సుంకరమోటుకు మాట నిలుకడలేదు.
sunkaramotuku mata nilukadaledu.
A coarse tax collector has no consistency in his word.
This proverb is used to describe someone who lacks integrity and frequently changes their stance or promises. It specifically refers to people who are unreliable, fickle, or untrustworthy in their speech, much like an uncouth official who changes rules at his whim.
Related Phrases
కాలము పోవును, మాట నిలుచును.
kalamu povunu, mata niluchunu.
Time passes, but the word remains.
This expression emphasizes the lasting impact of one's words compared to the fleeting nature of time. It is used to remind someone to be careful with their speech or promises, as people will remember what was said long after the moment has passed.
నీళ్లు తాగేవాడికి నిలుకడ లేదు
nillu tagevadiki nilukada ledu
The one who drinks water has no stability.
This proverb is used to describe someone who is restless, indecisive, or constantly on the move. Just as a person drinking water from their hands or a vessel might be in a hurry to finish and move on, it refers to a person who lacks patience or a steady nature.
మచ్చనాలుక వానికి మాట నిలుకడలేదు.
machchanaluka vaniki mata nilukadaledu.
A person with a black tongue has no consistency in their word.
This expression is used to describe someone who is untrustworthy, manipulative, or frequently changes their stance. A 'black tongue' (machanaluka) metaphorically refers to someone whose words can bring misfortune or someone who lies habitually, implying that their promises or statements cannot be relied upon.
నిలుకడ నీళ్ళకే నాచు పడుతుంది
nilukada nillake nachu padutundi
Only stagnant water gathers moss.
This proverb suggests that stagnation leads to decay or dullness, while movement and change keep one fresh and active. In a practical sense, it can also mean that those who stay in one place or position for a long time are the ones who accumulate habits, reputations, or results, whether positive or negative.
మట్టు మీరిన మాటకు మారు లేదు
mattu mirina mataku maru ledu
There is no substitute or remedy for a word that has crossed its limits.
This proverb emphasizes the permanence and impact of spoken words. Once someone says something hurtful or excessive (crossing the boundary of decency or patience), the damage is irreversible. It is used to advise people to think before they speak and to maintain self-control in conversation.
తగులుకున్న మొగుడు, తాటిచెట్టు నీడ నిలుకడ లేనివి
tagulukunna mogudu, tatichettu nida nilukada lenivi
An illicit husband and the shade of a palm tree are both unstable.
This proverb highlights things that lack permanence or reliability. Just as the shade of a tall, thin palm tree shifts rapidly and offers no real shelter, an illicit or informal relationship lacks legal or social security. It is used to describe situations or people that cannot be depended upon in the long run.
నిలకడ లేనివాని మాట నీళ్లమూట
nilakada lenivani mata nillamuta
The word of an unstable man is a bundle of water.
This expression refers to someone who lacks consistency or reliability in their character. Just as it is impossible to tie water in a bundle, it is impossible to hold a fickle person to their promises. It is used to caution against trusting the words of those who frequently change their minds or lack integrity.
A fool's speech is a bubble of air.
కాలము పోను, మాట నిలుచును.
kalamu ponu, mata niluchunu.
Time will go, an accusation will remain.
This expression emphasizes the permanence and importance of keeping one's promises. While time moves forward and situations change, the words you have spoken and the commitments you have made will be remembered and will define your character long after the moment has passed.
కాలం పోతుంది మాట నిలుస్తుంది
kalam potundi mata nilustundi
Time passes away, but the word remains
This expression emphasizes the permanence and importance of one's promises or speech. While time is fleeting and situations change, the words you speak—especially promises or insults—leave a lasting impact and are remembered long after the moment has passed. It is used to advise someone to be careful with their words or to honor their commitments.
నిలకడలేని మాట నీళ్ళమూట
nilakadaleni mata nillamuta
An unstable word is like a bundle of water.
This proverb is used to describe a person who does not stick to their word or lacks consistency in their promises. Just as it is impossible to pack or carry water in a bundle, the promises of an inconsistent person have no substance and cannot be relied upon.