మంజులాలాపము లేని కావ్యము, విలాసములేని వధూటి.

manjulalapamu leni kavyamu, vilasamuleni vadhuti.

Translation

A poem without sweet diction is like a bride without grace.

Meaning

This expression highlights the importance of aesthetic beauty and eloquence in art. Just as a bride's charm is incomplete without grace and elegance (vilasamu), a literary work or poem (kavyam) is considered lifeless or unappealing if it lacks melodic, sweet, and well-chosen words (manjulalapamu). It is used to emphasize that form and style are as essential as content.

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 mean-spirited servant is in no danger [ of losing his life. ]

This proverb suggests that a person who lacks self-respect or a sense of honor is rarely disappointed or deceived because they do not have high standards or expectations to be betrayed. It is often used to criticize someone who lacks the courage to stand up for themselves, implying that while they might stay safe, they lack dignity.

A bell without sound, a crop without grain.

This expression refers to something that lacks its core essence or purpose. Just as a bell is useless if it cannot ring and a crop is worthless if it doesn't yield grain, any object or person that does not fulfill their fundamental function is considered ineffective or hollow. It is used to describe wasted effort or decorative things that have no practical value.

A job without a salary is like a poem without emotion.

This proverb highlights that certain things are meaningless or futile without their core essential element. Just as a poem is dry and unappealing without 'rasa' (emotion/aesthetic flavor), a job or service is useless if it does not provide 'grasam' (sustenance/livelihood). It is used to describe a situation that lacks its primary purpose or reward.

Work without pay. Work not paid for is ill done. Work done expects money. (Portuguese.)

This expression refers to a job or position that provides no salary, benefits, or basic means of survival. It is used to describe an unrewarding occupation where the effort put in does not yield even the most essential returns.

* Obra feita dinheiro espera.

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.

Wedding music without a festoon or a drum.

This expression refers to a situation that lacks the necessary grandeur, preparation, or essential components despite having the outward appearance of an event. It is used to describe something that is hollow, incomplete, or poorly organized.

A mantra without Omkara, wisdom without authority

This expression refers to things that are incomplete or ineffective despite their inherent quality. Just as a mantra is considered spiritually powerless without the 'Om' sound, wisdom or talent is often seen as ineffective or useless in a social or professional context if the person possessing it lacks the authority or position to implement it.

Employment without sustenance

This expression refers to a job or position that does not provide enough salary or benefits to meet basic living needs. It is used to describe unrewarding work or a situation where the effort put in far exceeds the meager compensation received.