విస్తరాకులో లేడు, పిండాలలో లేడు

vistarakulo ledu, pindalalo ledu

Translation

Neither in the leaf-plate nor in the offerings

Meaning

This expression is used to describe a person who is unreliable, inconsistent, or avoids responsibility at critical moments. It refers to someone who is missing when the food is served (on the leaf-plate) and also missing when the sacred rituals (offerings to ancestors) are performed, implying they are nowhere to be found when needed or that they belong nowhere.

Related Phrases

Lame in the village, a deer in the forest

This proverb is used to describe a person who pretends to be weak, lazy, or incapable when asked to do work at home or in the village, but becomes extremely active, energetic, and agile when it concerns their own interests or outside activities. It highlights the hypocrisy of selective effort.

That which is not in the seed is not in the universe.

This expression emphasizes the concept of potential and origin. Just as a massive tree is encoded within a tiny seed, the essence of the entire universe is contained within its fundamental elements. It is used to suggest that the macrocosm is reflected in the microcosm, or that everything begins with a small but complete foundation.

There is nothing on this earth that is not a medicine.

This proverb suggests that every element or herb found in nature has medicinal properties or a specific purpose. It is used to emphasize that everything in the world has inherent value and utility, even if its benefits are not immediately apparent to us.

Like a tongue in the head, and a thread through the beads.

This expression describes someone who is indispensable, highly influential, or deeply integrated into a group. Just as a tongue is essential for speech and a thread holds beads together, it refers to a person who acts as a central, reliable figure or a mediator who maintains unity and functions smoothly within a family or organization.

There is nothing on this earth that is not medicine.

This proverb suggests that every plant, herb, or substance found in nature possesses some medicinal value or purpose. It is often used to emphasize the importance of traditional medicine, biodiversity, and the idea that solutions to health problems can be found in the natural world around us if we have the knowledge to identify them.

Sweet rice in a dream, rice water in reality.

This proverb describes a situation where a person has grand aspirations or fantasies but lives in poverty or hardship. It is used to highlight the stark contrast between one's desires/dreams and their actual meager circumstances.

Neither a string nor a top.

This expression is used to describe someone who lacks any ties, responsibilities, or assets. It often refers to a person who is roaming aimlessly without any sense of direction or accountability, or to a situation that is completely disorganized and lacks a proper basis.

Neither a string nor a top

This expression is used to describe a person who is irresponsible, lacks roots, or has no attachments or accountability. Just as a spinning top cannot be controlled or operated without a string, it refers to someone who is wandering aimlessly or a situation that has no proper foundation or control.

No interest this month, and no principal next month.

This expression is used to describe a situation of total loss or a deceptive deal where one ends up losing everything. It highlights a progression from losing the profit (interest) to eventually losing the entire capital (principal). It is often used to mock poor business decisions or to warn against untrustworthy people who fail to honor any part of an agreement.

There is no interest for you this month, and no principal for you next month. Said by a cheat to his creditor.

This expression is used to describe a total loss or a situation where a deal results in losing both the profit and the initial capital. It signifies a complete failure of an investment or a scheme where nothing is recovered.