తాడూ లేదు, బొంగరమూ లేదు
tadu ledu, bongaramu ledu
Neither a string nor a top
This expression is used to describe a person who is irresponsible, lacks roots, or has no attachments or accountability. Just as a spinning top cannot be controlled or operated without a string, it refers to someone who is wandering aimlessly or a situation that has no proper foundation or control.
Related Phrases
తన బంగారము కాకపోతే వన్నే లేదు, వెరపూ లేదు.
tana bangaramu kakapote vanne ledu, verapu ledu.
If it is not his own gold, it has no colour and no touch ( fineness. ) The purchaser depreciates the value of an article brought for sale.
This expression is used to describe a person who behaves recklessly or carelessly because they have no personal stake or investment in a situation. It highlights the lack of responsibility one feels when dealing with someone else's property or efforts.
కర్మకు అంతమూ లేదు, కాలముకు నిశ్చయమూ లేదు.
karmaku antamu ledu, kalamuku nishchayamu ledu.
There is no end to religious ceremonies, and there is no find- ing the times [ fixed for the observance of them ].
This expression highlights the cyclical nature of actions and the unpredictability of time. It is used to convey that one's deeds (karma) have continuous consequences and that the future or the timing of events (kala) is never guaranteed or fixed. It serves as a philosophical reminder to be mindful of actions and to respect the uncertainty of life.
ఆశకు అంతము లేదు.
ashaku antamu ledu.
There is no limit to desire. Much would have more. No one is content with his lot. (Portuguese.)* The more one has the more one wants. (Spanish.)?
This expression is used to describe the insatiable nature of human greed or ambition. It implies that once one desire is fulfilled, another takes its place, suggesting that contentment is difficult to achieve if one keeps chasing endless wants.
కాకికి కంకెడు లేదు, పెట్టకు పిడికెడు లేదు
kakiki kankedu ledu, pettaku pidikedu ledu
Not even a grain stalk for the crow, not even a handful for the hen.
This expression describes an extremely stingy person or a situation of absolute scarcity where someone refuses to help others, even in the smallest way. It highlights a lack of generosity even towards those who need very little.
తిట్టి చచ్చినవాడూ లేడు, దీవించి బ్రతికినవాడూ లేడు.
titti chachchinavadu ledu, divinchi bratikinavadu ledu.
No man has ever died from cursing, or lived from blessing. No one dies of threats. ( Dutch. )
This proverb is used to suggest that words alone—whether insults or blessings—do not determine a person's fate or lifespan. It emphasizes that one should not take curses to heart or rely solely on blessings, but rather focus on reality and one's own actions.
* Van dreigen sterft man neit.
తాడు లేకుండా బొంగరం తిప్పేవారు
tadu lekunda bongaram tippevaru
Those who spin a top without a string
This expression is used to describe someone who is exceptionally clever, cunning, or capable of achieving results without the necessary tools or through manipulation. It often refers to people who can make things happen through sheer wit or by tricking others.
అన్నీ తెలిసినవాడూ లేడు, ఏమీ తెలియనివాడూ లేడు.
anni telisinavadu ledu, emi teliyanivadu ledu.
There is no one who knows everything, there is no one who knows nothing.
This expression emphasizes humility and the vastness of knowledge. It suggests that no single person is an absolute expert in every field, nor is anyone completely devoid of any knowledge or skills. It is used to remind people that everyone has something to learn and everyone has something to offer.
తాడూ లేదు, బొంగరం లేదు
tadu ledu, bongaram ledu
Neither a string nor a top.
This expression is used to describe someone who lacks any ties, responsibilities, or assets. It often refers to a person who is roaming aimlessly without any sense of direction or accountability, or to a situation that is completely disorganized and lacks a proper basis.
కప్పకాటు లేదు, బాపన పోటు లేదు
kappakatu ledu, bapana potu ledu
Neither the bite of a frog, nor the blow of a Brahmin.
This expression is used to describe something that is completely harmless or insignificant. Since frogs do not bite and Brahmins (traditionally viewed as non-violent scholars) do not strike, the phrase suggests that there is no danger or impact to worry about from a particular source or situation.
జోడు లేని బ్రతుకు, తాడు లేని బొంగరం.
jodu leni bratuku, tadu leni bongaram.
A life without a partner is like a spinning top without a string.
This proverb highlights the importance of companionship. Just as a top cannot be spun or controlled without a string, a person's life is seen as directionless, unstable, or incomplete without a life partner or soulmate to support and balance them.