ఊదేయనిదే పీరు లేవదు

udeyanide piru levadu

Translation

The Peeru (processional deity) won't rise unless it is incense-smoked

Meaning

This expression means that some people will not perform their duties or act unless they are given a bribe, an incentive, or a strong push. It highlights that without a certain necessary 'motivation' (often used in a cynical or satirical context regarding corruption or laziness), nothing moves forward.

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.

Without polishing, shine does not come.

This expression means that excellence or brilliance cannot be achieved without hard work, refinement, or practice. Just as a gem needs to be polished to sparkle, a person or a skill needs consistent effort and improvement to reach its full potential.

There is no smoke without heat.

This expression is the Telugu equivalent of 'There is no smoke without fire.' It is used to suggest that if there are rumors or signs of something happening, there is usually a factual basis or a real reason behind them.

Work happens only when ten people join together

This expression emphasizes the importance of teamwork and collective effort. It suggests that significant tasks or social responsibilities cannot be accomplished by an individual alone and require the cooperation of the community or a group.

No smoke without fire.

Unless there is some basis, there can be no suspicion, or gossip. One should take care to see that there isn’t even a slight lapse that gives rise to avoidable scandal .

Even a mother will not serve (food) unless asked.

This proverb emphasizes the importance of communication and self-advocacy. It suggests that even the most caring person might not fulfill your needs if you don't express them, implying that one must speak up or ask for what they want to achieve their goals.

If an elephant falls down, it must get up by itself; who else can lift it?

This expression is used to describe powerful or influential people who face a significant downfall. It implies that when a great person or a large entity faces a crisis, they must rely on their own inherent strength to recover, as others may lack the capacity or resources to help someone of that stature.

It does not become smooth until it is polished.

This proverb suggests that raw talent, a character, or an object needs refinement and hard work to reach its best state. Just as a stone must be polished to become smooth, humans must undergo discipline or practice to achieve excellence.

What is not written on the forehead will not be spoken by the mouth.

This proverb is based on the belief in 'Prarabdha Karma' or fate. It suggests that unless something is predestined (written by Brahma on one's forehead), it will not manifest in reality or be expressed through one's words. It is used to describe situations where things only happen if they are meant to be.

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.