కారణము లేకనే కార్యము పుట్టదు.
karanamu lekane karyamu puttadu.
There is no effect without a cause. Every why has a wherefore.
This expression is the Telugu equivalent of 'Every effect has a cause' or 'Nothing happens without a reason.' It is used to explain that every action, event, or result is preceded by a specific motive or trigger. In a practical sense, it suggests that if something has occurred, there must be a logical explanation behind it.
There is a cause for all things. (Italian.)*
Related Phrases
మోహము లేకపోతే, మోదము లేదు.
mohamu lekapote, modamu ledu.
Where there is no love, there is no delight.
This proverb explains that without passion, attachment, or desire (Mohamu) for something, one cannot experience true happiness or delight (Modamu) in achieving or having it. It highlights that interest is the prerequisite for enjoyment.
స్వామి కార్యం, స్వకార్యం కలిసి వచ్చినట్లు.
svami karyam, svakaryam kalisi vachchinatlu.
Like accomplishing the Lord's work and one's own work together.
This expression is used to describe a situation where one action or journey serves two purposes simultaneously—typically a duty or service (the Lord's work) and a personal task (one's own work). It is similar to the English idiom 'killing two birds with one stone.'
మేత కరణం, కూత కరణం, వ్రాత కరణం
meta karanam, kuta karanam, vrata karanam
Grazing Karanum, shouting Karanum, writing Karanum
This expression describes someone who claims to be an expert in everything but lacks true focus or mastery in a specific trade. It refers to a person who tries to perform multiple roles (like a village head or accountant—Karanum) such as supervising livestock, managing communications, and bookkeeping, often used to mock someone who meddles in every task without doing any properly.
సున్నము పుట్టని ఊళ్ళో అన్నము పుట్టునా?
sunnamu puttani ullo annamu puttuna?
In a village where lime is not produced, can food be produced?
This proverb is based on the traditional Indian habit of chewing betel leaves (paan), which requires slaked lime (sunnam). Traditionally, lime production was a sign of a prosperous or active settlement. Metaphorically, it implies that if basic social or infrastructural necessities are missing in a place, one cannot expect to find sustenance or a livelihood there. It highlights that certain conditions must be met for a community to thrive.
అర్థమూ ప్రాణమూ ఆచార్యాధీనము, తాళమూ దేహమూ నా ఆధీనము.
arthamu pranamu acharyadhinamu, talamu dehamu na adhinamu.
The money [in the box] and the soul [within the body] are made over to the spiritual guide, but the key and the body are retained by me. Applied to giving a person only the form of authority, but no real power.
This proverb is a humorous take on hypocritical devotion or selective surrender. It describes a person who claims to surrender everything valuable (like life and wealth) to a mentor or God for the sake of appearance, but in reality, keeps the physical control (the key to the chest) and their own comfort firmly in their own hands. It is used to mock people who act as if they are selfless but remain deeply possessive and untrusting.
ప్రాణం ఉన్నంత వరకు భయం లేదు
pranam unnanta varaku bhayam ledu
As long as life remains, there is no fear. Until the destined period of life has come to a close death need not be feared. While there is life there is hope.
This expression is used to convey resilience and courage. It suggests that as long as a person is alive, they have the strength to face any challenge or overcome any adversity. It is often used to motivate someone to stay brave during difficult times.
తోరణము లేని వీరణము లేని పెండ్లి బాజాలు
toranamu leni viranamu leni pendli bajalu
Wedding music without a festoon or a drum.
This expression refers to a situation that lacks the necessary grandeur, preparation, or essential components despite having the outward appearance of an event. It is used to describe something that is hollow, incomplete, or poorly organized.
సత్కార్యాలకు కార్యరంగం అంతరాత్మ.
satkaryalaku karyarangam antaratma.
The battlefield (or field of action) for good deeds is the conscience.
This expression emphasizes that the motivation and validation for performing good deeds should come from within one's own soul or conscience, rather than for external praise or societal recognition. It suggests that true morality is an internal commitment.
సున్నము పుట్టని వూళ్లో అన్నము పుట్టునా?
sunnamu puttani vullo annamu puttuna?
Can food be expected in a village where chunam is refused ? A small quantity of fine chunam ( lime ) is eaten with betel leaf.
This proverb highlights the historical and cultural importance of lime (chunam) in rural India, where it was traditionally consumed with betel leaves after a meal. It implies that if a village is so impoverished or lacks basic amenities that even simple lime (for betel nut) is unavailable, it is unlikely that one can find a proper meal there. It is used to describe a place of extreme scarcity or poverty.
కూత కరణము
kuta karanamu
A karaṇam to talk. A great talker but not good at his work.
This phrase refers to someone who creates a lot of noise or makes loud announcements but possesses no real power or authority. It is used to describe a person who is all talk and no action, or someone who holds a superficial position without the actual ability to influence outcomes.