పుట్టు సాగలేనిది, పెట్టు సాగ ఏం ప్రయోజనం
puttu sagalenidi, pettu saga em prayojanam
If what is natural does not thrive, what is the use of what is artificial?
This expression refers to the idea that innate qualities or natural talents are essential for success. It suggests that if a person lacks basic natural ability or character (puttu), external enhancements, artificial aids, or borrowed resources (pettu) will not be of much use or bring any real benefit. It is used to emphasize that substance is more important than mere appearance or external support.
Related Phrases
జాణలకు పురాణాగమశాస్త్రవేదజప ప్రసంగ త్రాణకల్లి ప్రయోజనమేమి?
janalaku puranagamashastravedajapa prasanga tranakalli prayojanamemi?
Of what use are discussions on Puranas, Agamas, Shastras, Vedas, and Chanting to those who are already wise and clever?
This expression suggests that for people who possess inherent wisdom, practical intelligence, or true realization (jaanalu), getting bogged down in pedantic scholarly debates or complex religious scriptures is unnecessary. It emphasizes that practical wisdom or intuitive understanding is superior to mere theoretical knowledge or ritualistic expertise. It is often used to point out that over-explaining things to an expert or a naturally intelligent person is a waste of time.
పెట్టుపోతలు శాశ్వతములా?
pettupotalu shashvatamula?
Will the meat and drink last for ever? Can one expect to live always on the bounty of others ?
This expression is used to remind someone that material offerings, gifts, or acts of formal hospitality are temporary and do not define a lasting relationship. It emphasizes that while one might receive favors or items now, they are not a substitute for permanent support or genuine long-term bonds.
నీకు రానిది, నేను విననిది, లోకంలో లేనిదీ చెప్పమన్నట్టు.
niku ranidi, nenu vinanidi, lokamlo lenidi cheppamannattu.
Like asking to tell something you don't know, I haven't heard, and doesn't exist in the world.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone is asked to provide an impossible or non-existent explanation, or when someone is making up blatant lies that defy logic and reality. It highlights the absurdity of a request or a statement.
పుట్టు శాస్త్రులా, పెట్టు శాస్త్రులా?
puttu shastrula, pettu shastrula?
Is he a born Śāstrî or a deplomated Śāstrî ? Said also of a Somayājī ( No. 2053 ).
This expression is used to question whether someone's skills, status, or behavior are natural and inherent (by birth) or artificial and acquired through external effort or pretense (put on). It highlights the difference between genuine character and a facade.
పాకలో రోకలి చిగురు పెట్టినట్లు
pakalo rokali chiguru pettinatlu
As if a wooden pestle in a shed sprouted leaves
This proverb is used to describe a situation that is absolutely impossible or highly improbable. A dry, dead piece of wood like a pestle (rokali) can never sprout leaves; therefore, it refers to expecting a miracle where there is no possibility of growth or change.
వగలమారి వంకాయ సెగ తాకగానే సగమైంది
vagalamari vankaya sega takagane sagamaindi
The boastful eggplant became half its size as soon as it felt the heat.
This proverb is used to describe people who act arrogant or showy when things are easy, but quickly lose their confidence or 'shrink' when faced with actual pressure, heat, or difficulty. It highlights how false bravado disappears under testing conditions.
గాడిద పూర్వవంశ గౌరవంగాని, భవిష్యత్ సంతతిపై ఆశగాని లేని ప్రాణి
gadida purvavamsha gauravangani, bhavishyat santatipai ashagani leni prani
A donkey is a creature that has neither pride in its ancestry nor hope for its future offspring.
This expression is used to describe a person who lacks self-respect, ambition, or concern for their legacy. It characterizes someone who lives purely in the moment without any sense of responsibility toward their heritage or their future, often used to mock someone's indifferent or stubborn attitude.
నీకు రానిది, నేను విననిది, లోకములో లేనిది చెప్పమన్నట్టు
niku ranidi, nenu vinanidi, lokamulo lenidi cheppamannattu
Like asking to say something you don't know, I haven't heard, and doesn't exist in the world.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone is asked to perform an impossible task or provide information that is non-existent. It highlights the absurdity of a request that defies logic or reality, often used when someone makes unreasonable demands or asks for something completely fictional.
ప్రాణములేని వానికి బంగారు తలపాగా చుట్టిన ప్రయోజనమేమి, ఆణి వజ్రభూషణము ఉరమున బెట్టిననేమి
pranamuleni vaniki bangaru talapaga chuttina prayojanamemi, ani vajrabhushanamu uramuna bettinanemi
What is the use of wrapping a golden turban on a lifeless person, or placing an exquisite diamond ornament on their chest?
This expression emphasizes that external honors, wealth, or decorations are worthless when the core essence or life is missing. It is used to describe situations where someone provides luxuries to those who cannot appreciate them, or when one focuses on superficial improvements for something that is fundamentally dead or irrelevant.
అంటూ సంటూ ఆసాదివానిది, రట్టూ రవ్వా గంగానమ్మది
antu santu asadivanidi, rattu ravva ganganammadi
All the offerings go to the priest, the noise to Gangânamma.
This proverb describes a situation where the hard work or the burden of a task is handled by one person, while another person (or a higher authority) gets associated with the commotion, publicity, or the ultimate blame. It is often used to highlight the unfair distribution of labor versus reputation, or when a minor issue is blown out of proportion while the actual core work remains unrecognized.
Gangânamma is a certain village goddess.