పైకము లేనివాడు పరస్త్రీ వర్జితుడు
paikamu lenivadu parastri varjitudu
A man without money is chaste.
This expression sarcastically suggests that a poor man's morality or 'faithfulness' is often a result of his lack of resources rather than a choice. It implies that certain vices require money, and without wealth, one is naturally 'virtuous' by necessity. It is used to mock someone's forced abstinence or pretend morality.
Related Phrases
గొడ్డులేనివాడు బిడ్డలేనివాడు ఒకటి.
goddulenivadu biddalenivadu okati.
A person without cattle and a person without children are the same.
In traditional agrarian societies, cattle were considered as vital as family members for one's livelihood and legacy. This expression highlights the essential role of livestock in prosperity, implying that lacking them is as significant a loss as not having heirs to carry on the family name or support the household.
చచ్చినా పయికం తప్పదచ్చమ్మ యిక తిట్టకు
chachchina payikam tappadachchamma yika tittaku
Though you die the money must be forthcoming—O Achchamma! Don't abuse me any more. A Brahman after eating is bound by the ceremonial law to repeat the following : అమృతాపిధానమసి। రారవే పుణ్యనిలయే పద్మార్బుదనివాసినాం। అర్థినాముదకం దత్తమక్షయ్యముపతిష్ఠతు॥ O Amrita! thou art a covering. May the water given to the hundreds and thousands of [thirsty] askers in hell, the habitation of the wicked, endure without diminution. The above is a parody, the allusion being to a hard-hearted creditor and hypocritical formalist.
This expression is used to describe a situation where a debt, obligation, or tax is unavoidable even in death or extreme hardship. It highlights the persistence of financial liabilities or unavoidable duties regardless of one's plight, often used in a sarcastic or resigned tone when someone is being harassed for payment.
రూపాయి లేని వాడు కాణి లేని వాడి దగ్గరికి అప్పుకు వెళ్ళినట్లు
rupayi leni vadu kani leni vadi daggariki appuku vellinatlu
Like a person with no rupee going to borrow from a person who doesn't even have a kani (a fraction of a rupee).
This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone seeks help or resources from another person who is in an even worse position than themselves. It highlights the futility of seeking assistance from those who lack the means to help.
కానివాడు లేనివానితో జత.
kanivadu lenivanito jata.
An unfit person pairs with a person who has nothing.
This proverb describes the alliance of two individuals who are both lacking in some way—either in character, resources, or capability. It is used to mock an association where neither party can help the other, or to point out that people with negative traits often find common ground with those who have nothing to lose.
లేనివాడు పుడమి లేనివాడు.
lenivadu pudami lenivadu.
One who has not is as one who is not in the world. i. e. A penniless man has nothing in the world.
This proverb highlights the harsh reality of social status and poverty. It suggests that a person without wealth or resources is often treated as if they have no place or belonging in the world, emphasizing how society values individuals based on their possessions.
పాములు లేనివాడు వానపామును పట్టుకున్నట్లు
pamulu lenivadu vanapamunu pattukunnatlu
Like a man who doesn't have snakes catching an earthworm
This expression is used to describe a person who lacks real skill or courage but tries to act brave or show off by tackling something harmless or insignificant. It highlights a situation where someone settles for a weak imitation because they are incapable of handling the real thing.
అర్థము లేనివాడు నిరర్థకుడు.
arthamu lenivadu nirarthakudu.
A man without money is useless.
This proverb plays on the word 'Artha', which means both 'meaning' and 'wealth'. It suggests that in the eyes of society, a person who lacks financial resources is often treated as if their life has no value or purpose. It is used to describe the harsh reality of how poverty can lead to social insignificance.
A man without money is like a ship without sails. (Dutch.)*
పక్కఇంటి పోరు పండుగంత వేడుక, ఇల్లు లేనివాడు పరస్త్రీ వర్ణితుడు
pakkainti poru panduganta veduka, illu lenivadu parastri varnitudu
A fight in the neighbor's house is as festive as a celebration; a homeless man is one who has renounced other women.
This proverb is a sarcastic take on human nature and forced virtues. The first part highlights the human tendency to find entertainment in others' domestic troubles. The second part mocks people who claim to be virtuous only because they lack the opportunity to be otherwise; a man with no house cannot host or entertain, so his 'abstinence' is due to necessity rather than character.
రాగము రానివాడూ, రోగము లేనివాడూ లేడు
ragamu ranivadu, rogamu lenivadu ledu
There is no one who cannot hum a tune, there is no one free from disease.
This expression suggests that everyone has some hidden talent or inclination toward music (or emotion), just as everyone has some physical or mental imperfection. It is used to highlight the commonality of human traits and the inevitability of minor flaws in every individual.
* Veritas non quaerit angulos.
కానివాడు లేనివాడితో జత
kanivadu lenivadito jata
An unfriendly person is equal to one that is not.
This expression is used to describe a situation where two people who are equally useless, incapable, or lacking resources join forces. It implies that their partnership will be unproductive because neither has the means or character to succeed or help the other. It is often used to mock an alliance that is destined for failure.