నిర్గుణుడు మరుపీనుగ

nirgunudu marupinuga

Translation

A person without good qualities is a walking corpse.

Meaning

This proverb is used to emphasize that a person's value lies in their virtues and character. A person who lacks good qualities, empathy, or principles is considered as good as dead or a living corpse because they contribute nothing meaningful to society.

Related Phrases

For indigestion, hunger is plentiful.

This proverb refers to a condition where one feels frequent or excessive hunger despite having indigestion or a stomach upset. Metaphorically, it is used to describe a situation where someone who is incapable or lacking in substance makes excessive demands or shows greedy desire for more than they can handle.

Like the food offered to the dead on a corpse

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone is so greedy or heartless that they try to extract benefit or profit from a tragic, miserable, or desperate situation. It reflects a state of utter exploitation or extreme pettiness in a moment of sorrow.

The day after a feast a dose.

This expression highlights the consequences of overindulgence. It implies that if you enjoy a heavy, lavish feast today, you will likely need medicine for indigestion or health issues the following day. It is used as a cautionary saying about moderation.

After a feast a man scratches his head. (French.)*

When Gūṭāla Pōli was told to amend her ways, she said she would rather break off the match. Obstinate behaviour. Stubborn conduct.

This proverb describes a stubborn person who refuses to change their inherent nature or bad habits, even if it costs them their most important relationships or well-being. It is used to highlight that a person's basic temperament is often unchangeable, regardless of the consequences.

* Chi ha testa di vetro non faocia a' sass. † Il cico non des giudicar del colori.

A festival celebrated for a corpse

This expression refers to a situation where a lot of effort, money, or energy is spent on something that is already useless or dead. It describes a futile act or an event where there is no appreciation or benefit, as the recipient is unable to enjoy or respond to the efforts made.

On seeing a husband who is as tall as a pole, people laugh as if a walking corpse has arrived.

This is a traditional Telugu proverb used to describe a person who is exceptionally tall and lanky, often to the point of appearing awkward or sickly. It suggests that such a physical stature attracts ridicule or odd stares from others, comparing the ungainly sight to a walking skeleton or corpse.

The swelling may subside, but will the branding scars disappear?

This proverb is used to explain that while the immediate pain or visible effects of a mistake or misfortune might fade away, the permanent consequences or the stigma associated with it remain forever. It highlights the lasting nature of certain actions or damages.

If one says 'this place', Madana says 'Kodada'.

This proverb is used to describe a person who is intentionally argumentative or contradictory. When one person suggests a direction or an idea, the other person contrarily suggests something completely different just for the sake of opposing.

An elephant for eating, a corpse for working.

This expression is used to describe a person who is extremely greedy or has a huge appetite when it comes to consuming resources or food, but becomes completely useless, lazy, or inactive when it is time to do any work.

Like eating the food offered to a corpse

This expression is used to describe a person who is extremely greedy, stingy, or exploitative, particularly someone who seeks to benefit or make a profit even from a tragic or pathetic situation. It refers to taking advantage of someone else's misfortune.