పనీలేదు, పాటా లేదు పట్టత్తా, నీ కాళ్ళకైనా మొక్కుతాను అన్నట్లు

paniledu, pata ledu pattatta, ni kallakaina mokkutanu annatlu

Translation

Like saying 'No work, no song, Pattatta, I will even bow to your feet'

Meaning

This proverb describes a situation where someone is so idle or lacking any productive work that they begin to interfere in others' matters or resort to unnecessary, trivial, or desperate actions just to pass the time. It is used to mock someone who is completely jobless and meddling where they aren't needed.

Related Phrases

As if one is bowing down to their own feet.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone is extremely conceited, self-admiring, or overly proud of their own actions and intelligence. It highlights the irony of self-veneration or thinking too highly of oneself to the point of absurdity.

Neither learned the new, nor forgotten the old.

This expression describes a state of stagnation or lack of progress. It is used to mock someone who is unable to adapt to new changes or learn new skills, while also failing to move on from or effectively use their existing knowledge. It highlights a situation where someone is stuck in limbo, making no advancement.

Like trying to tie a knot between a bald head and a knee.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone tries to link two completely unrelated things or logic. It refers to an absurd comparison or an illogical argument where there is no practical connection between the subjects being discussed.

No effort was put in then, and no worry is felt now.

This proverb describes a state of total negligence or lack of foresight. It is used to describe a person who did not take action or plan during the appropriate time (the past) and consequently feels no regret or concern about the failure in the present. It often implies a sense of indifference toward one's responsibilities.

No work, no song, stay still and let me straighten your hair.

This proverb describes someone who is idle or has no productive work to do, but tries to look busy by engaging in trivial, unnecessary, or redundant tasks. It is used to mock people who waste time on meaningless activities while ignoring important responsibilities.

Like lice infestation on a bald head

This expression is used to describe a situation that is impossible, illogical, or a blatant lie. Just as lice cannot live on a bald head because there is no hair to cling to, the phrase refers to claims or events that lack any basis in reality or common sense.

There is no counter-song to the song of the Etam.

An 'Etam' is a traditional water-lifting device used in ancient irrigation. The singing associated with this rhythmic labor is unique and continuous. This expression is used to describe something that is incomparable, peerless, or an argument/statement so definitive that there is no possible rebuttal or equivalent response.

Neither climbed a palanquin on Panchami, nor held a begging bag on Ashtami.

This proverb describes a person who leads a steady, middle-of-the-road life without experiencing extreme highs (great wealth/status) or extreme lows (poverty/misery). It is used to indicate a state of contentment or mediocrity where one avoids both great fortune and great misfortune.

If it's not caught by the rope, and not caught by the halter, why bother with the peg?

This proverb is used to describe a situation where the main components of a plan or system are missing or failing, making efforts on minor details completely useless. It highlights the absurdity of worrying about insignificant matters when the primary goal is already unachievable.

Neither eaten nor caught, at least wear a bindi/dot.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone has gained no actual benefit or success from their efforts, but still tries to maintain appearances or asks for a small, superficial token of recognition to save face.