మున్నూటి కులానికి ముప్పు లేదు, మొండి కాలికి చెప్పు లేదు.

munnuti kulaniki muppu ledu, mondi kaliki cheppu ledu.

Translation

The pedigree of a family numbering three hundred branches cannot be traced nor can a shoe be made to fit a mained foot. A hopeless task.

Meaning

This is a traditional proverb reflecting historical social observations. The first part suggests that a large, united community (specifically the Munnuru Kapu) is resilient and protected from threats. The second part is a metaphorical observation that some things are impractical or impossible, such as fitting a sandal on a leg without a foot. It is used to describe inherent strengths or undeniable, sometimes harsh, realities.

Related Phrases

There is no danger for the Munnuru caste, and there is no sandal for a stumped leg.

This is a traditional Telugu proverb or 'Sameta'. Historically, it refers to the resilience and self-sufficiency of the Munnuru Kapu community, suggesting they are a strong, risk-free collective. The second part is a literal observation used for rhyming or emphasis, implying that just as a deformed or amputated leg cannot wear a standard sandal, certain things in life are fixed or beyond typical constraints.

A pig-headed fellow [feels] no shame, the trunk of a tree [feels] no wind.

This proverb is used to describe a person who is completely indifferent to criticism, insults, or social expectations. Just as a dead, leafless tree stump is unaffected by the blowing wind, a thick-skinned or shameless person remains unmoved and unbothered regardless of how much they are shamed or corrected by others.

There is no sense in words of condolence nor sight in a blind eye.

This proverb is used to describe someone who talks incessantly without any logic, substance, or purpose. It compares such senseless chatter to a blind eye, emphasizing that just as a blind eye cannot perform its function of seeing, 'Asodi' (nonsense or idle gossip) serves no functional purpose in communication.

Not even a grain stalk for the crow, not even a handful for the hen.

This expression describes an extremely stingy person or a situation of absolute scarcity where someone refuses to help others, even in the smallest way. It highlights a lack of generosity even towards those who need very little.

Though a shoemaker's wife, she has no shoes for her burn- ing feet. A shoemaker's wife and a smith's mare are always the worst shod.

This proverb describes a situation where a person lacks the very thing their family or profession specializes in providing. It is used to highlight irony or scarcity in the midst of abundance, similar to the English expression 'The shoemaker's children go barefoot'.

There is no limit to purity, nor any beginning to impurity. Man is sinful from his birth, and never attains to perfect purity.

This proverb highlights that tradition and custom (Achara) can be endlessly elaborate with no final limit, while deviations or lack of tradition (Anachara) have no specific origin or defined structure. It is often used to suggest that one can get lost in the complexities of rituals or that improper conduct has existed forever without a clear starting point.

Neither a string nor a top

This expression is used to describe a person who is irresponsible, lacks roots, or has no attachments or accountability. Just as a spinning top cannot be controlled or operated without a string, it refers to someone who is wandering aimlessly or a situation that has no proper foundation or control.

A half-burnt log. Said of a mean spirited creature who resents no affront.

This expression refers to a person who is extremely stubborn, obstinate, or unresponsive to advice and logic. Just as a partially burnt, thick log of wood is difficult to handle and neither fully burns away nor remains useful, this phrase describes a person whose behavior is difficult to change or manage.

What is the danger to a ruined field, and what is the use of a shoe for a stumped leg?

This proverb is used to describe a situation where a person or thing has already reached the lowest possible state or has been completely ruined, so further threats or minor improvements no longer matter. It suggests that once everything is lost, there is no fear of further damage, and offering a solution to a broken situation is futile.

There is no justice in oppression, and no sight in a blind eye.

This proverb is used to describe people who act with arrogance, tyranny, or brute force. It implies that just as it is naturally impossible for a blind eye to see, it is impossible for a person acting out of sheer dominance or malice to follow the path of justice or ethics.