మాటలు పోయినాక, మూటలు పనికిరావు

matalu poyinaka, mutalu panikiravu

Translation

Once the words are gone, bundles of wealth are of no use.

Meaning

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.

Related Phrases

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.

Even if the kingdoms are gone, the royal attitudes have not left.

This expression is used to describe people who have lost their power, wealth, or status but still cling to their old ego, arrogance, or bossy behavior. It highlights the irony of someone acting superior despite no longer having the means or position to justify it.

Even if people pass away, their words remain.

This expression emphasizes the lasting impact and legacy of a person's words, promises, or reputation. While human life is temporary, the things one says or the wisdom one shares endure long after they are gone. It is often used to remind someone to be mindful of their speech or to honor the memory and teachings of the deceased.

Neither the potter cares if the cattle are lost, nor the stepmother cares if the children are lost.

This proverb describes extreme indifference or lack of empathy. It highlights situations where individuals are completely unconcerned about losses that do not directly affect their personal interests or emotional bonds. It is used to criticize someone's cold-heartedness or apathy towards the misfortune of others.

The teats on a goat's neck are neither useful for milking nor for dung.

This expression is used to describe something or someone that is completely useless or redundant. Just as the fleshy appendages on some goats' necks look like udders but produce no milk and serve no biological function, it refers to efforts, objects, or people that provide no benefit whatsoever.

Daytime talk is a loss to work, nighttime talk is a loss to sleep.

This proverb emphasizes time management and the importance of focusing on the task at hand. It suggests that gossiping or idle chatter during the day hinders productivity, while excessive talking at night deprives one of necessary rest. It is used to advise someone to stop talking and focus on their responsibilities or sleep.

Even if people pass away, their words remain.

This proverb emphasizes the lasting impact of one's speech, promises, or reputation. While human life is temporary, the things a person says—whether they are promises, wisdom, or insults—continue to live on in the memories of others and impact the world long after the speaker is gone. It is used to advise someone to speak thoughtfully or to honor a deceased person's words.

One can buy bundles with words.

This expression refers to someone who is highly persuasive or a smooth talker. It describes a person who can achieve great things or acquire assets just by using their convincing speech and eloquence, without necessarily having the physical means or money at that moment.

Talking in the day time spoils one's business ; talking in the night time spoils one's sleep.

This proverb emphasizes the importance of time management and focus. It suggests that gossiping or talking excessively during the day hinders productivity, while doing the same at night disturbs necessary rest. It is used to advise someone to stop talking and get back to their responsibilities or to sleep.

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.