వట్టి మాటలవల్ల పొట్టలు పూడుతవా?

vatti matalavalla pottalu pudutava?

Translation

Will empty words fill bellies?

Meaning

This expression is used to emphasize that mere talk or empty promises do not produce practical results or satisfy physical needs. It highlights the importance of action over words, often used when someone provides excuses or tall tales instead of providing actual help or food.

Notes

We must assist in deeds not in words. (Latin.) Words don't fill the belly. (Portuguese.) * Molto fumo, e poco arrosto. † Re opulentandum non verbis, ‡ Palavras naõ enchem barriga.

Related Phrases

Are you going for the festival ( lit. holy days ) or for the feast ?

This expression is used to question someone's true motives or priorities. It highlights a situation where a person claims to be attending an event for its primary purpose (like a religious festival) but is actually more interested in secondary benefits or personal gains (like the free food).

Listening to hearsay leads to ruin.

This expression warns against acting upon rumors or gossip without verification. It suggests that paying heed to malicious talk or the instigations of others will ultimately lead to one's own downfall or harm.

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.

If kings go, do kingdoms disappear?

This expression is used to convey that the world or an organization does not stop functioning just because a leader or a specific individual is gone. It emphasizes that systems are larger than individuals and that life goes on despite the departure of those in power.

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.

Joint words are words that do not fit.

This proverb highlights the difficulty of collective decision-making or joint ventures. It suggests that when multiple people are involved in a partnership or discussion, reaching a consensus is often impossible because conflicting opinions and interests prevent a single, coherent resolution from fitting everyone involved.

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.

Pushing away your own people and holding the feet of strangers.

This proverb describes a person who neglects or mistreats their loyal family members and friends while seeking favors or trying to please strangers and outsiders who do not truly care for them. It is used to criticize someone's poor judgment in prioritizing relationships.

Once the words are gone, bundles of wealth are of no use.

This proverb emphasizes that once a person has lost their ability to speak or has passed away, material wealth becomes meaningless. It is often used to highlight that good communication and relationships are more valuable than riches, or to suggest that some things cannot be fixed with money once the opportunity for dialogue is lost.

Talking in the day time spoils one's business ; talking in the night time spoils one's sleep.

This proverb emphasizes the importance of time management and focus. It suggests that gossiping or talking excessively during the day hinders productivity, while doing the same at night disturbs necessary rest. It is used to advise someone to stop talking and get back to their responsibilities or to sleep.