నూరి భరించలేనమ్మ తాగి ఏమి భరించును?

nuri bharinchalenamma tagi emi bharinchunu?

Translation

Can she drink [medicine] who could not bear to grind it?

Meaning

This proverb is used to criticize people who are lazy or unwilling to put in the necessary effort for a task but still expect the end result or benefits. It highlights that if someone finds the preparation or process too burdensome, they are unlikely to handle the responsibility or consequences that follow.

Related Phrases

Mahabharata without a leader (Karta).

This expression refers to a situation or a large group of people lacking leadership, direction, or a sense of responsibility. It is used to describe chaos or a project that is going nowhere because nobody is taking charge, similar to the epic Mahabharata if it had no central figure or duty-bound purpose.

The doctor's wife herself suffers from fistula.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where an expert or a professional is unable to help their own family members or solve problems in their own household, despite helping others in the same field. It is similar to the English proverb 'The shoemaker's children go barefoot.'

A man's fortune is a compatible wife.

This proverb highlights that a man's true wealth and success in life depend heavily on having a supportive and understanding spouse. It is used to emphasize the importance of marital harmony and the role a life partner plays in one's prosperity and happiness.

What one wears is a sari (shati), and whom one chooses/marries is a woman (boti).

This proverb emphasizes personal choice and individual preference. It implies that in matters of personal belongings (like clothing) or life partners, it is the individual's own choice or satisfaction that matters most, regardless of what others think.

Like saying the King's wife is a faithful woman.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone states something that is universally obvious, undisputed, or redundant. It suggests that certain things are so well-established by status or common knowledge that pointing them out is unnecessary or serves as a sarcastic commentary on stating the obvious.

He reportedly asked, 'Is the young widow wandering in that house your wife or your brother's wife?'

This expression is used to describe a person who lacks common sense, social etiquette, or tact. It highlights a situation where someone asks an incredibly offensive, contradictory, or foolish question that insults everyone involved while being logically absurd (since a wife cannot be a widow while the husband is alive and being questioned).

A husband's boasting is only over his wife

This expression is used to describe someone who acts arrogant or powerful only towards those who are dependent on them or cannot retaliate, while being timid or insignificant in front of others. It highlights selective bravery or false pride shown within the safety of one's home.

Will the mere birth of a son uplift the lineage?

This expression suggests that simply having a son does not bring honor or progress to a family or community; rather, it is his virtues, character, and actions that truly matter. It is often used to emphasize quality of character over mere existence or gender.

Like devouring the one who does not protect.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone who is expected to provide help or protection instead causes harm or destruction. It refers to a betrayal of trust or a scenario where a person's lack of support leads to an even more predatory or damaging outcome.

Are you to devour the man who has protected you ?

This expression is used to convey a sense of loyalty and gratitude. It highlights that one should never harm or betray their benefactor or savior. It is often used to show a commitment to integrity even when facing temptation.

Save a thief from the gallows, and he will be the first to cut your throat.