పొడవలేని బంటు చేతిది ఈటైతే నేమి, తెడ్డయితే నేమి

podavaleni bantu chetidi itaite nemi, teddayite nemi

Translation

What does it matter if a soldier who cannot strike holds a spear or a ladle?

Meaning

This proverb highlights that for someone who lacks skill, courage, or the will to work, the quality of the tools they possess is irrelevant. It is used to mock incompetent people who blame their equipment or circumstances instead of their own inability to perform a task.

Related Phrases

What does it matter if a person who owns a thousand cows loses one?

This expression is used to describe a situation where a minor loss or expense does not impact a person of great wealth or status. It suggests that for someone with abundant resources, losing a small portion is inconsequential.

If a wick has no oil, what does it matter if you push it up or pull it down?

This expression is used to describe a situation that is fundamentally flawed or lacking in resources. It implies that when the core essential is missing, no amount of external adjustments, superficial changes, or effort will produce the desired result.

What does it matter which stone it is, if it's to break one's teeth?

This proverb is used to describe a situation where all the available choices lead to the same bad or destructive outcome. It implies that when a negative result is inevitable, the specific cause or method behind it becomes irrelevant.

For Machakamma's puberty ceremony, what does it matter if it is Makha, Pubba, or Punarvasu?

This expression refers to someone who is indifferent to rules, auspicious timings, or specific conditions because they do not understand or care about the significance of an event. It is used to describe a situation where a person is so negligent or the subject is so trivial that the technical details or standard procedures don't make a difference to the outcome.

What if the debtor dies, or what if the documents are lost in water?

This expression is used to describe a situation where one has reached a point of complete loss or hopelessness, such that further misfortunes no longer matter. It reflects a state of indifference toward consequences when the primary goal or asset is already gone.

What does it matter if a blind eye is large or small?

This proverb is used to indicate that if something is fundamentally useless or non-functional, its appearance, size, or secondary attributes are irrelevant. It suggests that when the core purpose of an object or a person's skill is missing, worrying about aesthetic details or minor variations is a waste of time.

What does it matter to a blind eye whether it is day or night?

This proverb is used to describe a situation where a person is unable to perceive, appreciate, or benefit from something regardless of how favorable the conditions are. It suggests that for someone lacking the necessary capacity, sense, or knowledge, external changes are irrelevant. It is often applied to people who are indifferent to opportunities or those who cannot distinguish between good and bad due to ignorance.

What matters it whose the bull was ? If the cow calves in our herd, it's all right. Applied to an unprincipled action.

This expression is used to signify that the specific location or minor details of a process do not matter as long as the ultimate benefit or result belongs to us. It emphasizes focusing on the final outcome and ownership rather than the procedural formalities or place of occurrence.

For a tiger, what does it matter which forest it is?

This proverb is used to describe a person who is highly skilled, brave, or capable and can thrive or succeed anywhere regardless of the environment. Just as a tiger remains the king of the jungle no matter which forest it inhabits, a talented person will perform well regardless of their location or circumstances.

What if it is sharp when the time is not right?

This expression emphasizes that resources, skills, or opportunities are useless if they are not available at the right moment. It is used to point out that timing is more important than quality or preparation in specific critical situations.