ఊరకున్నవాడికి ఊహలు లావు

urakunnavadiki uhalu lavu

Translation

To a person who sits idle, imaginations are huge.

Meaning

This proverb describes how an idle mind becomes a workshop for overthinking and grand fantasies. When a person has no work to do, their imagination grows disproportionately large, often leading to unrealistic plans or anxieties. It is used to point out that those who don't act tend to exaggerate ideas in their head.

Related Phrases

Chatter is abundant in old age.

This proverb is used to describe how elderly people often have many stories to tell or a tendency to talk excessively about the past. It literally means that as one grows old, the desire for conversation or 'chatting' increases significantly.

The one who remains silent is the greatest yogi

This proverb highlights the virtue of silence and patience. It suggests that a person who knows when to keep quiet, avoids unnecessary arguments, and maintains composure is as enlightened and wise as a great saint or yogi. It is often used to advise someone to stay calm and silent in provocative situations.

How will a silent god receive offerings?

This expression means that unless you express your needs, desires, or grievances, nobody will help you or fulfill them. It is used to encourage someone to speak up for themselves, highlighting that even a deity doesn't receive prayers or rituals if they remain passive or if the devotee doesn't take the initiative to ask.

One who has nothing boasts much, just as a hermit has long matted locks.

This proverb is used to describe a person who lacks substance, wealth, or knowledge but compensates by boasting or bragging excessively. Just as matted hair (jatalu) is the most prominent outward feature of some ascetics, 'ethulu' (boasts or tall tales) are the only prominent thing about an empty person.

The rich give to the rich, and even the poor give to the rich.

This proverb highlights a social irony where resources and gifts often flow toward those who already have plenty, rather than those in need. It is used to describe situations where people prioritize pleasing influential or wealthy individuals while ignoring the underprivileged.

Like applying an onion and pepper paste to someone who is staying quiet.

This expression is used to describe a situation where an innocent or quiet person is unnecessarily provoked, troubled, or dragged into a conflict. It refers to disturbing someone who is minding their own business, often causing them pain or a reaction they didn't seek.

The village can do nothing to a person who remains silent.

This expression emphasizes the power of silence and patience. It suggests that if a person remains calm, avoids unnecessary arguments, and stays silent during a conflict, even an entire community or a large group cannot harm them or provoke them into trouble. It is often used to advise someone to stay quiet to avoid escalating a situation.

An inferior person has a lot of arrogance.

This proverb is used to describe how people with little knowledge, capability, or status often behave with excessive pride or showiness. It is similar to the English proverb 'Empty vessels make the most noise.' It suggests that those who are truly capable are humble, while those who lack substance tend to brag or act superior.

The one who has gives to the one who has; even the one who does not have gives to the one who has.

This proverb highlights a social irony where wealth continues to flow toward the wealthy. It describes a situation where both the rich and the poor tend to favor, gift, or serve those who are already influential and affluent, while those in actual need are often ignored.

The woman who has nothing has great stubbornness, while the woman who has everything has great greed.

This proverb highlights a contrast in human behavior: those with no resources or status often resort to excessive pride or stubbornness to overcompensate, whereas those who are wealthy or successful are often driven by an insatiable desire for more. It is used to describe how ego and greed manifest differently based on one's circumstances.