శేరుడు చాతెడు, చెప్పెడు మూతెడు
sherudu chatedu, cheppedu mutedu
A seer's worth of spreading, but only a lid's worth of grain.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where there is a lot of empty noise, bragging, or grandiosity, but very little actual substance or result. It refers to a person who makes a lot of fuss or takes up a lot of space while delivering very little.
Related Phrases
మున్నూటి కులానికి ముప్పు లేదు, మొండికాలికి చెప్పు లేదు.
munnuti kulaniki muppu ledu, mondikaliki cheppu ledu.
There is no danger for the Munnuru caste, and there is no sandal for a stumped leg.
This is a traditional Telugu proverb or 'Sameta'. Historically, it refers to the resilience and self-sufficiency of the Munnuru Kapu community, suggesting they are a strong, risk-free collective. The second part is a literal observation used for rhyming or emphasis, implying that just as a deformed or amputated leg cannot wear a standard sandal, certain things in life are fixed or beyond typical constraints.
మూడునాళ్ళ ముచ్చటకు ఆరుజోళ్ళ చెప్పులా?
mudunalla muchchataku arujolla cheppula?
Six pairs of sandals for a three-day desire?
This expression is used to criticize excessive or disproportionate preparation for a very short-term event or a temporary situation. It highlights the absurdity of wasting huge resources on something that won't last long.
మూడునాళ్ళ ముచ్చట
mudunalla muchchata
A three-day pleasure
This expression refers to something that is short-lived or a temporary joy. It is used to describe situations, relationships, or trends that are transient and do not last for a long time.
చాటెడు తిని చెడితి, వాకిలి దాటి పడితి
chatedu tini chediti, vakili dati paditi
I ate a winnow-full and got ruined, then I crossed the threshold and fell down.
This expression refers to someone who lacks moderation and self-control. It describes a situation where a person indulges excessively in something (usually food or luxury) to the point of sickness or exhaustion, and then lacks the strength or stability to perform even simple tasks like walking out of the house. It is used to mock gluttony or the consequences of over-indulgence.
తనకు చెప్ప తడికల చాటు, ఒకరికి చెప్ప ఒప్పులకుప్ప
tanaku cheppa tadikala chatu, okariki cheppa oppulakuppa
Hiding behind a fence when told to do it oneself, but acting like a master of virtues when telling others.
This proverb is used to describe a hypocritical person who avoids responsibility or hides when it is their turn to perform a task, yet eagerly gives advice and lectures others on how to do things perfectly. It is similar to the English expression 'Practicing what you preach.'
పుణ్యం పుట్టెడు, పురుగులు తట్టెడు
punyam puttedu, purugulu tattedu
A basketful of merit, but a basketful of worms.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone performs a deed with the intention of gaining religious merit (punyam), but the act inadvertently causes harm or results in a mess. It is often applied when an attempt to do good backfires or when a seemingly pious person's actions are actually riddled with flaws.
పుణ్యం పుట్టెడు, పురుగులు తట్టెడు
punyam puttedu, purugulu tattedu
A measure of merit, but a basketful of worms.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone performs a small good deed or gains a little spiritual merit, but in the process, commits many sins or causes significant harm. It highlights hypocrisy or the irony of small virtues being overshadowed by large vices.
ముంతెడు పాలకు, ముత్యమంత చేమిరి.
muntedu palaku, mutyamanta chemiri.
A drop of buttermilk, the size of a pearl, to a whole pailful of milk.
This proverb highlights the power of quality over quantity. Just as a tiny drop of curd starter (cheemiri) is enough to ferment a whole pot of milk, a small amount of wisdom, a single good person, or a tiny spark of an idea can influence or transform a large situation or group.
A little leaven leavens a great mass. (French.)* " A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump." I Corinthians v. 6.
మూణ్ణాళ్ళ ముచ్చట
munnalla muchchata
A three-day pleasure
This expression is used to describe something that is short-lived, fleeting, or temporary. It refers to a situation, trend, or happiness that lasts for a very brief period and then vanishes, similar to the English phrase 'nine days' wonder'.
పుణ్యము పుట్టెడు, పురుగులు తట్టెడు
punyamu puttedu, purugulu tattedu
A bushelful of good works, and a dishful of worms. A great show of piety, but the prospect of future punishment for evil deeds.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone performs a supposedly good deed or religious act, but the unintended negative consequences, sins, or flaws associated with it far outweigh the benefits. It highlights hypocrisy or the futility of an action that brings more harm than good.