తలంత బలగమే గాని, తలలో పెట్టువారు లేరు.

talanta balagame gani, talalo pettuvaru leru.

Translation

A crowd as vast as the head, but no one to care for the head itself.

Meaning

This proverb refers to a situation where a person has many relatives or followers (a large support system), yet none of them are helpful or available when the person actually needs personal care or assistance. It highlights the irony of having a large social circle that is useless in times of individual need.

Related Phrases

Even if one has relatives as numerous as the hairs on their head, there is no one to perform the final rites.

This expression is used to describe a situation where a person is surrounded by many relatives or supporters, yet none of them are reliable or available to help during a critical time of need or at the end of their life. It highlights the irony of having a large but useless circle of people.

There are many who preach the morals of Srirangam, but none who practice them.

This expression is used to describe hypocrites who give lofty moral advice to others but fail to follow it themselves. It is similar to the English proverb 'Practice what you preach' or 'Do as I say, not as I do.' It highlights the gap between words and actions.

There are many who complain/shout, but none who solve the problem.

This expression is used to describe a situation where many people are ready to point out problems, criticize, or complain loudly, but nobody is willing to take responsibility or provide a constructive solution.

There are many to say it's bad, but none to put something in the hand.

This proverb describes a situation where many people are ready to criticize one's poverty, struggles, or bad circumstances, but no one is willing to step forward and offer actual financial or material help. It is used to highlight the hypocrisy of society which offers criticism instead of support.

Even with strength the size of a mountain, there is no one to perform the final rites.

This proverb highlights a tragic situation where a person might have achieved great power, wealth, or physical strength during their lifetime, yet lacks a family member or a son to perform their funeral rites (specifically lighting the funeral pyre). It is used to describe the irony of being powerful in life but helpless and lonely in death.

Everyone is mine, but no one invited me for a meal.

This proverb describes a situation where one has many relatives or acquaintances who claim to be close, yet none of them offer genuine help or hospitality when it is actually needed. It is used to highlight the hypocrisy of people who show affection in words but fail to act during times of need.

There are comforters but no real helpers.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where many people offer sympathy or words of comfort (consolation), but no one actually steps forward to help solve the problem or clear the debt. It highlights the gap between verbal empathy and practical assistance.

If you feed, [people] will eat; but if you abuse none will bear it.

This proverb highlights human nature regarding respect and dignity. It means that while people are happy to accept favors or gifts, they will not tolerate being insulted or treated poorly. It is used to advise someone that providing material help does not give them the right to verbal abuse.

Even if one has a family as large as the hairs on their head, there is no one to perform the final rites.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where a person has many relatives or followers, yet none of them are reliable or willing to help during a critical time or in their final moments. It emphasizes the difference between quantity and quality of relationships.

There is no one to soothe, no one to resolve, and no one to lift you up if you fall to the bottom.

This expression describes a state of total helplessness and isolation. It is used when someone has no family, friends, or support system to offer comfort in grief, solve their problems, or help them recover from a downfall or financial crisis.