అయినవాడిని ఆశ్రయించే కంటే, కానివాడి కాళ్ళు పట్టడం మేలు.

ayinavadini ashrayinche kante, kanivadi kallu pattadam melu.

Translation

It is better to fall at the feet of a stranger than to seek help from a close one.

Meaning

This proverb suggests that when in trouble, seeking help from a relative or a close person can often lead to humiliation, constant reminders of the favor, or indifference. In contrast, a stranger or someone unrelated might help out of genuine compassion without future expectations or social baggage. It is used to express frustration when one's own people fail to support them in times of need.

Related Phrases

As if everything spun became cotton again.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where a lot of hard work or effort results in zero progress, or when things return to their original raw state despite the labor put in. It signifies wasted effort or a futile exercise where the end product is no better than the starting material.

It is better to be born as a tree in the forest than to be the youngest among brothers.

This proverb highlights the traditional struggles of the youngest male sibling in a large joint family. Historically, the youngest brother often had to serve the elder brothers, follow their commands, and received less authority or inheritance, leading to the dramatic comparison that even being an inanimate tree in a wild forest is more peaceful than such a life of subservience.

Sumangali status (being a married woman) is better than ornamentation.

This proverb emphasizes that the essence or the basic state of being (in this context, being a married woman with a living husband) is more valuable than external decorations or fancy clothing. It is used to suggest that substance and core identity are more important than superficial appearances.

If your own person challenges you, an outsider will attack you.

This proverb highlights that internal conflicts or lack of unity among relatives/allies make one vulnerable to outsiders. When your own people turn against you or disrespect you, it gives strangers the courage and opportunity to cause you harm.

The man that ate, was better off than the man that bought the things [ and did not use them ].

This proverb suggests that the person who actually enjoys or consumes a resource is in a better position than the one who merely spent money to acquire it but didn't get to use it. It is often used to highlight that true value lies in experience and consumption rather than just possession or investment.

Walking on a sword, not even fit for an enemy.

This expression describes an extremely difficult, risky, or precarious task where one must balance multiple factors perfectly to avoid disaster. It implies that the situation is so dangerous and stressful that one wouldn't wish it even upon their worst enemy.

The work of the one who eats pieces is better than the work of the one who makes the bread.

This proverb suggests that it is often easier and more beneficial to enjoy the final result or small portions of a task rather than undertaking the heavy labor of creating it from scratch. It is used to describe situations where consuming or distributing is less burdensome than the actual production or hard labor.

A washerman is better than an educated person.

This proverb is used to criticize someone who lacks common sense or practical wisdom despite being highly educated. It suggests that a simple, uneducated person (like a washerman) who performs their duties effectively and understands the practicalities of life is more valuable than a scholar who cannot apply their knowledge or lacks humility.

Doing is better than saying.

This proverb emphasizes that actions speak louder than words. It is used to suggest that practical execution or demonstrating through work is more valuable and effective than merely making promises or giving advice.

Pushing away your own people and holding the feet of strangers.

This proverb describes a person who neglects or mistreats their loyal family members and friends while seeking favors or trying to please strangers and outsiders who do not truly care for them. It is used to criticize someone's poor judgment in prioritizing relationships.