కవితకు మెప్పు, కాంతకు కొప్పు.

kavitaku meppu, kantaku koppu.

Translation

Praise for poetry, a hair-bun for a woman.

Meaning

This proverb highlights the essential elements that enhance the beauty or value of something. Just as a well-styled hair-bun (koppu) completes a woman's appearance, appreciation and recognition (meppu) are the ultimate rewards and finishing touches for a poet's work.

Related Phrases

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.

Grace to speech, melody to song

This expression emphasizes the essential qualities of communication and art. It suggests that just as a song must be melodious to be enjoyed, speech should be graceful, polite, and meaningful to be effective. It is used to describe someone who speaks beautifully or to highlight the importance of eloquence.

The grazing on the island is not worth the swim across the river.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where the hard work or effort put into a task is just enough to cover the gains, resulting in no net profit. It signifies a break-even scenario where the struggle and the reward cancel each other out.

Debt is misfortune.

This phrase is used to emphasize that being in debt is a constant source of stress, trouble, and psychological burden. It serves as a warning to avoid taking loans or living beyond one's means.

Debt is the worst poverty.

Manure for the crop, stirring for the cooking.

This proverb highlights the essential requirements for success in specific tasks. Just as manure (pantu) is necessary for a healthy crop yield, constant stirring or tending (maratu) is necessary for a dish to be cooked properly. It is used to emphasize that every job has its own unique, indispensable process that must be followed to achieve the desired result.

Like giving legs to a story and ears to a pot.

This expression describes the act of exaggerating a story or fabricating unnecessary details to make a simple event sound more dramatic or believable. It is used when someone adds 'spices' or false information to a basic fact, making the narrative unrealistic or distorted.

Thimmaraju for eating, Potharaju for working.

This expression is used to describe someone who is very enthusiastic and consumes a lot when it comes to eating, but is extremely lazy or avoids responsibility when it comes to doing any work. It highlights the contrast between greed and laziness.

Unroasted pigeon peas and a fool's praise.

This proverb highlights things that are useless or unpleasant. Just as unroasted pigeon peas (kandipappu) do not cook well and lack flavor, the praise of an unintelligent person or a fool carries no value and should not be taken seriously.

A pack-saddle fits the size, and a quilt fits the pack-saddle.

This proverb is used to describe a perfect match or a situation where things are suited to each other, often used in a sarcastic or humorous way to describe a couple or a pair of people who share the same (often negative) traits or habits. It implies that for every person or situation, there is a corresponding match that deserves them.

Whether it is a woman, a creeper plant, or poetry, support is necessary.

This classic expression suggests that certain things cannot flourish or stand on their own without external support. A creeper needs a tree or pole to climb, poetry needs a patron or a platform to be appreciated, and traditionally, it was said that a woman needs the support of her family or society to thrive.