కుచమర్దనం వల్ల రంభకైనా సుఖం లేదు.

kuchamardanam valla rambhakaina sukham ledu.

Translation

Even the celestial nymph Rambha finds no pleasure in the mere squeezing of breasts.

Meaning

This expression is used to signify that doing things roughly, superficially, or focusing only on physical force without emotional depth or proper context leads to no real satisfaction or result. It emphasizes that quality, subtlety, and genuine engagement are more important than mere physical effort or mechanical action.

Related Phrases

If the vital parts escape, there is no comfort like that which follows a wound. An invalid receives every attention from his friends.

This proverb highlights a sense of relief when a major danger or a fatal blow is narrowly avoided, resulting only in a minor injury. It is used to express that a small loss or superficial damage is a blessing when compared to a potential life-threatening or catastrophic failure.

The ritual was ruined, and no pleasure was gained.

This proverb is used when someone compromises their principles or makes a sacrifice to achieve a certain benefit, but ends up losing both their integrity and the expected reward. It describes a situation of total loss where a 'sin' was committed for a gain that never materialized.

Even if she is Rambha, there is no pleasure in holding her own breasts with her own hands.

This expression signifies that self-indulgence or self-praise lacks the fulfillment or validation that comes from others. It is used to convey that certain experiences or appreciations require a second party to be meaningful, emphasizing that one cannot derive true satisfaction solely from oneself in certain contexts.

If the vital point is missed, there is no pleasure like a mere wound.

This proverb suggests that if a major danger or a fatal blow is avoided, even a minor injury or loss feels like a relief or a blessing in comparison. It is used when someone escapes a life-threatening situation with only minor consequences.

There is no place without an end, and no beginning without an origin.

This philosophical expression emphasizes the cyclical and interconnected nature of existence. It suggests that everything that exists occupies space and must eventually conclude, and every start has a preceding cause or source. It is used to describe the continuity of life, the laws of nature, or the inevitability of consequences based on origins.

Massaging one's own chest - An ornament for one's own neck

This expression is used to describe self-praise or self-flattery. It refers to a person who boastfully talks about their own achievements or virtues, often to an annoying degree. The corrected idiom is 'Swakanthabharanam', used sarcastically to mean that praising oneself is like wearing a self-made garland.

There is no sorrow like losing a calf, and no happiness like the yield of milk.

This proverb is used to describe the highs and lows of a livelihood or profession. Just as a farmer feels deep grief when a calf dies (a loss of future potential) but feels immense satisfaction when the cow gives milk (immediate reward), it signifies that every gain comes with its own set of risks and emotional burdens.

No happiness in the face, no strength in the knees

This expression describes a state of total exhaustion, aging, or complete lack of vitality. It is used when a person is both mentally dejected (no glow/happiness on the face) and physically weak (knees failing), indicating they are no longer fit for strenuous work or are feeling the heavy toll of hardship.

If one has the means to sustain, there is no pleasure like a fever.

This proverb suggests that if a person is wealthy enough or has someone to take care of them without worrying about work or daily expenses, even being ill (fever) can feel like a luxury as it allows for rest and attention from others. It is used to remark on people who can afford to be idle or take a break from responsibilities.

Is material wealth happiness, or is being in the presence of Rama happiness?

This expression is used to question the true source of contentment, contrasting temporary material riches with spiritual peace or divine proximity. It originated from a famous kirtana by the saint-composer Tyagaraja, who refused royal gifts in favor of his devotion.