వెట్టికి వెల ఏది?

vettiki vela edi?

Translation

Where is the price for forced labor?

Meaning

This expression is used to describe tasks performed without interest, compensation, or quality because they are being done under compulsion. It implies that when work is forced or unpaid, one cannot expect excellence or a specific value in return.

Related Phrases

The ox on the other side

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone is ignored or their presence is completely disregarded, similar to 'talking to a wall.' It often implies that the person being spoken to is as unresponsive or indifferent as an ox standing far away.

Only when it reaches the proper form/rhythm does it enter the stage.

This expression is used to emphasize that one should only present or launch something once it has achieved the necessary quality, preparation, or readiness. It highlights the importance of refinement before public display or action.

If tied to the leg, it moves to the finger; if tied to the finger, it moves to the leg.

This expression describes a person who is extremely manipulative, slippery, or cunning. It is used for someone who always has a counter-argument or a way to twist words to escape accountability, making it impossible to pin them down to a single point.

If one cannot jump to the hanging pot, can she fly to heaven?

This proverb is used to mock someone who fails at a simple, basic task but makes grand claims about achieving something much more difficult or impossible. It highlights the gap between one's actual abilities and their lofty ambitions.

The beating of the drum at midnight

This expression is used to describe an action that is untimely, inappropriate, or creates a nuisance. Just as playing a loud drum in the middle of the night disturbs others and is out of place, it refers to doing something at the wrong time or in the wrong context.

Did [ my parents ] beget me for nothing and throw me into the hedge ? Said by a disciple illtreated by his Guru, or by an apprentice illtreated by his master, &c.

This expression is used when someone feels their hard work or existence is being taken for granted or treated as if it has no value. It is often used to question why one should work for free or why they are being treated with such neglect and lack of respect, as if they were born without purpose or value.

Do not postpone today's work to tomorrow.

This is a common proverb advising against procrastination. It emphasizes the importance of completing tasks promptly and managing time efficiently rather than delaying them unnecessarily.

There is no waste in charity, and there are no wages for forced labor.

This proverb highlights two economic truths in traditional society: first, that money spent on charity or righteous causes is never a waste as it earns merit; second, that forced or involuntary labor (vetti) never results in any monetary compensation or earnings for the worker.

A child born where there was no love [ between the parents ] suffered for want [ of oil ] for its head.

This proverb is used to describe an unrealistic or greedy expectation. When someone is already in a state of extreme poverty or performing forced unpaid labor (vetti), expecting luxuries or even basic comforts is seen as ironic or foolish. It highlights the contradiction of seeking extras when the fundamental situation is dire.

A child born of forced labor was born without a head.

This proverb describes a situation where an outcome or a product is flawed or incomplete because it was done without interest, enthusiasm, or proper compensation (forced labor). It is used to mock work that is done carelessly or results that are useless due to a lack of effort.