ఆస్తి పంపకంతో చావులు, అయ్య చావుతో విందులు

asti pampakanto chavulu, ayya chavuto vindulu

Translation

Deaths with property division, feasts with father's death

Meaning

This proverb describes a situation where family members are so greedy or cold-hearted that they fight to the death over inheritance, or celebrate the demise of an elder because it brings them wealth or social opportunities (feasts). It is used to criticize extreme materialism, lack of family sentiment, or finding selfish gain in a tragedy.

Related Phrases

Death along with ten people is equal to a wedding

This expression means that when a difficulty or disaster is shared by many, it becomes easier to bear. It suggests that collective suffering reduces individual pain or that facing a challenge as a group provides a sense of solidarity and comfort, similar to the shared joy of a wedding.

Does death have a death?

This expression is used to signify that something is eternal, inevitable, or that a particular cycle or entity cannot be destroyed. It often implies that a fundamental reality or a recurring problem cannot be ended or killed off simply.

Does death come more than once ?

This expression is used to convey that once someone has reached the absolute bottom or has already faced the worst possible outcome, they no longer fear further risks or consequences. It signifies a state of fearlessness or resilience after an extreme loss or failure, implying that things cannot get any worse than they already are.

Death along with many people is equivalent to a wedding.

This proverb suggests that when a misfortune or a difficult situation is shared by a large group, it becomes easier to bear. It reflects the human psychological comfort found in solidarity during times of crisis, implying that suffering alone is a tragedy, but suffering together is a shared experience.

He neither dies nor gives up the mat.

This expression refers to a person who is neither performing a task nor stepping aside to let someone else do it. It is used to describe a stubborn or obstructive person who occupies a position or resource without being productive, effectively blocking progress for everyone else.

The death of an aunt is better than the death of a mother.

This proverb is used to highlight the difference in the magnitude of loss. It suggests that while any loss is unfortunate, the loss of someone closer or more essential (like a mother) is far more devastating than the loss of someone relatively less central (like a stepmother or aunt). It is often used to prioritize or compare two negative outcomes, indicating that one is comparatively more bearable than the other.

Death does not come even if the writing (fate) is pierced.

This expression is used to describe someone who is incredibly lucky or has survived a life-threatening situation against all odds. It implies that unless it is one's destined time to die, no amount of danger or misfortune can end their life.

The death of a plowing ox is like the death of the wife by your side.

This proverb emphasizes the immense loss a farmer feels when his working ox dies. In an agrarian society, the ox is the primary source of livelihood and a constant companion in labor; therefore, its loss is compared to the personal tragedy of losing one's spouse, as both signify the loss of a life partner and essential support system.

A crow's death, Kanakamma's death

This expression is used to describe a death or an event that goes unnoticed and unmourned by anyone. It highlights the insignificance of an individual's passing, suggesting that just as no one cries for a common crow, no one cares about the departure of a person who had no social standing or meaningful connections.

Flirting with a young woman is like playing with a snake.

This proverb serves as a warning about the risks of reckless flirtation or pursuing forbidden relationships. It suggests that just as playing with a venomous snake is life-threatening and unpredictable, involving oneself in romantic mischief or illicit affairs can lead to dangerous consequences, social ruin, or sudden trouble.