స్వర్ణం బండెడున్నా చిటికెడు టంకంలేనిదే అతుకుపడదు.

svarnam bandedunna chitikedu tankamlenide atukupadadu.

Translation

Even if you have a cartload of gold, it cannot be joined without a pinch of solder.

Meaning

This proverb emphasizes that even the most valuable or powerful things require small, seemingly insignificant tools or intermediaries to be functional. In a social context, it means that even great people need the help of ordinary individuals or specific small resources to achieve a final result or to resolve a situation.

Related Phrases

The song belongs to the one who is drunk, and the game belongs to the one who is successful.

This proverb describes how authority or influence works in certain situations. It suggests that a person who is intoxicated will sing whatever they like regardless of skill, and similarly, the world follows and applauds the person who is currently successful or in power. It is used to highlight that rules often bend for those who are currently influential or dominating a situation.

The love of a goldsmith upon seeing gold

This expression refers to a person whose affection or interest is driven purely by greed or the potential for profit. Just as a goldsmith's 'love' for gold is actually a desire to manipulate, melt, and profit from it, this phrase describes opportunistic behavior where someone acts friendly only because they see a way to exploit someone or something for their own gain.

Like searching for gold while already possessing it.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone overlooks a valuable resource or solution they already possess and goes searching for it elsewhere. It highlights human nature's tendency to ignore the obvious or the available while yearning for the same thing from external sources.

There is no loss for a soldier without self-respect and a king without a mustache.

This proverb highlights the importance of honor and dignity. Just as a mustache was traditionally seen as a symbol of authority for a king, self-respect (rosham) is essential for a soldier. If they lack these qualities, they have nothing left to lose because they have already lost their status and dignity in the eyes of society.

A cartload of boasting, but only a handful of clothes.

This proverb is used to describe a person who boasts or brags excessively about their wealth, status, or abilities, but in reality, possesses very little or lives in poverty. It highlights the contrast between high-sounding words and a lowly reality.

The breeding bull has no tether.

This proverb is used to describe a person who is uncontrolled, reckless, or behaves without any restraint. Just as a breeding bull is allowed to roam freely without being tied up, it refers to someone who does as they please without following rules or social norms.

Without a profit, the merchant will not step into the flood.

This proverb describes a person who is extremely calculating and profit-oriented. It suggests that certain individuals will never take a risk or perform an action unless they are guaranteed a personal gain or benefit. It is used to mock someone's stinginess or their habit of never doing anything out of pure altruism.

The rain of the Chitta star falls wherever it pleases.

This proverb refers to the Chitta Karthe (a specific period in the lunar calendar). It describes the unpredictable nature of rainfall during this time, which is often localized rather than widespread. In a broader sense, it is used to describe a person who acts solely according to their own whims and fancies, or situations where outcomes are highly selective and arbitrary.

Boasting equal to a cartload, but sustenance equal to a small measure.

This proverb is used to describe a person who boasts or shows off excessively (a cartload) despite having very little substance, wealth, or actual capability (a small 'gidda' measure). It highlights the irony of empty pride versus poor reality.

Without happiness, there is neither strength nor courage.

This expression emphasizes that true physical or mental strength and bravery stem from inner joy. It is used to suggest that a person's capability and resilience are diminished when they are unhappy or depressed.