సెంటు భూమి లేనిదానికెందుకు సెంటు వాసనన్నట్టు

sentu bhumi lenidanikenduku sentu vasanannattu

Translation

Like asking why a woman who doesn't own a cent of land needs the scent of perfume.

Meaning

This proverb is a pun on the word 'cent' (a unit of land) and 'scent' (perfume). It is used to mock someone who has no basic assets or foundations but still desires or demands luxuries and vanities. It highlights the irony of worrying about superficial things when one lacks essential necessities.

Related Phrases

A suitable land the size of a palm is enough

This proverb emphasizes quality over quantity. It suggests that a small amount of something useful, effective, or high-quality is much better than a vast amount of something useless. It is often used to describe how a small but fertile piece of land is better than acres of barren land, or how a single capable person is better than a large, incompetent group.

For an industrious person, no land is distant.

This proverb highlights that for a person who is hardworking, determined, and enterprising, there are no geographical boundaries or limitations. It is used to encourage ambition, suggesting that one can achieve success anywhere in the world through effort and persistence.

Like asking why a man who doesn't own a cent of land needs the scent of perfume.

This expression uses a pun on the word 'cent' (a unit of land measurement in India) and 'scent' (perfume). It is used to describe a situation where someone who lacks even the most basic necessities or resources is being mocked for aspiring to or being offered luxury. It highlights the irony of worrying about trivial or fancy things when one's fundamental needs are unmet.

Why do we need a latch without it?

This expression is often used to emphasize the importance of a core element or a central person. Just as a door latch is useless without the door or the frame it secures, a project, home, or situation is seen as pointless or non-functional without its most essential component or the person who makes it work.

Like a washerman's children for a garment that is already too small.

This proverb describes a situation where resources are already scarce, and then a new, unnecessary burden is added. It refers to how a washerman's family might wear the clothes given for washing, further wearing out garments that were already insufficient or tight for the original owner.

If the elephant yam itself doesn't have an itch, why should the slicer (the knife board) have one?

This proverb is used to criticize an outsider who shows more concern, agitation, or anger about an issue than the person directly affected by it. It highlights unnecessary interference or exaggerated reactions by someone who has no stake in the matter.

What does a woman without a husband want with a midwife ?

This proverb is used to highlight the absurdity of preparing for an outcome that is impossible or irrelevant due to the absence of the primary cause. Just as a woman without a husband cannot become pregnant and thus doesn't need a midwife, one shouldn't waste resources or worry about processes for a situation that hasn't even begun or cannot occur.

Even if the land is new, are the boundaries new?

This expression suggests that while appearances or specific circumstances might change, the fundamental nature, history, or inherent qualities of a situation remain the same. It is used to point out that basic truths or deep-rooted behaviors do not change simply because of a change in scenery or time.

Why should the taro root itch if the elephant yam doesn't?

This proverb is used to describe a situation where a third party is more concerned or agitated about a problem than the person directly involved. It highlights unnecessary interference or someone taking offense on behalf of another who is actually unbothered.

Why should the taro root itch if the yam does not?

This proverb is used to criticize a situation where a third party is more concerned or agitated about an issue than the person directly affected by it. It highlights unnecessary meddling or over-enthusiasm by someone who has no stake in the matter.