మాటలు కోటలు దాటుతాయి గాని కాళ్ళు గడప దాటవు

matalu kotalu datutayi gani kallu gadapa datavu

Translation

Words cross fortresses, but feet do not cross the threshold.

Meaning

This expression is used to describe people who talk big and make grand promises or boasts, but fail to take even the smallest action or put their words into practice. It highlights the gap between ambitious rhetoric and actual execution.

Related Phrases

If you don't learn how to speak, you cannot pass the time (or earn a meal).

This proverb emphasizes the importance of communication and social skills in survival and professional success. It suggests that if one does not know how to converse effectively or persuade others, it becomes difficult to make a living or navigate through daily life.

Deepavali rains cross to other islands/continents.

This is a traditional agricultural proverb implying that if it rains during the Deepavali festival season, the rains are so widespread and persistent that they affect vast regions and potentially cross geographical boundaries. It signifies a period of heavy, extensive monsoon activity.

His words leap over forts, his foot does not cross the threshold.

This expression is used to describe people who talk big and boast about grand plans or achievements, but in reality, fail to take even the smallest action or initiative. It highlights the contrast between empty talk and lack of practical effort.

Great vaunters, little doers. ( French. )† * Il se ruine à promettre, et s'acquit à ne rien donner. † Grand vanteurs, petite faiseurs.

If it passes your lips it will go over the Penna river. A secret revealed spreads quickly abroad. Three may keep counsel if two be away. Two eyes, two ears, only one mouth. (GERMAN.)

This proverb is used to warn someone about the speed at which a secret or a piece of gossip spreads. Once a word is spoken aloud (crosses the lips), it becomes public knowledge and travels far and wide very quickly, making it impossible to take back.

* Sledet der Torp, so blühet die Freundschaft. † Zwei Augen, zwei Ohren, nur ein Mund.

If you have support, you can cross mountains.

This proverb emphasizes the power of having backing or support (financial, social, or emotional). It suggests that with the right assistance or a strong foundation, one can overcome even the most formidable obstacles that would be impossible to tackle alone.

Deepavali rains cross to the other side of the island.

This is a traditional agricultural and weather-related proverb. It means that if it rains during the Deepavali festival season, the rains will be so widespread and heavy that they reach far-off lands or 'cross the oceans'. It is often used to signify the intensity and far-reaching nature of the Northeast monsoon in the coastal regions of Andhra Pradesh.

The mind travels over Mahammeru, but the foot does not pass over the threshold.

This expression describes a situation where someone has grand ambitions or lofty thoughts but lacks the physical capability, resources, or courage to take even the smallest first step. It is used to point out the gap between one's vast imagination and their actual capacity for action.

Meru or Mahammeru is the fabulous mountain on which Brahmâ is said to reside attended by Rishis, &c. It appears really to be the high land of Tartary immediately north of the Himâlayas. ( Wilson ). *Twee appelen met dénen stok afwerpen.

Will hired horses leap over ditches ?

This proverb suggests that people will not show the same level of commitment, risk-taking, or care for something that is not their own. Just as a rented horse might lack the spirit or loyalty to leap over dangerous obstacles for a temporary master, employees or outsiders often lack the passion and dedication that an owner or stakeholder would naturally possess.

* Mieux vaut un nez que deux vous l'aurez. † Thesaurus carbones erant. ‡ Hij zegt duivel en meent u.

The mind can cross the great Mount Meru, but the foot cannot cross the doorstep

This expression describes the contrast between human ambition and practical action. While our thoughts and imagination are limitless and can travel anywhere, we often lack the physical effort or courage to take even the smallest first step toward achieving those goals.

Can horses bought for boiled grains jump over moats?

This proverb emphasizes that low investment or poor preparation leads to failure in challenging tasks. Just as horses fed only on cheap boiled snacks (guggillu) instead of high-quality feed lack the strength to leap across defensive ditches, a person who is inadequately trained or provided with cheap resources cannot handle high-stakes responsibilities.