తెంపుల తాళ్లు, చిల్లుల కడవ

tempula tallu, chillula kadava

Translation

A rope in pieces, a pot with holes. Useless instruments.

Meaning

This expression is used to describe a situation where everything is in a state of disrepair or utter failure. It refers to a person or a project lacking the basic resources to function correctly, much like trying to draw water with a snapped rope and a pot full of holes. It signifies total uselessness or an impossible task due to poor tools.

Related Phrases

Moonlight for a few days, darkness for a few days

This expression is used to signify that life is a cycle of ups and downs. Just as the lunar cycle alternates between bright moonlight and darkness, human life consists of periods of joy and sorrow, success and failure. It is used to encourage resilience during tough times or to advise humility during prosperous times.

Without the buttermilk in the stomach even moving

This expression is used to describe a state of absolute comfort, ease, or luxury where a person doesn't have to perform any physical labor or face any hardships. It literally suggests a life so stable and smooth that even the liquid in one's stomach remains undisturbed.

A house full of young girls, and a fire of little twigs. Difficult to manage.

This proverb suggests that the initial phase of a young couple's married life is often intense and burns brightly with passion, but like a fire made of thin twigs, it can flare up quickly and die out just as fast. It is used to highlight the lack of stability or endurance in immature relationships compared to the steady warmth of a seasoned one.

A man who ties the fore legs together and breaks the widows' cords. Said of a crafty swindler, who having made his victim as helpless as an animal whose fore feet have been tied together proceeds to plunder. Widows wear no cords ; the expression signifies a state of helplessness.

This expression is used to describe a person who is extremely clever, mischievous, or deceitful in a destructive way. It refers to someone who can simultaneously perform a restrictive action (like hobbling an animal) and a socially disruptive or cruel action (like breaking a widow's traditional bond). In modern usage, it often characterizes a person who is capable of doing anything, often implying they are a cunning troublemaker or a 'smart aleck' who creates chaos.

A house without elders is like a cattle shed.

This proverb emphasizes the importance of elders in a family. It suggests that without the guidance, wisdom, and discipline provided by older family members, a household becomes chaotic, unorganized, and lacks direction, much like a barn full of unruly animals.

A house with fort-like walls but a roof made of palm leaves.

This expression describes a situation where there is a massive contrast between the outward appearance or foundation and the actual substance or safety. It is used to mock something that looks grand or strong on the outside (like high fort walls) but is actually flimsy, temporary, or poor at its core (like a leaf-thatched roof). It refers to inconsistent planning or a lack of harmony in one's efforts.

Mallu is a great man among the weavers. Great among low people. Among the common people Scoggin is a doctor.

This proverb is used to mock someone who tries to sound superior or important in a group where everyone is essentially of the same status or rank. It highlights a false sense of hierarchy or self-importance among equals.

Six parts for Hasta, three parts for Chitta.

This is an agricultural proverb related to the lunar mansions (Nakshatras) and rainfall. It suggests that during the 'Hasta' rain season, there will be six parts of rain (heavy rainfall), whereas during the 'Chitta' season, there will be only three parts (moderate rainfall). It is used by farmers to predict water availability for their crops.

Like leaving the house out of fear for bedbugs.

This proverb describes an extreme or foolish overreaction to a minor nuisance. It is used when someone gives up something very valuable or essential just to escape a small, manageable problem.

Garlick is as good as ten mothers.

This proverb emphasizes the immense medicinal and health benefits of onions. Just as a mother provides care and nourishment to her child, the onion is said to provide health protection equivalent to the care of ten mothers. It is used to highlight the importance of including onions in one's diet for overall well-being.