వట్టి విశ్వాసంతోనే ఏ పనీ కాకపోయినా, అది లేకపోతే మాత్రం ఏ పనీ కాదు.
vatti vishvasantone e pani kakapoyina, adi lekapote matram e pani kadu.
Even if no work is accomplished by mere faith alone, without it, nothing can be done at all.
This expression emphasizes the importance of faith as a prerequisite for success. While faith alone without effort or action might not yield results, it is the foundational motivation required to start or sustain any task. It is used to explain that self-belief or confidence is the starting point for any achievement.
Related Phrases
కోమటి విశ్వాసము
komati vishvasamu
The faith of a Kômaṭi. Faithlessness.
This expression refers to a double-edged or unreliable trust. It is used to describe a situation where someone's loyalty or commitment is solely dependent on their own profit or benefit, suggesting that their allegiance may shift as soon as the circumstances are no longer advantageous to them.
మొగుడు లేకపోతే అప్ప మొగుడు, కూర లేకపోతే పప్పకూర.
mogudu lekapote appa mogudu, kura lekapote pappakura.
If a husband is not there, then the elder sister's husband; if a curry is not there, then dal.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone settles for a substitute or an alternative when the original or preferred choice is unavailable. It highlights the human tendency to find a replacement, sometimes even an inappropriate or simplified one, just to fill a void.
అసలు లేకపోతే అహంకారం ఎక్కువ
asalu lekapote ahankaram ekkuva
When there is no substance, arrogance is high
This expression is used to describe a person who lacks genuine talent, knowledge, or wealth, but compensates for it with excessive pride or vanity. It is similar to the English proverb 'Empty vessels make the most noise.'
తిండికి లేకపోయినా తిక్కకేమి లోటు
tindiki lekapoyina tikkakemi lotu
Even if there is no food to eat, there is no shortage of madness.
This proverb is used to describe someone who lacks basic necessities or means but still behaves with arrogance, stubbornness, or eccentric pride. It highlights the irony of a person having plenty of attitude or 'madness' despite their poor or desperate situation.
అన్నము లేకపోతే వరి అన్నము, బట్ట లేకపోతే పట్టుబట్ట.
annamu lekapote vari annamu, batta lekapote pattubatta.
If you have no common food, [give me] the best; if you have no common cloth, [give me] a silk one.
This is a sarcastic expression used to describe someone who, when they lack basic necessities, demands or expects high-end luxuries instead of seeking practical alternatives. It highlights the irony of having extravagant tastes or unrealistic expectations while being in a state of poverty or deprivation.
Said by an impertinent beggar when refused assistance by a stingy person.
పాము వడకకపోతే, దాని విషం వడకకపోతుందా?
pamu vadakakapote, dani visham vadakakapotunda?
If the snake does not crawl, does its venom also not crawl?
This proverb is used to describe people who may appear quiet, weak, or inactive on the outside, but still retain their inherent dangerous nature or harmful qualities. It implies that a person's core character or 'venom' doesn't disappear just because they are not currently acting out.
నీ ముష్టి లేకపోతే మానెగాని, నీ కుక్కను కట్టివెయ్యి.
ni mushti lekapote manegani, ni kukkanu kattiveyyi.
If there are no alms for me, never mind, but tie up your dog.
This proverb is used to tell someone that if they cannot help or be generous, they should at least refrain from causing harm or creating obstacles. It is typically applied when someone's interference or negative attitude is more problematic than their lack of assistance.
Said by a beggar.
అన్నం లేకపోయినా పట్టుబట్ట
annam lekapoyina pattubatta
Silk clothes even if there is no food
This expression is used to describe a person who prioritizes vanity, status, or external appearance over basic necessities and practical needs. It highlights a scenario where someone spends money on luxuries to look rich or sophisticated while struggling to afford essential items like food.
నేను పుట్టకపోతే నీకు పెండ్లామే లేకపోవునే అంటే, నీవు పుట్టకపోతే నీ తల్లినే పెళ్ళాడి ఉందునన్నాడట.
nenu puttakapote niku pendlame lekapovune ante, nivu puttakapote ni talline pelladi undunannadata.
When she said 'If I hadn't been born, you wouldn't have had a wife at all', he replied 'If you hadn't been born, I would have married your mother'.
This is a humorous and sarcastic Telugu proverb used to describe a witty or sharp-tongued retort to an arrogant or self-important claim. It highlights how someone's attempt to show their indispensability can be met with a crushing and absurd counter-argument, often used to silence someone who is bragging about their role in a situation.
పెట్టేపోతలు లేకపోయినా వట్టి కూతలు ఎందుకు?
pettepotalu lekapoyina vatti kutalu enduku?
Why empty shouts when there are no offerings or deeds?
This expression is used to criticize someone who makes big claims, boasts, or gives advice without actually contributing anything tangible or being helpful. It highlights the hypocrisy of people who use loud words but lack action or generosity.