కట్టులేని ఊరు, గట్టులేని చెరువు

kattuleni uru, gattuleni cheruvu

Translation

A village without discipline is like a lake without an embankment.

Meaning

This proverb highlights the importance of rules, leadership, and discipline in a community. Just as a lake without a boundary or embankment cannot hold water and will eventually go dry or cause destruction, a village or society without moral or legal constraints will fall into chaos and ruin.

Related Phrases

There is no place without an end, and no beginning without a source.

This philosophical expression emphasizes the cycle of life and the law of causality. It suggests that everything that exists has a boundary or conclusion, and every event or start has a fundamental root or origin. It is often used to describe the interconnectedness of time, existence, and the universe.

[Where] the servant [is] without pay the master [must be] without anger.

This proverb highlights a situation that is ideal but often unrealistic or ineffective. It suggests that a servant working for free and a boss who never gets angry are both rarities that may lack the necessary discipline or structure required for a formal relationship. It can also imply that certain roles require specific traits to be functional.

A crop without fertilizer, a farmer without dignity.

This proverb highlights the essential nature of self-respect and integrity for an individual. Just as a crop cannot grow healthy or yield results without proper manure/fertilizer, a person (metaphorically referred to as a farmer) cannot truly thrive or lead a meaningful life without honor and social standing.

A field without fertilizer, a river without speed.

This proverb highlights that certain things are useless or ineffective without their essential qualities. Just as a field cannot yield good crops without fertilizer (nutrients), a river loses its purpose or identity if it has no flow or momentum. It is used to describe situations where a core component is missing, making the whole entity pointless.

A mother without offspring, a wedding without worry.

This proverb is used ironically or sarcastically to describe a situation that is incomplete or lacks its fundamental purpose. Just as a woman cannot be a mother without children, a grand event like a wedding is rarely free of some level of worry or responsibility. It implies that certain roles or events naturally come with inherent burdens or characteristics, and without them, the situation is paradoxical or meaningless.

A farm without a tree, a village without a relative

This proverb highlights the feeling of isolation and lack of support. Just as a farm without a tree offers no shade or respite for a farmer, a village where one has no relatives or friends offers no emotional support or belonging. It is used to describe situations where one feels lonely or lacks a support system in a particular place.

There is no country without Tamilians and no village without crows.

This is a popular Telugu saying used to describe the ubiquitous nature of Tamil people. It implies that just as crows are found in every corner of the world, you will find someone from the Tamil community (Arava) living and working everywhere, highlighting their widespread migration and presence.

A child without discipline is like a field without a boundary wall.

This proverb highlights the importance of guidance and discipline in upbringing. Just as a field without a fence or boundary (gattu) is vulnerable to being trampled or ruined by cattle and outsiders, a child who is not taught discipline and boundaries will grow up to be reckless and lack direction in life.

A blow without a rod, a bond without a rope.

This proverb describes a situation where someone is deeply affected, controlled, or punished by words, social pressure, or psychological influence rather than physical force. It is often used to refer to a verbal reprimand or a situation where a person is bound by their own sense of duty or obligation without any physical constraints.

A sudden and unaccountable calamity.

There is no country where people don't shout and no village where crows don't exist.

This proverb is used to indicate that certain things are universal and inescapable. Just as you will find crows in every village, you will find noise, problems, or specific types of people everywhere you go. It suggests that one cannot find a 'perfect' place free from common disturbances.