నీళ్ళాడని చేతికి విధానాలాటవు
nilladani chetiki vidhanalatavu
To a hand that does not move water, the rules of rituals do not apply.
This proverb is used to criticize people who talk about rules, procedures, or high standards without actually doing any work. It suggests that if someone isn't willing to put in the basic effort (like even touching water for a task), they have no right to preach about how things should be done or worry about formal procedures.
Related Phrases
నవ్వు నాలుగు విధాల చేటు.
navvu nalugu vidhala chetu.
Laughter is harmful in four (many ) ways.
This is used when one laughs unnecessarily or too much. For every action there is a proper place and proper time. When the action does not take these considerations into account, it will land people in trouble or awkward situation.
నూతిలో కప్పల విధానం
nutilo kappala vidhanam
The behavior of frogs in a well
This expression describes the behavior of narrow-minded or jealous people who, like frogs in a well, try to pull down anyone who attempts to climb up or succeed. It is used to characterize small-mindedness and the lack of a broader perspective or community support.
నీళ్ళాటని ఇంట నిధానాలాటవు
nillatani inta nidhanalatavu
You are playing hide and seek with water while there are treasures in the house.
This proverb is used to describe a person who ignores valuable resources or opportunities available right at home (or within themselves) and instead wastes time or effort searching for trivial things elsewhere. It highlights the irony of neglecting great wealth or talent while being occupied with insignificant pursuits.
ఇవ్వని మొండికి విడవని చండి.
ivvani mondiki vidavani chandi.
One obstinate man who wouldn't give and another who wouldn't take a refusal.
This expression describes a situation where two equally stubborn or determined individuals clash. It is used when a person who refuses to yield meets someone who is relentlessly persistent in their demand or pursuit. It highlights a stalemate between a 'stubborn refuser' and a 'persistent pursuer'.
వెర్రి వెయ్యి విధాలు, పైత్యము పదివేల విధాలు.
verri veyyi vidhalu, paityamu padivela vidhalu.
Idiocy [takes] a thousand forms, and madness ten thousand.
This proverb is used to describe the countless ways people can behave irrationally or eccentrically. It suggests that human folly and madness have no limits and can manifest in an infinite variety of forms.
వైదికుని చేతి విడెము
vaidikuni cheti videmu
Betel nut in the hand of a clerical Brahman.
This expression is used to describe something that is given very reluctantly or something that is offered in such a small quantity that it is almost negligible. In traditional culture, Vaidika priests were known for their frugality and would often part with items (like betel leaves/taambulam) with great hesitation.
నోటికీ చేతికీ ఎంగిలిలేదు
notiki chetiki engililedu
There is no saliva/leftover between the mouth and the hand.
This expression is used to describe a person who is extremely generous or charitable. It implies that as soon as they have something, they give it away to others without hesitation, leaving nothing 'soiled' or 'lingering' for themselves.
వెర్రి వెయ్యి విధాలు
verri veyyi vidhalu
Madness takes a thousand forms.
Each person has his/her own types of odd behavior and thinks that that behavior quite normal. Honest criticism by well-meaning friends can help people in realizing the truth about themselves and take appropriate corrective measures.
నోటికి చేతికి చీకటి లేదు
notiki chetiki chikati ledu
There is no darkness between the mouth and the hand.
This expression is used to describe someone who eats excessively or constantly, often without any sense of timing or restraint. It implies that the person is always moving their hand to their mouth to eat, regardless of whether it is day or night.
నోటికీ చేతికీ అడ్డులేదు
notiki chetiki adduledu
There is no barrier between the mouth and the hand.
This expression is used to describe a person who lacks self-control or discipline. It usually refers to someone who eats excessively without restraint or someone who speaks impulsively and acts recklessly without thinking of the consequences.