కంటికి రెప్పలు పోయాక, కాటుక పూలు ఉంటే ఏమాయె?

kantiki reppalu poyaka, katuka pulu unte emaye?

Translation

After the eyelids are gone, what is the point of having flowers of kohl?

Meaning

This proverb highlights the futility of resources or decorations when the fundamental foundation is missing. Just as eye makeup is useless without eyelids to apply it to, opportunities or luxuries are worthless if the basic necessity or the person meant to enjoy them is no longer there. It is used to describe situations where help or improvements arrive too late to be of any actual use.

Related Phrases

Like applying mascara to a blind eye

This expression is used to describe a futile action or an effort that serves no purpose. Just as applying kohl or mascara to a blind eye does not improve sight or serve an aesthetic purpose for the wearer, this phrase refers to doing something that is wasted or useless in a given context.

Wife became jaggery, mother became poison.

This proverb describes a situation where a person, usually a man, becomes so infatuated or influenced by his wife that he begins to view his own mother with hostility or disdain. It is used to criticize someone who forgets their parents' sacrifices and treats them poorly after marriage, prioritizing their spouse to an extreme and unfair degree.

A lid to the eye, a shoe to the foot. The protection necessary.

This expression refers to someone or something that provides constant, essential protection and support. Just as an eyelid naturally protects the eye and a sandal protects the foot from harsh terrain, this phrase describes a guardian, a loyal companion, or a preventive measure that keeps one safe from harm.

The one who planted the seedling will not stop pouring water.

This proverb is an expression of faith and optimism. It suggests that the Creator who gave us life will surely provide the means for our survival. It is used to comfort someone facing hardships, implying that their basic needs will be met by a higher power or that the person responsible for a situation will eventually take care of its consequences.

Will you put so much collyrium on your eye, as to destroy it? Little sticks kindle a fire, but great ones put it out.

This proverb is used to warn against overdoing something to the point of self-harm. Just as kohl (kajal) is meant to enhance the beauty of the eyes, an excess of it can cause damage. It is a cautionary advice against lack of moderation or taking a good thing to a destructive extreme.

A tongueless bone can say anything.

This expression is used to describe people who make irresponsible statements, false promises, or inconsistent claims because the tongue is flexible and has no bone to restrain it. It highlights that talk is cheap and people can easily lie or change their words without consequence.

Infection to the eye, pain to the body

This expression is used to describe a situation that is extremely annoying, constant, and difficult to ignore. Just as an eye infection causes persistent discomfort and a body ache makes one restless, this phrase refers to a person or a problem that causes continuous irritation or trouble.

Are these eyelids distant from this eye ?

This proverb is used to describe an inseparable relationship or an intimate bond between two people or things. It implies that certain entities are so closely linked by nature, family, or affection that they can never be truly distanced or considered strangers to one another.

Applied to any thing which can easily be tested by actual observation.

A bucketful of kohl for a blind eye

This proverb is used to describe an act of excessive waste or unnecessary decoration on something that is fundamentally broken or useless. It highlights the irony of spending resources to enhance something that cannot benefit from the enhancement, similar to 'putting lipstick on a pig' or 'pearls before swine.'

Will anyone say their own buttermilk is sour?

This proverb is used to describe a situation where people are unlikely to admit their own mistakes, flaws, or the poor quality of their belongings. It highlights the human tendency to be biased towards one's self and hide one's own shortcomings.