పదలం నూలుపోగాలేనిది పంతులుకాడు.
padalam nulupogalenidi pantulukadu.
One who does not have a single thread of knowledge is not a scholar.
This expression is used to describe someone who lacks even the most basic knowledge or foundational understanding of a subject, yet claims to be an expert. Just as a piece of cloth cannot exist without a thread, a teacher or scholar ('Pantulu') cannot exist without basic wisdom or character.
Related Phrases
వీరణం లేనిది కొలువు కాదు, ఊరణం లేనిది బూరె కాదు.
viranam lenidi koluvu kadu, uranam lenidi bure kadu.
A court is not complete without a war-drum, and a sweet bun (boore) is not complete without soaking.
This proverb emphasizes that certain things are incomplete or ineffective without their essential components. Just as a royal assembly lacks dignity without the sound of the veeranam (drum), a traditional sweet like Boore will not be tasty or soft if the batter/filling isn't soaked or fermented properly. It is used to highlight the importance of fundamental requirements for any task or entity to be successful.
దిక్కులేనివాడు బడిపంతులైనట్లు
dikkulenivadu badipantulainatlu
Like a helpless man becoming a school teacher.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone takes up a profession or a task not out of passion, but because they have no other options or means of livelihood. Historically, it reflects a time when teaching was considered a low-paying job of last resort for those with no other support. It is used to mock someone's lack of choice in their current occupation.
సెగలేనిదే పొగరాదు.
segalenide pogaradu.
There is no smoke without heat.
This expression is the Telugu equivalent of 'There is no smoke without fire.' It is used to suggest that if there are rumors or signs of something happening, there is usually a factual basis or a real reason behind them.
పిల్లలు లేనిది ఇల్లు కాదు, పిట్టలు లేనిది తోపు కాదు
pillalu lenidi illu kadu, pittalu lenidi topu kadu
A house without children is not a home, and a grove without birds is not a grove.
This proverb highlights the essential elements that bring life and joy to a place. Just as birds are vital for the vibrancy and identity of a grove (orchard), children are considered the soul and joy of a household. It is used to emphasize the importance of children in making a home feel complete and lively.
పంతులు పెళ్ళాం మెంతులు లేక గంతులు వేసిందట
pantulu pellam mentulu leka gantulu vesindata
The priest's wife supposedly jumped around because she didn't have fenugreek seeds.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone makes a huge fuss or throws a tantrum over a very trivial or minor issue. It highlights the absurdity of reacting dramatically to the lack of something insignificant.
ఉన్నది పోదు, లేనిది రాదు.
unnadi podu, lenidi radu.
That which exists does not leave, and that which does not exist does not come.
This proverb expresses a sense of stoicism or fatalism regarding one's destiny or inherent nature. It means that what is meant to be yours will stay, and what is not destined for you cannot be acquired. It is often used to console someone facing loss or to suggest that some things are unchangeable and predetermined by fate.
పంతులు గింతులు పావుశేరు మెంతులు ఎగరేసి కొడితే ఏడు గంతులు
pantulu gintulu pavusheru mentulu egaresi kodite edu gantulu
Pundits and such are like a quarter seer of fenugreek seeds; if you toss them up and strike, they jump seven times.
This is a humorous and mocking rhyming chant or 'sameta' used to poke fun at teachers or scholars (Pantulu). It suggests that despite their status, they can be easily rattled or made to jump around. It is often used by children or in a lighthearted, albeit disrespectful, way to diminish the authority of a teacher.
ఆడది లేనిది అడవి, మగవాడు లేనిది మఠము
adadi lenidi adavi, magavadu lenidi mathamu
Without a woman it is a forest; without a man it is a monastery.
This proverb highlights the importance of both genders in maintaining a balanced household. It implies that a home without a woman's presence feels wild and disorganized like a forest, while a home without a man feels lonely or austere like a monastery. It emphasizes domestic completeness through partnership.
నూరు వరహాలకు నూలుపోగన్నట్లు
nuru varahalaku nulupogannatlu
Like a single thread of cotton for a hundred gold coins.
This expression is used to describe a token contribution or a small gesture made towards a large cause or expense. It signifies that even a tiny contribution (the thread) counts as a symbolic participation or 'blessing' when a massive task or expense (the hundred gold coins) is being undertaken. It is often used when one gives a small gift during a grand event to show their presence and goodwill.
కొప్పులేని సతికి పిలకలేని పంతులు
koppuleni satiki pilakaleni pantulu
A priest without a tuft for a woman without a bun.
This proverb is used to describe a match between two people who are equally lacking or poorly suited in a similar way. It implies that a person gets a partner or an associate who is just as flawed or incomplete as they are, often used in a humorous or satirical context to describe mediocre pairings.