ఆ మంట యీ మంట, బ్రాహ్మణార్థం కడుపు మంట.

a manta yi manta, brahmanartham kadupu manta.

Translation

[ Talk of ] that burning and this burning, this Brâhmaṇârtha is belly burning. Said by a greedy Vaidika Brahman. Brâhmaṇârtha is an invitation issued to two or three Brahmans on the anniversary of the death of a relative.

Meaning

This expression describes a situation where someone is overwhelmed by multiple troubles at once. It literally refers to a cook dealing with the heat of the stove, the heat of the weather, and the physical discomfort or indigestion caused by eating heavy food at a ritualistic feast. It is used when a person is frustrated by a series of compounding difficulties.

Related Phrases

Fire above, fire below, fire in the belly, and if the foot stops, the master causes trouble.

This proverb describes the plight of a hardworking laborer or farmer. 'Fire above' refers to the scorching sun, 'fire below' refers to the hot earth, and 'fire in the belly' refers to hunger. It signifies that despite physical suffering and hunger, they cannot stop working because they are afraid of the master's wrath or the loss of their livelihood.

The stomach burn of a young girl.

This expression refers to the intense, often irrational jealousy or envy felt by a young person towards others. It is commonly used to describe the competitive nature or the 'evil eye' (disti) that arises from youth when they see others succeeding or possessing something they desire.

All of it is just a hole/gap

This expression is used to describe a situation where there is a total loss, or when something is completely hollow, empty, or useless despite appearances. It implies that everything has gone down the drain or that the entirety of a matter results in nothingness.

Cots for Pariahs, stools for Brahmans. Caste customs.

This proverb highlights the irony of social status versus necessity, or situations where resources are allocated based on tradition rather than practical need. It refers to a scenario where those who work hard and need rest (like laborers) are given comfort, while those of high spiritual status are given simple traditional seating, often used to describe misplaced priorities or unexpected role reversals.

A forced priestly meal

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone is coerced or pressured into doing something against their will or interest. It originates from the idea of forcing a priest to perform a ritual or partake in a ceremonial meal when they are unwilling or unprepared, implying that the act lacks genuine intent or joy.

The fire in the stomach is an invisible fire.

This expression refers to internal suffering, deep grief, or hidden jealousy that others cannot see. While physical fires are visible, the 'burning' one feels due to hunger, emotional pain, or envy is hidden from the world but deeply felt by the individual.

Kill a cat, kill a Brahman. Doing harm to a cat is considered as sinful as injuring a Brahman.

This is a traditional Telugu saying used to emphasize the gravity of hurting or killing a cat, suggesting it is equivalent to the sin of killing a Brahmin (Brahmahatya Patakam). It is often used to discourage animal cruelty or to mock superstitious beliefs regarding the consequences of accidentally harming a cat.

Even if the kudumu (steamed dumpling) is good, the stomach is not good.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where something offered or available is excellent, but the recipient is unable to enjoy or utilize it due to their own limitations, health issues, or lack of capacity. It highlights that the quality of an external object doesn't matter if the internal condition is unfavorable.

Everything is only for our good.

Normally used in comforting someone, the statement indicates that acceptance of what befalls one is a positive attitude. Worrying about what is unavoidable serves no purpose. One should realize what will be, will be.

For a good word, everyone is ours.

This proverb emphasizes that kind speech and pleasant behavior can win over anyone. If you speak politely and kindly, the whole world becomes your kin, whereas harsh words alienate even close friends.