పెట్టిపోయలేని వట్టి బేరము లేల?

pettipoyaleni vatti beramu lela?

Translation

Why engage in empty bargaining when there is no intention of giving or serving?

Meaning

This proverb is used to criticize people who talk a lot or make grand promises without any intention of actually helping or providing anything. It highlights the pointlessness of empty negotiations or discussions (vatti beramu) that do not result in a tangible outcome or act of generosity (petti poyadam).

Related Phrases

A curry without spice, a person without helpfulness.

This proverb is used to emphasize that just as a curry is tasteless and useless without spices, a person who does not help others or show kindness is considered worthless in society. It highlights the importance of being helpful and altruistic.

Why bother with the chants of one whose heart is not in it?

This expression emphasizes that any prayer, ritual, or work performed without sincerity or a focused mind is useless. It is used to point out that devotion or effort is meaningless if it lacks genuine intent or concentration.

The husband who provides neither food nor clothing poked her until her stitches came apart.

This proverb is used to describe a person who does not fulfill their basic responsibilities or help in any way, yet causes extra trouble or harm. It highlights the irony and cruelty of someone who is useless but actively makes a situation worse.

Empty shouts without giving and sharing is like a barren tree without flowers or young fruit.

This proverb is used to criticize people who make tall claims, give advice, or talk excessively without actually being generous or helpful. Just as a tree that produces no flowers or fruit is useless despite its size, empty words without meaningful actions or charity are considered worthless in a relationship or society.

Why would Singadu deal in the cotton trade?

This proverb is used to describe someone who involves themselves in a business or task they have absolutely no knowledge, skill, or relevance to. It highlights the mismatch between a person's nature and the work they are attempting to do.

A bargain [with a man] with his belly full. A person in easy circumstances will drive a hard bargain.

This expression refers to a negotiation or deal where one party is not in desperate need or in a hurry. Since they are already satisfied (full), they can afford to be indifferent, picky, or firm on their terms without worrying about the outcome.

Wedding music without a festoon or a drum.

This expression refers to a situation that lacks the necessary grandeur, preparation, or essential components despite having the outward appearance of an event. It is used to describe something that is hollow, incomplete, or poorly organized.

A thunderbolt without rain. A useless thing.

This expression is used to describe a situation where there is a lot of noise, threats, or hype without any actual action or result. It refers to someone who makes big claims or creates a commotion but fails to deliver anything substantial.

A mantra without Omkara, wisdom without authority

This expression refers to things that are incomplete or ineffective despite their inherent quality. Just as a mantra is considered spiritually powerless without the 'Om' sound, wisdom or talent is often seen as ineffective or useless in a social or professional context if the person possessing it lacks the authority or position to implement it.

Like bargaining just by looking at the horns.

This expression refers to judging the value or quality of something based on superficial or external features rather than its actual worth. It originates from the practice of trying to estimate a cow's age or value solely by its horns instead of examining its health and teeth. It is used when someone makes a hasty decision based on outward appearances.