వట్టి గొడ్డుకు అరుపులెక్కువ

vatti godduku arupulekkuva

Translation

A barren cow bellows the most

Meaning

This proverb is the Telugu equivalent of 'Empty vessels make the most noise'. It describes people who have no real substance, knowledge, or merit, but talk excessively or make loud boasts to compensate for their lack of ability.

Related Phrases

A fine of a fanam for [the trespass of] a cow worth a cash.

This proverb describes a situation where the penalty or maintenance cost of an item exceeds the value of the item itself. It is used when someone spends more money or effort to fix or protect something than what that thing is actually worth.

A fanam = 80 cash. Expense disproportionate to the value of an article.

The barren cow bellows much, and in the year of drought there is much thunder. Much smoke and little roast. (Italian.) All talk and no go.

This proverb describes people who possess little knowledge or substance but make the most noise or display. Just as a cow that doesn't give milk moos loudly, and a riverbed during a drought may produce lightning or illusions of water without providing actual relief, empty or incompetent people often brag or shout the loudest to hide their lack of worth.

Empty clouds flash more lightning; a barren cow bellows more.

This proverb is used to describe people who lack substance or capability but make a lot of noise or boast excessively. Similar to the English idiom 'Empty vessels make the most noise', it suggests that those who talk the most or show off frequently are often the ones who achieve or contribute the least.

A mortar is a [ sure ] check to a runaway cow. When tied to its neck. Applied to measures which to check the progress of crime.

This proverb describes a situation where an uncontrollable or stubborn person meets an insurmountable obstacle or a matching force that stops them in their tracks. Just as a cow that habitually kicks is restrained by a heavy stone mortar placed behind it, this expression is used when a troublemaker finally faces a consequence or a person they cannot bully or bypass.

A barren cow moows the most.

This proverb is the Telugu equivalent of 'Empty vessels make the most noise.' It is used to describe people who lack substance, talent, or knowledge but boast excessively or talk loudly to gain attention.

Like building a temple for a stray or thieving cattle.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone who is unworthy, dishonest, or troublesome is given undue respect, honor, or protection. It highlights the irony and wastefulness of glorifying someone who does not deserve it.

A cow in heat has no fear.

This proverb is used to describe a person who is so driven by an intense desire, obsession, or impulse that they become completely reckless and lose their sense of fear or social shame. It suggests that when someone is overwhelmed by a specific urge, they disregard consequences and surroundings.

When the owner cried for the cow [he had lost,] the shoe- maker cried for the hide.

This proverb describes a situation where one person is mourning a great loss while another person is only interested in how they can selfishly profit from that tragedy. It highlights the contrast between genuine grief and cold-hearted opportunism.

It is an ill wind that blows nobody good.

A barren cow bellows more; a rainless cloud thunders more.

This proverb describes people who talk a lot or make a lot of noise but possess no real substance, skill, or ability to deliver results. It is similar to the English expression 'Empty vessels make the most noise' or 'All bark and no bite.' It is used to mock those who boast or complain loudly without being productive.

Is a mortar an obstacle for a kicking cow?

This proverb is used to describe someone who is uncontrollably aggressive or stubborn. Just as a heavy stone mortar cannot stop a cow that is determined to kick and run wild, a person with a volatile or reckless nature will not be deterred by ordinary obstacles or rules.