Food & Hunger

This proverb describes a state of extreme hunger or desperation where a person doesn't care about the quality, temperature, or condition of what is offered; they only care about satisfying their immediate, dire need. It is used to illustrate how necessity overrides preferences.

Anything is acceptable to one who is in want. Beggars must not be choosers. Hungry dogs will eat dirty puddings. A hungry ass eats any straw. ( Italian. )*

This proverb suggests that in certain situations, being overly modest or shy can lead to personal loss. Specifically, when eating (so you get enough to satisfy your hunger) and when conducting business or legal matters (so you ensure your interests are protected), you must be direct and outspoken.

This proverb emphasizes the importance of quality over quantity, while also highlighting that resources are meant to be used. It suggests that a small amount of nutritious or high-quality food is better than a large amount of useless filler. In a broader sense, it means that whatever we possess should serve its purpose effectively.

This expression describes a situation where someone who is already struggling for their basic livelihood or survival encounters a new, painful obstacle. It is used when an unfortunate person, who is working hard to make ends meet, faces an unexpected problem that hinders their ability to perform their primary task.

This traditional Telugu proverb highlights the health benefits of moderation in eating. It suggests that eating once a day leads to spiritual and physical discipline (Yogi), eating twice a day is for those enjoying a worldly life (Bhogi), while eating three or more times a day leads to sickness or a diseased state (Rogi).

This expression highlights that debts taken for basic survival needs like clothing (batta) and food (potta) are transient and must be cleared quickly. It is often used to emphasize that one cannot delay repaying small but essential debts or to point out that basic necessities are the first priorities that get consumed immediately, leaving no long-term asset behind.

This proverb highlights the immense value and comfort of a simple, wholesome meal like dal-rice (pappannam). It is used to describe how someone is willing to go to great lengths or travel long distances for something they truly cherish or find satisfying, often used in the context of food or simple pleasures.

This proverb suggests that one's intake or appreciation of something depends on their necessity or appetite for it. In a broader sense, it means that the value or quantity of a resource consumed is determined by the intensity of the underlying need.

This proverb refers to a condition where one feels frequent or excessive hunger despite having indigestion or a stomach upset. Metaphorically, it is used to describe a situation where someone who is incapable or lacking in substance makes excessive demands or shows greedy desire for more than they can handle.

This proverb describes the natural or predictable inclinations and desires of specific people. It highlights that everyone has their own set of expectations or things they fond of; just as a mother-in-law is keen on her son-in-law's arrival or wellbeing, a traditional brahmin is humorously noted for his love of a good meal (specifically dal). It is used to point out obvious preferences.

This proverb highlights human greed and the constant craving for variety in food. Despite the tongue being a very small organ (a Tola is a small unit of weight), it demands an endless variety of flavors and delicacies. It is used to describe someone who is overly fastidious about food or someone whose desires are disproportionate to their size or status.

This proverb advises that being overly hesitant or shy in two specific areas—eating and business dealings—is detrimental. In the context of food, if you are shy, you might remain hungry; in business or practical affairs, shyness can lead to losses or being cheated. It encourages being assertive and clear about one's needs.

This proverb highlights that basic survival and the struggle for sustenance are the most significant and constant burdens a person can face. It emphasizes that hunger or the lack of resources to eat outweighs all other worldly concerns.

This expression emphasizes the importance of self-sufficiency and resourcefulness. It suggests that maintaining a small, manageable kitchen garden or backyard plot provides enough produce to meet a family's primary daily needs, ensuring food security and reducing dependency on outside markets.

This expression is used to describe someone who eats excessively or has an insatiable appetite. It compares the capacity of their stomach to that of a lake, implying it is unusually large or bottomless.

This proverb is used to describe a lose-lose situation or a scenario where regardless of the extreme circumstances (too much or too little), the suffering of the common people remains the same. It highlights that both floods and droughts lead to the same result: crop failure and starvation.

This expression highlights that while people may have different lifestyles, social statuses, or preferences (diets), their fundamental human needs and basic nature (hunger) remain identical. It is used to emphasize human equality or commonality behind superficial differences.

This expression highlights the vital importance of food security and agriculture. It signifies that even a single grain of rice represents sustenance, and without food (the means of survival), one's very existence is at risk. It is often used to emphasize the value of hard work, the importance of not wasting food, or the critical nature of one's livelihood.

This expression suggests that the appearance or presentation of food significantly influences one's appetite and satisfaction. It is used to emphasize that when something looks appealing, it is more likely to be enjoyed or accepted. In a broader sense, it can also refer to how first impressions affect overall judgment.

This proverb highlights the delicate balance required in nature for agriculture and life. It explains that extreme conditions in either direction—too much rain (leading to waterlogging and rot) or too little rain (leading to drying up)—result in the same outcome: a lack of food and resources. It is used to describe situations where both extremes are equally detrimental.