కట్టె లేదు, పిడక లేదు, కాచి పోయడానికి నీళ్లు లేవు, పదవోయి అల్లుడా బావిగట్టుకు అన్నట్టు.
katte ledu, pidaka ledu, kachi poyadaniki nillu levu, padavoyi alluda bavigattuku annattu.
There is no firewood, there is no dry cowdung, there is no water to boil—come away to the well O son-in-law ! The son-in-law should have been provided with a warm bath, but his wife's parents were too poor.
This expression is used to mock someone who pretends to offer hospitality or perform a task while lacking any of the necessary resources or genuine intention to do so. It describes a situation where instead of providing comfort at home, the host suggests a shortcut that makes the guest do all the work, reflecting empty promises or extreme lack of preparation.
Related Phrases
అల్లుడికి నెయ్యీ లేదు, అల్లుడితోటి కూడా వచ్చినవారికి నూనే లేదు
alludiki neyyi ledu, alluditoti kuda vachchinavariki nune ledu
There is neither ghi for the son-in-law, nor oil for his friends. Said of inability in 'a person to do that which his duty imperatively requires of him.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where even the primary guest or the most important person is being neglected or lacks basic hospitality; therefore, those who came along with them should expect even less or nothing at all. It highlights total scarcity or a lack of proper treatment for everyone involved.
జెముడుకు కాయలూ లేవు, నిలువ నీడా లేదు.
jemuduku kayalu levu, niluva nida ledu.
The cactus has no fruit and provides no shade to stand under.
This expression is used to describe a person who is completely useless or of no benefit to others. Just as the cactus plant neither offers food (fruit) nor relief from the sun (shade), some people possess neither resources to share nor a helpful nature.
ఉండ ఇల్లు లేదు, పండ మంచము లేదు.
unda illu ledu, panda manchamu ledu.
No house to stay in, no bed to lie on.
This expression describes a state of absolute poverty or homelessness. It is used to refer to someone who possesses no assets, shelter, or basic comforts, indicating a complete lack of resources.
కాకికి కంకెడు లేదు, పెట్టకు పిడికెడు లేదు
kakiki kankedu ledu, pettaku pidikedu ledu
Not even a grain stalk for the crow, not even a handful for the hen.
This expression describes an extremely stingy person or a situation of absolute scarcity where someone refuses to help others, even in the smallest way. It highlights a lack of generosity even towards those who need very little.
నొసట కళ్ళు లేవు, నోట్లో పళ్ళు లేవు
nosata kallu levu, notlo pallu levu
No eyes on the forehead, no teeth in the mouth.
This expression is used to describe a person who is extremely old or in a state of physical decline. It can also sarcastically refer to someone who is acting helpless or lacks basic common sense and capability.
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.
మందూ లేదు గుండూ లేదు, తుపాకీ పట్టి కాల్చుము అన్నట్టు
mandu ledu gundu ledu, tupaki patti kalchumu annattu
Like saying " Take the gun and shoot" when there is no powder and no ball.
This expression describes a situation where someone is asked to perform a task or achieve a result without being provided with the necessary tools, resources, or basic requirements. It highlights the absurdity of expecting an outcome when the fundamental means to achieve it are missing.
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.
నాడు కట్టా లేదు, నేడు చించా లేదు.
nadu katta ledu, nedu chincha ledu.
Neither on that day did I put it on, nor on this day have I torn it.
This proverb is used to describe someone who is consistently lazy, indifferent, or irresponsible. It refers to a person who didn't take the effort to wear/tie a garment properly in the past and doesn't bother about it being torn or ruined in the present. It characterizes a state of having no cares, no progress, and no sense of responsibility regardless of the time or situation.
Said by a poor fellow who had never had the pleasure of putting on a good cloth or the annoyance of tearing it.