మతిలేని మాట, శృతిలేని పాట

matileni mata, shritileni pata

Translation

A mindless word, a tuneless song.

Meaning

This expression is used to describe something that lacks sense, logic, or harmony. Just as a song without a proper scale (shruti) is unpleasant to hear, words spoken without thought or intelligence are useless and irritating. It is often used to dismiss nonsensical arguments or irrelevant chatter.

Related Phrases

Food served without affection is equal to the food offered to the dead.

This proverb emphasizes that the hospitality and love behind a meal are more important than the food itself. Even the most delicious food is considered unpalatable or unlucky if it is served with resentment or without heart, comparing it to 'Pinda Kudu' (the ritual food offered to deceased ancestors).

An unjust man is worse than a monkey.

This proverb is used to highlight that moral values and integrity are what define a human being. Without them, a person's behavior can be more unpredictable or destructive than that of a wild animal, specifically a monkey, which is known for its restless and mischievous nature.

Food given without affection, is as food offered to the dead.

This proverb emphasizes that the hospitality and love with which food is served are more important than the food itself. Even a grand feast is worthless and unpleasant if the host lacks genuine affection or respect for the guest, comparing such a joyless meal to funeral offerings (Pinda).

A short man having an immeasurable desire for a woman

This expression describes a situation where someone has desires or ambitions that are far beyond their actual capabilities, stature, or resources. It is used to mock unrealistic aspirations or when someone 'aims too high' in a way that seems disproportionate to their reality.

Food served without affection is like funeral offerings.

This expression emphasizes that the hospitality and love behind a meal are more important than the food itself. Food served grudgingly or without warmth is compared to 'Pinda', the ritual food offered to the deceased, which is considered uninviting and devoid of the joy of living hospitality. It is used to highlight that one should not accept or offer food where there is no mutual respect or affection.

A song without melody - A word without consent

This expression highlights that just as a song is unpleasant to hear without the proper tune or pitch (shruti), a conversation or proposal is useless and ineffective without the agreement or willingness of the listener. It is used to emphasize that forcing an opinion or singing out of tune both result in a lack of harmony.

For a man with no resources, a wife with no sense.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where one's existing misfortunes are compounded by even more trouble or incompetence. It suggests that when a person is already in a helpless or poor state, they often end up with additional burdens that make their situation worse, rather than better.

A helpless woman will get a foolish husband.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where an already difficult or miserable circumstance is made worse by poor companionship or inadequate support. It signifies the misfortune of someone who, being in a vulnerable state, ends up with a partner or resource that is incompetent or useless.

A woman without passion and a horse without speed will not shine.

This proverb highlights that certain entities are defined by their inherent functional qualities. Just as a horse is valued for its ability to run (gati) and move with speed, certain traits are traditionally expected in specific roles for them to be considered successful or effective. It is used to suggest that without essential qualities, things lose their primary purpose or appeal.

A senseless speech, a tuneless song.

This proverb is used to describe speech that lacks intelligence or logic. Just as a song without proper scale or rhythm (shruti) is unpleasant to hear, talk that lacks sense or wisdom is useless and annoying to the listener.