మంత్రంలో పసలేకపోయినా తుంపర్లకు కొదవ లేదు
mantramlo pasalekapoyina tumparlaku kodava ledu
Even if there is no power in the mantra, there is no shortage of spit droplets.
This proverb is used to describe a person who lacks real substance, skill, or power in their work but makes a lot of noise or puts on a big show. Just as a priest might not know the actual hymns (mantras) but spits a lot while chanting, it refers to situations where the external display is excessive while the core quality is missing.
Related Phrases
మంత్రసాని పనికి ఒప్పుకున్నప్పుడు, బిడ్డ వచ్చినా పట్టాలి, ఏమి వచ్చినా పట్టాలి.
mantrasani paniki oppukunnappudu, bidda vachchina pattali, emi vachchina pattali.
When you have accepted the work of a midwife, you must catch the baby or whatever comes out.
This proverb emphasizes professional responsibility and accountability. It means that once you commit to a job or take on a responsibility, you must deal with all the consequences, challenges, and outcomes that come with it, whether they are pleasant or unpleasant.
తుప్పర్ల పసేగాని, మంత్రాల వస లేదు.
tupparla pasegani, mantrala vasa ledu.
The beauty of his slobberings, not of his mantras.
This expression is used to describe someone who talks excessively or makes a lot of noise but produces no actual results or substance. It refers to a situation where there is much ado about nothing, or when someone's actions are just a superficial display without any real skill or efficacy.
అసలు పసలేక దొంగని అరిచినట్లు
asalu pasaleka dongani arichinatlu
Like shouting 'thief' when there is no substance or truth in the first place.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone makes a loud commotion or accusation to hide their own lack of merit, substance, or capability. It refers to creating a diversion or putting up a front when one is actually empty or in the wrong.
మంత్రంలో పసలేకపోయినా తుంపర్లకు తక్కువలేదు.
mantramlo pasalekapoyina tumparlaku takkuvaledu.
Even if there is no power in the chant, there is no shortage of spit.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone's actions or words lack substance, quality, or effectiveness, yet they are accompanied by a lot of unnecessary noise, fuss, or superficial display. It is often applied to people who talk grandly or perform elaborate rituals without achieving any real results.
మంత్రాలు తక్కువ, తుంపరులెక్కువ
mantralu takkuva, tumparulekkuva
Few mantras, more spitting.
This proverb is used to describe a person who talks a lot or makes a great show of doing something but produces very little result or lacks the actual skill. It refers to a priest who, instead of reciting the sacred hymns (mantras) properly, ends up spitting more while shouting loudly. It is often applied to people who substitute substance with empty noise or unnecessary actions.
అన్నం లేకపోయినా పట్టుబట్ట
annam lekapoyina pattubatta
Silk clothes even if there is no food
This expression is used to describe a person who prioritizes vanity, status, or external appearance over basic necessities and practical needs. It highlights a scenario where someone spends money on luxuries to look rich or sophisticated while struggling to afford essential items like food.
మంత్రసాని తనం ఒప్పుకున్న తర్వాత ఏదొచ్చినా పట్టాలి.
mantrasani tanam oppukunna tarvata edochchina pattali.
Once you have accepted the job of a midwife, you must catch whatever comes out.
This proverb emphasizes accountability and commitment. It means that once you have voluntarily taken on a responsibility or a profession, you must be prepared to handle all the challenges, consequences, and tasks that come with it, regardless of how difficult or unpleasant they may be.
భక్తి వచ్చినా పట్టలేరు, పగ వచ్చినా పట్టలేరు
bhakti vachchina pattaleru, paga vachchina pattaleru
They cannot control their devotion, nor can they control their enmity.
This expression is used to describe people who are extreme and impulsive in their emotions. Whether they love someone (devotion) or hate someone (enmity), they go to such extremes that it becomes overwhelming or unmanageable for others around them. It highlights a lack of moderation in temperament.
మంత్రసాని తనానికి ఒప్పుకున్న తరువాత, ఏది వచ్చినా పట్టాలి.
mantrasani tananiki oppukunna taruvata, edi vachchina pattali.
Once you agree to be a midwife, you must catch whatever comes out.
This proverb emphasizes commitment and responsibility. Once you have voluntarily taken up a task or a profession, you must be prepared to face all the challenges, difficulties, or messy situations that come with it without complaining.
వచ్చిన వాడు చచ్చినా పోదు.
vachchina vadu chachchina podu.
Calumny is not removed even by death.
This expression is used to describe a deeply ingrained habit, trait, or skill that stays with a person throughout their lifetime. It suggests that once something is learned or becomes part of a person's nature, it is nearly impossible to change or get rid of it.
Slander leaves a slur. Give a dog an ill name, and you may as well hang him.