నామాలవారేగాని నియమాలవారు కారు
namalavaregani niyamalavaru karu
They wear the religious marks, but they do not follow the religious rules.
This proverb describes people who are hypocritical or superficial. It refers to individuals who put on an outward display of piety or discipline (like wearing religious marks on the forehead) but fail to adhere to the actual principles, virtues, or rules they claim to represent. It is used to criticize someone whose actions do not match their appearance.
Related Phrases
ఇచ్ఛకాలవారు బుచ్చకాలవారు పొట్ట కొరకు పొక్కులు గోకుతారు.
ichchhakalavaru buchchakalavaru potta koraku pokkulu gokutaru.
Sycophants scratch pimples for a livelihood.
This proverb describes people who resort to extreme sycophancy or humiliating behavior just to earn a living or gain favor. It highlights how some individuals lose their self-respect and do unpleasant or demeaning tasks (symbolized by scratching someone else's sores) to satisfy their hunger or greed.
మాలాయ గారికి కోలాయ గారు గురువు
malaya gariki kolaya garu guruvu
Mâlâya's priest is Kôlâya. Mâlâya means a Pariah ; Kôlâya is an imaginary name. Said contemptuously of a Pariah.
This is a sarcastic expression used to describe a situation where one incompetent or foolish person tries to teach or lead another incompetent person. It implies that both the 'teacher' and the 'student' are equally clueless or unfit for the task at hand.
శ్రీరంగనీతులు చెప్పేవారేగాని, చేసేవారు లేరు.
shriranganitulu cheppevaregani, chesevaru leru.
There are many who preach the morals of Srirangam, but none who practice them.
This expression is used to describe hypocrites who give lofty moral advice to others but fail to follow it themselves. It is similar to the English proverb 'Practice what you preach' or 'Do as I say, not as I do.' It highlights the gap between words and actions.
ఆరితేరిన వారే గానీ తీర్చేవారు లేరు
ariterina vare gani tirchevaru leru
There are many who complain/shout, but none who solve the problem.
This expression is used to describe a situation where many people are ready to point out problems, criticize, or complain loudly, but nobody is willing to take responsibility or provide a constructive solution.
కులము చెరిచే వారేగాని కూడు పెట్టేవారు లేరు
kulamu cheriche varegani kudu pettevaru leru
There are many to spoil one's caste (reputation), but none to offer a meal.
This proverb describes a situation where many people are ready to criticize, sabotage, or ruin someone's social standing or reputation, but no one is willing to step forward and provide actual help or sustenance when that person is in need. It is used to highlight the hypocrisy and lack of genuine support in society.
చెడు చెడు అనేవారేగాని, చేతిలో పెట్టేవారు లేరు.
chedu chedu anevaregani, chetilo pettevaru leru.
There are many to say it's bad, but none to put something in the hand.
This proverb describes a situation where many people are ready to criticize one's poverty, struggles, or bad circumstances, but no one is willing to step forward and offer actual financial or material help. It is used to highlight the hypocrisy of society which offers criticism instead of support.
నాడు లెంచేవారేగాని, గోడు చూచేవారు లేరు
nadu lenchevaregani, godu chuchevaru leru
They count the days (spent), but nobody looks at the sorrow (endured).
This expression is used when people are quick to count the benefits, time, or wages given to someone, but completely ignore the hardships, pain, or effort that person went through to complete the task. It highlights the lack of empathy in a transactional or judgmental society.
నమల లేని నారికేళము
namala leni narikelamu
A cocoanut which cannot be chewed.
This expression refers to a task, a person, or a problem that is extremely tough to handle or resolve. It is used to describe something that seems impossible to 'digest' or overcome due to its hardness or complexity, much like trying to chew a hard coconut shell.
A difficult business.
విల్లమ్ములు కలవారికి చల్లకడవలవారు తోడా?
villammulu kalavariki challakadavalavaru toda?
Are those with buttermilk pots any match for those with bows and arrows?
This expression is used to highlight a significant disparity in power, status, or strength. It suggests that people of low means or weak standing cannot compete with or assist those who are powerful and well-equipped. It is often used to question the compatibility or parity between two unequal parties.
మాట తప్పిన వాడు మాల వాడు
mata tappina vadu mala vadu
He that breaks his word is a Pariah.
This proverb emphasizes the supreme importance of honesty and integrity. It suggests that a person's character and social standing are defined by their ability to keep promises. Historically, it was used to imply that failing to honor one's word leads to a loss of honor and respect in society, comparing the act of lying to being cast out of the social order.