అప్పు దొరికితే పప్పుకూడు

appu dorikite pappukudu

Translation

If I could raise a loan, [I should be able to live on ] dâl and rice. An excuse made by a host for treating his guest with poor fare.

Meaning

This proverb describes a person who lives recklessly beyond their means. It refers to someone who spends borrowed money on luxuries or fine food (represented by 'pappukoodu') without worrying about how they will repay the debt later. It is used to critique poor financial planning and hedonistic behavior.

Related Phrases

When he went to raise a new loan, the old debt fell upon him. i. e. His creditor reminded him of the old score.

This proverb describes a situation where an attempt to solve an existing problem or acquire a new resource results in being confronted by previous unresolved obligations. It is used when someone's efforts to move forward are hindered by their past mistakes or debts suddenly demanding attention.

If caught, he is a thief; if not caught, he is a lord.

This proverb highlights the irony of social status based on being caught. It is used to describe a situation where someone's reputation depends entirely on whether their dishonest actions are discovered. As long as their crimes are hidden, they are respected as a gentleman or 'Dora' (lord), but the moment they are caught, they are labeled a thief.

Even if the elephant dies, it is enough if the tusks are found.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where, despite a great loss or failure, something of significant value is still recovered. It highlights the idea that even in destruction, some inherent worth remains. It is often applied to wealthy people or great institutions that, even when ruined, still retain some of their former glory or assets.

God knows right and wrong; the Brahman knows Dâl and rice.

This proverb is used to describe someone who is indifferent to moral complexities or the truth of a situation, and is instead solely focused on their own material needs or personal gain. It suggests that while higher matters are left to God, the individual is only concerned with what fills their stomach.

Like borrowing money to eat lentil rice.

This expression refers to living beyond one's means or indulging in luxuries using borrowed money. It describes a lifestyle of temporary comfort or status sustained by debt, which is ultimately unsustainable and financially irresponsible.

If it's that way, it's pigeon pea; if it's this way, it's mung bean.

This expression describes a person who is opportunistic or lacks a firm stance. It refers to someone who changes their opinion or allegiance depending on the situation or person they are talking to, ensuring they benefit regardless of the outcome.

Eating well (enjoying comforts) on borrowed money.

Borrowing used to be viewed as undesirable in the past. People, now under the influence of consumerism, want to live on their future income. It is still wisdom to be neither a borrower nor a lender, in the words of Shakespeare.

If you find a place to stand, it's as if you found a place to sit.

This proverb describes people who, after being granted a small favor or a foot in the door, gradually demand more or take complete control. It is used to warn about opportunistic people who exploit initial kindness to gain a larger foothold.

Flood on a rainy day, dal-rice on a wedding day.

This expression refers to things that are temporary or occur only on specific occasions. Just as a flood only lasts as long as the rain and special wedding food is only served during the ceremony, certain benefits or situations are transient and do not last forever.

Debts for food and clothing do not remain long unpaid.

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.