వాక్చాతుర్యములేని వేశ్య, గుణకారములేని లెక్క

vakchaturyamuleni veshya, gunakaramuleni lekka

Translation

A prostitute without eloquence is like a calculation without multiplication.

Meaning

This proverb highlights that certain professions or tasks require specific core skills to be effective. Just as a mathematical problem cannot be solved without multiplication (logic/process), a person in a social or persuasive role is ineffective without the art of speech (eloquence). It is used to describe situations where a fundamental element is missing, rendering the whole effort useless.

Related Phrases

A poem without sweet diction is like a bride without grace.

This expression highlights the importance of aesthetic beauty and eloquence in art. Just as a bride's charm is incomplete without grace and elegance (vilasamu), a literary work or poem (kavyam) is considered lifeless or unappealing if it lacks melodic, sweet, and well-chosen words (manjulalapamu). It is used to emphasize that form and style are as essential as content.

A curry without spice, a person without helpfulness.

This proverb is used to emphasize that just as a curry is tasteless and useless without spices, a person who does not help others or show kindness is considered worthless in society. It highlights the importance of being helpful and altruistic.

There is no place without an end, and no beginning without a source.

This philosophical expression emphasizes the cycle of life and the law of causality. It suggests that everything that exists has a boundary or conclusion, and every event or start has a fundamental root or origin. It is often used to describe the interconnectedness of time, existence, and the universe.

[Where] the servant [is] without pay the master [must be] without anger.

This proverb highlights a situation that is ideal but often unrealistic or ineffective. It suggests that a servant working for free and a boss who never gets angry are both rarities that may lack the necessary discipline or structure required for a formal relationship. It can also imply that certain roles require specific traits to be functional.

Beauty without character is like a flower without fragrance.

This proverb emphasizes that physical beauty is worthless without good character or moral integrity. Just as a flower's true value lies in its scent, a person's true worth is defined by their virtue, not their outward appearance.

A king without courage, a minister without judgment.

This proverb describes a failing or ineffective leadership system. It highlights that a leader who lacks the bravery to take risks or stand firm, paired with an advisor who lacks strategic thinking or foresight, will inevitably lead to the downfall of a kingdom or an organization.

A life without a partner is like a spinning top without a string.

This proverb highlights the importance of companionship. Just as a top cannot spin or find direction without a string to guide it, a person's life without a life partner is seen as aimless, unstable, or lacking support and control.

A mean-spirited servant is in no danger [ of losing his life. ]

This proverb suggests that a person who lacks self-respect or a sense of honor is rarely disappointed or deceived because they do not have high standards or expectations to be betrayed. It is often used to criticize someone who lacks the courage to stand up for themselves, implying that while they might stay safe, they lack dignity.

A bell without sound, a crop without grain.

This expression refers to something that lacks its core essence or purpose. Just as a bell is useless if it cannot ring and a crop is worthless if it doesn't yield grain, any object or person that does not fulfill their fundamental function is considered ineffective or hollow. It is used to describe wasted effort or decorative things that have no practical value.

A farm without a tree, a village without a relative

This proverb highlights the feeling of isolation and lack of support. Just as a farm without a tree offers no shade or respite for a farmer, a village where one has no relatives or friends offers no emotional support or belonging. It is used to describe situations where one feels lonely or lacks a support system in a particular place.