పలుగాకులకు మేలులేదు, పంజగొడ్డుకు పాలులేవు

palugakulaku meluledu, panjagodduku palulevu

Translation

There is no goodness for wicked people, and no milk from a barren cow.

Meaning

This proverb suggests that just as one cannot expect milk from a barren cow, one should not expect good deeds or virtuous behavior from wicked or mean-minded people. It is used to describe how certain people's inherent nature prevents them from being helpful or kind.

Related Phrases

No house in the village, no crop in the field.

This expression is used to describe a person who has no assets, roots, or responsibilities. It refers to someone who is landless, homeless, or completely devoid of any property or stability. It can also imply a person who has nothing to lose.

Ganga, saliva, and split legs are inevitable.

This is a traditional Telugu proverb used to describe the unavoidable physical transformations and loss of bodily control that come with extreme old age. 'Ganga' refers to the watering of eyes or nose, 'Songa' to drooling, and 'Panga' to the inability to walk straight (bowed legs). It is used to philosophize about the reality that no matter how great one is, the indignities of aging spare no one.

No house to stay in, no bed to lie on.

This expression describes a state of absolute poverty or homelessness. It is used to refer to someone who possesses no assets, shelter, or basic comforts, indicating a complete lack of resources.

There are no grains in the house, but the two are not on speaking terms.

This proverb describes a situation where a household is suffering from extreme poverty or lack of basic necessities, yet the family members are busy fighting or holding grudges instead of working together to solve their problems. It is used to mock people who prioritize ego and petty disputes over survival and common sense.

A cow in heat has no fear.

This expression is used to describe a person who is so driven by intense desire, obsession, or a specific goal that they become completely fearless and indifferent to risks or social consequences. Much like an animal in heat ignores obstacles to find a mate, a determined person may ignore all warnings and dangers.

There is no price for mockery, and there are no knees for a story.

This proverb highlights that mocking or making fun of someone costs nothing and requires no effort, much like how a fictional story doesn't need to be grounded in physical reality or logic. It is often used to criticize people who talk irresponsibly or make groundless claims just for the sake of it.

Like building a temple for a stray or thieving cattle.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone who is unworthy, dishonest, or troublesome is given undue respect, honor, or protection. It highlights the irony and wastefulness of glorifying someone who does not deserve it.

People are like many crows

This proverb is used to convey that people in society have diverse opinions and often engage in gossip or criticism, much like the incessant cawing of crows. It suggests that one should not take public criticism too seriously because it is the nature of the world to talk.

The one who has teeth doesn't have nuts, and the one who has nuts doesn't have teeth.

This proverb describes the irony of life where opportunities or resources often come to those who cannot utilize them, while those who have the capability or desire lack the necessary means. It is used to express that life is rarely fair or perfectly balanced.

Parlapalli is the mother of all scoundrels.

This proverb is used to describe a place or a group that is a breeding ground for mischief-makers or wicked people. 'Palugakulu' refers to vile or wicked individuals, and the saying implies that a specific location (historically Parlapalli) is the source or the ultimate hub for such characters.