నూనెలేని వత్తి, ఎగదోస్తేనేమి, దిగదోస్తేనేమి?

nuneleni vatti, egadostenemi, digadostenemi?

Translation

If a wick has no oil, what does it matter if you push it up or pull it down?

Meaning

This expression is used to describe a situation that is fundamentally flawed or lacking in resources. It implies that when the core essential is missing, no amount of external adjustments, superficial changes, or effort will produce the desired result.

Related Phrases

What does it matter if the Vempali plant flowers or bears fruit?

This proverb refers to things or actions that are completely useless or have no impact on anyone. The Vempali (Wild Indigo) plant is considered useless for consumption or major utility; hence, whether it flourishes or not makes no difference to the world. It is used to describe an insignificant person's presence or a redundant effort.

It is wrong to live in a village that has no protection; it is wrong [ for a woman ] to ask [ for any thing ] in the house where she was born if there is no love [ for her ].

This proverb emphasizes self-respect and practicality. It suggests that one should not reside in a place where there is no protection or community support. Similarly, it warns against asking for help or favors from relatives (specifically one's natal home) who no longer show love or willingness to give, as it only leads to humiliation.

If the master's ox be lost what is it [to the servant?]. If the watchman's eye be lost what is it [to the master?]. ఐ.

This proverb describes a situation of extreme indifference or lack of accountability. It refers to a person who doesn't care about the consequences of their actions or the losses incurred by others, implying that as long as they aren't personally affected or if they are simply reckless, they remain unconcerned about significant damages.

What is it to the crows if the Nemmi trees, which they don't like, grow or blossom ? Nemmi chettu is the Dalbergia Oojeinensis.

This proverb describes a situation where something exists or flourishes but is of no benefit to the people who need it or are around it. It is used when discussing resources, talents, or wealth that are practically useless to the community or individuals concerned, making their existence irrelevant.

What if the debtor dies, or what if the documents are lost in water?

This expression is used to describe a situation where one has reached a point of complete loss or hopelessness, such that further misfortunes no longer matter. It reflects a state of indifference toward consequences when the primary goal or asset is already gone.

What does it matter if a blind eye is large or small?

This proverb is used to indicate that if something is fundamentally useless or non-functional, its appearance, size, or secondary attributes are irrelevant. It suggests that when the core purpose of an object or a person's skill is missing, worrying about aesthetic details or minor variations is a waste of time.

What does it matter whether the kingdom he has not pos- session of prospers or decays?

This proverb is used to describe a sense of total indifference or detachment toward things that one has no stake in or ownership over. It highlights the human tendency to only care about outcomes when they directly affect their own personal interests or property.

What does it matter if a soldier who cannot strike holds a spear or a ladle?

This proverb highlights that for someone who lacks skill, courage, or the will to work, the quality of the tools they possess is irrelevant. It is used to mock incompetent people who blame their equipment or circumstances instead of their own inability to perform a task.

What does it matter if a husband who provides neither worldly comfort nor spiritual salvation stays or goes?

This proverb is used to describe a person who is completely useless or provides no value in any aspect of life (neither material nor spiritual). It is typically applied to situations where someone is more of a burden than a help, suggesting that their presence or absence makes no positive difference.

What if it is sharp when the time is not right?

This expression emphasizes that resources, skills, or opportunities are useless if they are not available at the right moment. It is used to point out that timing is more important than quality or preparation in specific critical situations.