పట్టు పట్టు మనేవాళ్ళుగాని, పట్టేవాళ్ళు ఒక్కరూ లేరు

pattu pattu manevallugani, pattevallu okkaru leru

Translation

There are many who say 'catch it, catch it', but not a single person to actually catch it.

Meaning

This expression is used to describe a situation where many people give advice, shout instructions, or encourage action from the sidelines, but no one is willing to step up and do the actual hard work or take responsibility. It highlights the gap between verbal encouragement and practical action.

Related Phrases

The grip of a ghost is stronger than the grip of God

This expression is used to describe a situation where evil influences, bad habits, or negative forces seem to have a more persistent and stubborn hold on a person or a situation than positive ones. It highlights how difficult it is to get rid of something harmful once it takes hold.

Bind the community, hold the pen

This expression emphasizes the importance of education and social unity within a community. It suggests that for a community to progress, people must remain united (community bond) and focus on education and literacy (holding the pen) as tools for empowerment.

There are many to say it's bad, but none to put something in the hand.

This proverb describes a situation where many people are ready to criticize one's poverty, struggles, or bad circumstances, but no one is willing to step forward and offer actual financial or material help. It is used to highlight the hypocrisy of society which offers criticism instead of support.

A bear's hug. Obstinacy.

This expression refers to an uncompromising, stubborn, or relentless hold on something. Just as a bear is known for its powerful and unbreakable grip, this phrase is used to describe a person who refuses to let go of an idea, a task, or an argument once they have committed to it.

Better fall at the feet of the prosecutor than at the feet of the witnesses.

This proverb suggests that instead of trying to influence or persuade intermediaries or witnesses, it is more effective and straightforward to deal directly with the primary person involved in a dispute. It emphasizes that reaching an agreement with the opponent is easier than managing those who are merely testifying.

You should speak as silk is cut. i. e. give a decided answer, as unmistakable as the cut of silk is clean.

This expression means that one's speech should be precise, brief, and very clear, similar to the clean and smooth cut of a sharp pair of scissors through silk fabric. It is used to advise someone to be straightforward and articulate without unnecessary ambiguity.

O grandfather! Sankrânti [has arrived] catch it! catch it! Sankrânti is the transit of the sun from Sagittarius to Capricornus, when the Hindus celebrate the Pongal feast.—This is chaff ; old people observe the feast very scrupulously.

This expression is used to mock someone who is eagerly waiting for or anticipating something that is still far away, or to describe someone who is overly anxious for a future event. It implies that the person is being impatient about something that will happen in its own time.

Pushing away your own people and holding the feet of strangers.

This proverb describes a person who neglects or mistreats their loyal family members and friends while seeking favors or trying to please strangers and outsiders who do not truly care for them. It is used to criticize someone's poor judgment in prioritizing relationships.

There are many who say 'jump, jump', but not a single one who actually jumps.

This proverb describes a situation where many people are eager to give advice or incite others to take a risky action, but none of them are willing to take the risk themselves. It is used to critique bystanders who cheer for danger from a safe distance without participating.

There is no one to soothe, no one to resolve, and no one to lift you up if you fall to the bottom.

This expression describes a state of total helplessness and isolation. It is used when someone has no family, friends, or support system to offer comfort in grief, solve their problems, or help them recover from a downfall or financial crisis.