వంద మాటలు మాట్లాడవచ్చు, ఒక్కనికి పెట్టేది కష్టం
vanda matalu matladavachchu, okkaniki pettedi kashtam
One can speak a hundred words, but feeding even one person is difficult.
This proverb highlights the difference between theory and practice, or words and actions. It is easy to give advice, make promises, or talk grandly, but performing an actual act of charity or fulfilling a responsibility requires real effort and sacrifice.
Related Phrases
గురువుకు రేగినా గుర్రానికి రేగినా పట్టేది కష్టం
guruvuku regina gurraniki regina pattedi kashtam
If the teacher gets angry or if the horse gets restless, it results in trouble.
This proverb highlights that certain situations or people must be handled with extreme care. If a mentor/teacher is provoked, the student loses knowledge; if a horse is agitated, the rider faces physical danger. It is used to suggest that one should avoid provoking those who have power over our well-being or progress.
కరువునాటి కష్టాలుండవుగాని, కష్టాలనాటి మాటలుంటాయి.
karuvunati kashtalundavugani, kashtalanati mataluntayi.
The hardships of famine days will not remain, but the words spoken during those hardships will.
This proverb emphasizes that while physical or financial difficulties are temporary and will eventually pass, the harsh words, insults, or lack of support experienced during those times are remembered forever. It serves as a reminder to be kind and mindful of one's speech even during stressful or lean periods.
మాటలు మా తల్లి మాటలు, పెట్టు మా మారు తల్లి పెట్టు
matalu ma talli matalu, pettu ma maru talli pettu
She talks like a mother, but she feeds me like a step mother.
This expression describes a person who speaks very kindly and affectionately but fails to provide any actual help or substance. It is used to point out the hypocrisy of someone whose actions do not match their sweet words, particularly in contexts of hospitality or generosity.
Said of a step mother.
చెప్పుడు మాటలు చేటు, చక్కని మాటలు ఘాటు.
cheppudu matalu chetu, chakkani matalu ghatu.
Listening to hearsay leads to ruin, while honest words can be sharp.
This expression warns that acting on gossip or others' manipulative words causes harm. Conversely, sincere or truthful advice may feel blunt or 'sharp' like a spice, but it is ultimately beneficial. It is used to advise someone to be wary of rumors and appreciate honest criticism.
ఈ కష్టాలకన్నా మా అత్త పెట్టే కష్టాలే బాగున్నాయి అన్నదట
i kashtalakanna ma atta pette kashtale bagunnayi annadata
She said the troubles caused by her mother-in-law were better than these hardships
This expression is used to describe a situation where current new difficulties are so overwhelming that previous hardships, which were once considered unbearable, now seem preferable or mild by comparison. It highlights a 'from the frying pan into the fire' scenario.
చెప్పే మాటలకన్నా, తప్పని మాటలు నయం
cheppe matalakanna, tappani matalu nayam
Actions that don't fail are better than words that are merely spoken.
This expression emphasizes that keeping one's word or performing a duty reliably is far superior to making grand promises or giving empty advice. It highlights the importance of integrity and action over mere eloquence.
మాటలచేత మన్ననలు పొందవచ్చు
matalacheta mannanalu pondavachchu
One can gain respect through words.
This expression emphasizes the power of speech and communication. It suggests that by speaking politely, wisely, and kindly, a person can earn the admiration and respect of others in society. It is often used to advise someone to be mindful of their language.
చెప్పిన మాటలకన్నా తప్పుడు మాటలు నయం
cheppina matalakanna tappudu matalu nayam
Lies are better than backbiting.
This expression is used to suggest that it is better to hear something blunt or even incorrect rather than being given false promises or misleading information that is never fulfilled. It emphasizes the frustration of broken commitments.
నూరు గోవిందలు పెట్టవచ్చుకాని, ఒక్క దాసరికి పెట్టడం కష్టం
nuru govindalu pettavachchukani, okka dasariki pettadam kashtam
One can chant 'Govinda' a hundred times, but it is difficult to feed a single pilgrim.
This proverb highlights the difference between verbal devotion and practical action. While it is easy to pray or speak words of devotion (chanting Govinda), it requires real effort, sacrifice, and resources to actually help or provide for someone in need (the pilgrim/Dasari). It is used to point out people who prefer making empty gestures over doing real service.
మాటలతో మూటలు కొనవచ్చు
matalato mutalu konavachchu
One can buy bundles with words.
This expression refers to someone who is highly persuasive or a smooth talker. It describes a person who can achieve great things or acquire assets just by using their convincing speech and eloquence, without necessarily having the physical means or money at that moment.