మాటలు నేర్వలేకపోతే, పూటలు గడువవు
matalu nervalekapote, putalu gaduvavu
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.
Related Phrases
కొత్తది నేర్వలేదు, పాతది మరువలేదు
kottadi nervaledu, patadi maruvaledu
Neither learned the new, nor forgotten the old.
This expression describes a state of stagnation or lack of progress. It is used to mock someone who is unable to adapt to new changes or learn new skills, while also failing to move on from or effectively use their existing knowledge. It highlights a situation where someone is stuck in limbo, making no advancement.
విషం మాటలు తేనె పూతలు
visham matalu tene putalu
Poisonous words coated with honey
This expression describes someone who uses sweet, flattering, or pleasant language to hide their malicious intentions or harmful nature. It is used to warn others about deceitful people who act friendly on the surface while harboring ill will.
నీలి మాటలు, గాలి మూటలు
nili matalu, gali mutalu
Blue words, bundles of air
This expression refers to deceptive talk or empty promises that have no substance. 'Blue words' implies deceitful or fraudulent speech, while 'bundles of air' represents something that appears significant but is actually empty and worthless. It is used to describe someone who makes tall claims or tells lies that cannot be fulfilled.
బొంక నేర్చి, బొంకు అంకు నేర్వాలి
bonka nerchi, bonku anku nervali
Learn to lie, then learn to support that lie.
This expression suggests that if one chooses to tell a lie, they must also have the cleverness and consistency to maintain it without getting caught. It is used to remark on the complexity of deception and the need for a 'logical cover' when being dishonest.
మాటలు కోటలు దాటుతాయి గాని కాళ్ళు గడప దాటవు
matalu kotalu datutayi gani kallu gadapa datavu
Words cross fortresses, but feet do not cross the threshold.
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.
చెప్పుడు మాటలు చేటు, చక్కని మాటలు ఘాటు.
cheppudu matalu chetu, chakkani matalu ghatu.
Listening to hearsay leads to ruin, while honest words can be sharp.
This expression warns that acting on gossip or others' manipulative words causes harm. Conversely, sincere or truthful advice may feel blunt or 'sharp' like a spice, but it is ultimately beneficial. It is used to advise someone to be wary of rumors and appreciate honest criticism.
మాటలు పోయినాక, మూటలు పనికిరావు
matalu poyinaka, mutalu panikiravu
Once the words are gone, bundles of wealth are of no use.
This proverb emphasizes that once a person has lost their ability to speak or has passed away, material wealth becomes meaningless. It is often used to highlight that good communication and relationships are more valuable than riches, or to suggest that some things cannot be fixed with money once the opportunity for dialogue is lost.
పెట్టేపోతలు లేకపోయినా వట్టి కూతలు ఎందుకు?
pettepotalu lekapoyina vatti kutalu enduku?
Why empty shouts when there are no offerings or deeds?
This expression is used to criticize someone who makes big claims, boasts, or gives advice without actually contributing anything tangible or being helpful. It highlights the hypocrisy of people who use loud words but lack action or generosity.
దాతలు లేక గాదు, మాకు వ్రాత లేక
datalu leka gadu, maku vrata leka
It's not that there are no donors, it's that we don't have the fate written for it.
This proverb is used to express that even when help or resources are available, one may not receive them due to their own poor luck or destiny. It highlights the belief that one's fate (vratha) is the ultimate decider of what they receive, regardless of the generosity of others.
మాటలు ఆకులు, చేతలు పండ్లు
matalu akulu, chetalu pandlu
Words are leaves, actions are fruits
This proverb is used to emphasize that talking is easy and abundant like leaves on a tree, but real results and value come only from actions, which are like the fruit. It is often used to criticize people who talk a lot but do very little.