మెరియలేని గొల్ల, తీపిలేని చెరకు

meriyaleni golla, tipileni cheraku

Translation

A shepherd who cannot whistle, a sugarcane that is not sweet.

Meaning

This proverb is used to describe something or someone that lacks the essential quality or skill required for its nature or purpose. Just as a shepherd must be able to whistle to herd animals and sugarcane is useless if not sweet, an object or person without its defining characteristic is considered ineffective or worthless.

Related Phrases

A well without a ledge, a house without a proper site/foundation.

This proverb is used to describe things or situations that lack stability, safety, or proper structure. Just as a well without a protective wall (ledge) is dangerous to fetch water from, a house without a proper foundation or defined premises is insecure and lacks dignity. It is often used to refer to families or ventures that lack a strong leader or a solid base.

A well without a ledge, a gift without generosity.

This proverb highlights the uselessness or danger of things that lack essential qualities. A well without a protective ledge is dangerous and incomplete, just as an act of giving (charity) that lacks a true spirit of generosity or kindness is considered hollow and meaningless.

Like searching for lice in a place where there is no hair.

This expression is used to describe a futile or impossible task. It refers to someone wasting their time and effort trying to find something in a place where it couldn't possibly exist.

A house without milch cattle, a field without manure

This proverb highlights the importance of essential resources in a livelihood. Just as a household feels incomplete and lacks nutrition without dairy cattle, a farm cannot be productive without organic manure. It is used to describe situations where the fundamental elements required for success or prosperity are missing.

A mindless word, a tuneless song.

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.

Like a thorn in the sole of the foot reaching the head.

This expression is used to describe a situation where a minor problem or a person of low status causes a disproportionately large amount of trouble or starts acting superior and arrogant. It signifies how something seemingly insignificant can escalate and become a major headache.

A cow that gives no milk, a wife without a child.

This proverb is used to describe something that does not fulfill its primary purpose or lacks the essential quality that makes it valuable or complete in a traditional context. It highlights the sense of incompleteness or futility in a situation.

Like a thorn in the sole of the foot reaching the head.

This expression is used to describe a situation where a small or seemingly insignificant problem causes immense irritation, extreme anger, or distress throughout the entire body and mind. It conveys the feeling of sudden, sharp frustration.

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 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.