in-law) denotes a close relative. The saying suggests that blood relations or social bonds remain the same regardless of one person being rich (balisinavadu) and the other being poor (bakkavadu). It is used to emphasize that status shouldn't change how family members treat or address one another.

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

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.

Music is a universal language

This expression highlights that music transcends cultural, linguistic, and geographic boundaries. It suggests that melodies and rhythms can be understood and felt by everyone, regardless of the language they speak, making it a medium that connects all of humanity.

The Jangama's rhythm and the Dasari's music

This expression refers to a situation where two different people or groups are working together in an uncoordinated, chaotic, or mismatched manner. It is used to describe a lack of synchronization or harmony in a joint effort.

Even if a dog from Kuchipudi barks, it is music.

This proverb highlights the influence of one's environment and upbringing. Kuchipudi is a village famous for its classical dance and music; therefore, the saying suggests that in a place so deeply rooted in art, even the most mundane sounds (like a dog barking) possess artistic quality. It is used to describe a person who is so naturally talented or well-trained that even their casual efforts are impressive.

There are only presses on the nadaswaram, but no music.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone makes a lot of fuss, provides many excuses, or engages in elaborate introductions and technicalities without actually delivering any results or getting to the point. It signifies style over substance or pretense without performance.

Dying halfway for Puranas, dying completely for music.

This proverb is used to describe tasks or hobbies that are extremely exhausting, time-consuming, or require immense struggle to master. It suggests that learning ancient scriptures (Puranas) takes half of one's life/energy, but mastering music (Sangeetam) demands one's entire life and soul.