నూరు గోవిందలు పెట్టవచ్చుకాని, ఒక్క దాసరికి పెట్టడం కష్టం

nuru govindalu pettavachchukani, okka dasariki pettadam kashtam

Translation

One can chant 'Govinda' a hundred times, but it is difficult to feed a single pilgrim.

Meaning

This proverb highlights the difference between verbal devotion and practical action. While it is easy to pray or speak words of devotion (chanting Govinda), it requires real effort, sacrifice, and resources to actually help or provide for someone in need (the pilgrim/Dasari). It is used to point out people who prefer making empty gestures over doing real service.

Related Phrases

Is feeding one's own wife a favor to the village?

This proverb is used to point out that fulfilling one's basic personal or familial responsibilities is not an act of charity or a service to society. It is used when someone brags about doing something they are naturally obligated to do.

If there is no vow to fulfill, at least offer food to one dasari (devotee).

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone settles for a much smaller, symbolic task when they are unable or unwilling to complete the original, larger commitment. It reflects a compromise to satisfy one's conscience or to maintain appearances even when the primary goal is abandoned.

When asked why he was plucking green ears of grain, the Dasari replied, 'Govinda to those that fall'

This proverb is used to describe a person who is careless, irresponsible, or indifferent to waste and damage. It depicts a situation where someone tasked with a job performs it so poorly or recklessly that they dismiss the resulting loss with a casual, religious exclamation, rather than taking accountability for their actions.

Investing in the son-in-law led to the loss of the investment intended for the son.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone prioritizes an outsider or a distant relative over their own family, only to end up losing everything. It highlights the folly of misplaced priorities and the resulting regret when a primary responsibility is neglected for a secondary one.

One can speak a hundred words, but feeding even one person is difficult.

This proverb highlights the difference between theory and practice, or words and actions. It is easy to give advice, make promises, or talk grandly, but performing an actual act of charity or fulfilling a responsibility requires real effort and sacrifice.

May you break into the house of him who has fed you ?

This proverb emphasizes the virtue of gratitude and loyalty. It suggests that it is a great sin or an act of extreme betrayal to harm or cheat someone who has helped or supported you during your time of need.

Kannam is a hole made by burglars in the wall of a house.

A woman who does not give [ alms ] will never give ; what evil has happened to the jade who does give ?

This proverb describes a person who neither does a good deed themselves nor allows others to do it. It is used to criticize dog-in-the-manger behavior where someone obstructs progress or charity despite having no intention of contributing themselves.

Said by a beggar of one from whom he generally received alms.

Govinda's jumps for beauty

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone performs awkward, unnecessary, or excessive actions in an attempt to look beautiful or impressive, but ends up looking ridiculous or failing to achieve the desired grace.

Telling is easy, doing is difficult.

This is a common saying used to point out that it is much easier to give advice or talk about a task than it is to actually execute it. It is the Telugu equivalent of 'easier said than done.'

Will the one who gave the mouth not provide the fodder?

This is a popular Telugu proverb used to express faith in divine providence or nature. It implies that the creator who gave life to a creature will also provide the necessary means for its sustenance. It is often said to reassure someone who is worried about their future or survival, suggesting that basic needs will inevitably be met.