సాహసం లేని కత్తి తెగదు.

sahasam leni katti tegadu.

Translation

A sword without courage will not cut.

Meaning

This proverb emphasizes that tools or skills alone are useless without the bravery or determination to use them. Just as a sharp sword is ineffective in the hands of a coward, resources are only valuable when paired with a bold spirit.

Related Phrases

A house without a festoon, music without a big drum.

This expression describes something that is incomplete or lacks the essential elements that give it character or dignity. Just as a festive house is incomplete without a 'thoranam' (decorative leaf garland) and a musical band feels lackluster without the 'veeranam' (a type of powerful drum), a situation or object is seen as dull or ineffective when its primary decorative or functional feature is missing.

There is no place without an end, and no beginning without an origin.

This philosophical expression emphasizes the cyclical and interconnected nature of existence. It suggests that everything that exists occupies space and must eventually conclude, and every start has a preceding cause or source. It is used to describe the continuity of life, the laws of nature, or the inevitability of consequences based on origins.

A bell without sound, a crop without grain.

This expression refers to something that lacks its core essence or purpose. Just as a bell is useless if it cannot ring and a crop is worthless if it doesn't yield grain, any object or person that does not fulfill their fundamental function is considered ineffective or hollow. It is used to describe wasted effort or decorative things that have no practical value.

A job without a salary is like a poem without emotion.

This proverb highlights that certain things are meaningless or futile without their core essential element. Just as a poem is dry and unappealing without 'rasa' (emotion/aesthetic flavor), a job or service is useless if it does not provide 'grasam' (sustenance/livelihood). It is used to describe a situation that lacks its primary purpose or reward.

There is no action without a cause, no Boore (sweet) without a filling, and no wedding without a drumbeat.

This proverb emphasizes that every effect must have a cause. Just as a traditional sweet is incomplete without its stuffing and a wedding feels incomplete without music, every event or action in life is inevitably linked to a prior reason or motive. It is used to suggest that nothing happens by pure chance without an underlying reason.

A fowl has no happiness and a Kômaṭi has no feeling. The Kômaṭis are a class of shopkeepers.

This proverb describes the inherent nature of certain entities. It suggests that a hen is always busy scratching the ground for food (never resting), and traditionally implies that in business, a merchant prioritizes profit over personal loyalty or trust. It is used to describe situations where constant restlessness or self-interest is expected.

A job without fodder (sustenance) is like a life without a mustache.

This proverb highlights that a job or position that doesn't provide enough income for basic survival is useless and lacks dignity. In traditional context, a mustache was seen as a symbol of pride and honor for a man; similarly, a job's primary purpose is to provide livelihood, and without that, it holds no value or respect.

Wealth without family/household, and a name without scholarship.

This expression highlights things that are hollow or incomplete. It suggests that wealth is meaningless without a family to share it with, just as having a famous name or reputation is empty if it is not backed by actual knowledge or expertise.

A soft smile on the lips, a sharp sword (Chandrahasam) in the heart.

This expression describes a person who appears friendly and gentle on the outside but harbors hidden enmity, cruelty, or destructive intentions internally. It is used to warn about hypocritical behavior where one's outward pleasantness masks a dangerous nature.

A house without coral and a house without a quarrel do not exist.

This proverb highlights that conflict is an inevitable and natural part of family life. Just as it is impossible to find a household without any jewelry or valuables (symbolized by coral), it is equally impossible to find a home where there are no arguments or disagreements among family members. It is used to comfort people facing domestic disputes by reminding them that it is a universal experience.