కాసుకు గతిలేదు, కోటికి కొడి ఎత్తినాడు
kasuku gatiledu, kotiki kodi ettinadu
He doesn't have a single coin, but he raised a flag for a crore.
This expression is used to describe a person who lacks even the most basic resources or money but makes grand, boastful claims or undertakes projects far beyond their actual means. It highlights the irony of extreme poverty coupled with excessive vanity or unrealistic ambition.
Related Phrases
కాసుకు దోవలేదు, నూటికి పరవా లేదు.
kasuku dovaledu, nutiki parava ledu.
He has not the means of [getting] one cash, but thinks nothing of [spending] a hundred [pagodas]. A pagoda = 3½ Rupees. Wanton extravagance. He is able to buy an abbey.
This proverb describes a person who lacks the means to earn even a small amount of money (a 'kasu'), yet talks or acts with grand indifference toward large sums (a 'hundred'). It is used to mock someone who is boastful or financially reckless despite being in deep poverty.
గతిలేనివాడికి గంగానమ్మే గతి
gatilenivadiki ganganamme gati
For the one with no recourse, Goddess Gangamma is the only refuge.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone has absolutely no other options or alternatives left, forcing them to rely on a single, often final, source of hope or support. It is similar to the English proverb 'Beggars can't be choosers' or 'A drowning man catches at a straw'.
కూటికి గతిలేదుగాని, కుంటెనలకు ముత్యాలు.
kutiki gatiledugani, kuntenalaku mutyalu.
No way to afford food, but pearls for matchmakers.
This proverb is used to describe someone who lacks basic necessities or is in poverty, yet indulges in extravagant or unnecessary expenses to maintain a false status or vanity. It highlights the irony of poor financial priorities.
కోడికి కులాసం లేదు, కోమటికి విశ్వాసం లేదు.
kodiki kulasam ledu, komatiki vishvasam ledu.
A fowl has no happiness and a Kômaṭi has no feeling. The Kômaṭis are a class of shopkeepers.
This proverb describes the inherent nature of certain entities. It suggests that a hen is always busy scratching the ground for food (never resting), and traditionally implies that in business, a merchant prioritizes profit over personal loyalty or trust. It is used to describe situations where constant restlessness or self-interest is expected.
నూటికి పెట్టి కోటికి గొరిగించేవాడు
nutiki petti kotiki goriginchevadu
One who feeds a hundred and shaves ( i. e. plunders ) a crore.
This expression describes a cunning or deceitful person who spends a small amount of money or effort as a bait to swindle someone out of a massive fortune. It is used to warn others about manipulative individuals who use minor favors to gain trust before committing a major fraud.
చెల్లని కాసుకు గరుకులు మెండు
chellani kasuku garukulu mendu
A worthless coin has many rough edges
This proverb is used to describe people who lack substance, skill, or character but make a lot of noise or show off excessively. Just as a counterfeit or worthless coin might have many jagged edges or imperfections, an incompetent person often tries to compensate for their lack of value with arrogance, excuses, or loud behavior.
ఏటికి లాగితే కోటికీ, కోటికి లాగితే ఏటికి అన్నట్లు
etiki lagite kotiki, kotiki lagite etiki annatlu
Pulling towards the river leads to the hill, and pulling towards the hill leads to the river.
This proverb describes a state of total lack of coordination, inconsistency, or being at cross-purposes. It is used when efforts are counterproductive or when people involved in a task are pulling in opposite directions, resulting in no progress or chaotic results.
గతిలేనమ్మకు మతిలేని మొగుడు
gatilenammaku matileni mogudu
A helpless woman will get a foolish husband.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where an already difficult or miserable circumstance is made worse by poor companionship or inadequate support. It signifies the misfortune of someone who, being in a vulnerable state, ends up with a partner or resource that is incompetent or useless.
కాసుకు గతిలేదు, కోటికి కొడి వేసినాడు.
kasuku gatiledu, kotiki kodi vesinadu.
He was without a cash, but raised his banner for a crore.
This proverb is used to describe a person who lacks even the most basic resources or money but makes grand, boastful claims or undertakes projects far beyond their means. It highlights the irony of having big aspirations or showing off when one cannot even afford the bare minimum.
A cash ( Kāsu ) equals about one fortieth of a penny. Penniless, but bragging of having a plum.
అసలుకు గతిలేకుంటే కొసరడిగినట్లు
asaluku gatilekunte kosaradiginatlu
When there's no way to get the principal amount, asking for a bonus.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone is demanding extras or luxuries when the basic or essential requirements are not even met. It highlights the irony of asking for something additional (kosaru) when the main part (asalu) is missing or unavailable.