ఒక చేత్తో చప్పట్లు కొట్టలేము

oka chetto chappatlu kottalemu

Translation

If you clap with one hand will there be any sound ? Nothing can be done successfully by a single person. One man is no man. ( Latin. )* Two heads are better than one. Hand washes hand, and finger finger. ( Greek. )

Meaning

This expression is used to convey that cooperation or participation from both sides is necessary for a result, conflict, or agreement. It is often used to suggest that in a dispute, one person alone is rarely responsible, or that a task requires mutual effort.

Related Phrases

If you think of your spiritual guide and put your hand in the fire, will it not be burnt ?

This expression highlights that natural laws and consequences are inescapable, regardless of one's faith or devotion. It is used to suggest that mere belief or the invocation of a great person's name cannot protect someone from the inevitable results of a dangerous or foolish action. Reality doesn't change based on your intentions.

If the elbow moves, the wrist moves with it.

This proverb emphasizes the dignity of labor and the necessity of hard work. It means that only when one works hard physically (moving the elbow/arm), can they afford to eat (moving the hand to the mouth). It is used to convey that effort is a prerequisite for sustenance.

The charity done by the right hand should not be known by the left hand.

This expression emphasizes the importance of anonymous or humble charity. It suggests that when you help someone, you should do it quietly without seeking fame, recognition, or boasting about your generosity to others.

The thief's hand that was kept began to shake when the dark night of the new moon came. The time it had been accustomed to steal.

This proverb refers to the psychological burden or inherent nature of a wrongdoer. Just as criminals in folklore were believed to become restless or get caught during the dark night of Amavasya, this expression is used to say that no matter how well someone hides their crimes or bad intentions, their true nature or guilt will eventually expose them when the right circumstances arise.

A man who hears the noise of a creeping ant. As wary as a blind horse. He is so wary that he sleeps like a hare with his eyes open.

This expression refers to someone who is exceptionally sharp, highly observant, or suspicious. It describes a person who notices even the smallest details or secrets that others would typically miss. It can be used as a compliment for someone's alertness or as a critique of someone who is overly suspicious or eavesdropping.

If you cut fire it will be divided, but if you cut water will it divide ?

This proverb emphasizes the unbreakable bond of family or blood relations. It suggests that while some things can be easily divided or destroyed (like fire scattering), certain relationships (like water) are cohesive and cannot be permanently separated by outside force or internal conflict. It is used to express that family members will eventually reunite regardless of disputes.

Inseparable friendship. They are finger and thumb.

Take away your left hand, I will use my sinister hand.

This expression is used to describe a redundant or meaningless action where one thing is replaced by something identical or equally ineffective. It highlights a situation where there is no real change or improvement despite the movement or effort, often used to mock someone suggesting a solution that is the same as the current problem.

As broad as long.

If the hand with Kankaṇamulu moves, the hand with Kaḍiyamulu moves also. Kankaṇamulu are bracelets worn by women. Kaḍiyamulu are those worn by men. Where woman leads man follows.

This proverb highlights the interdependency within a household or society. 'Hand with bangles' refers to the woman (traditionally managing the kitchen/home), and 'hand with bracelets' refers to the man (traditionally the earner). It means that when the woman works to cook and manage the house, the man can eat and have the strength to work, or more broadly, that domestic stability is the foundation for external success.

If you strike fire, it splits into two, but if you strike water, does it split into two?

This expression emphasizes the unbreakable strength of unity and blood relations. Just as water cannot be divided by striking it with a stick, family bonds or deep friendships cannot be permanently severed by external interference or petty quarrels. It is used to describe things that are inseparable.

Without revealing the secret and without making a sound

This expression is used to describe doing something very stealthily, secretly, or quietly without attracting any attention. It is similar to the English phrase 'hush-hush' or 'behind closed doors'.