బతికితే వైద్యుడు బతుకుతాడు, చస్తే బ్రాహ్మణుడు బతుకుతాడు

batikite vaidyudu batukutadu, chaste brahmanudu batukutadu

Translation

If the patient lives, the doctor survives; if the patient dies, the priest survives.

Meaning

This proverb is a satirical take on professions that profit regardless of the outcome. It suggests that if a sick person recovers, the doctor earns money and fame, but if the person dies, the priest earns fees for performing the funeral rites. It is used to describe situations where certain parties benefit from both success and failure.

Related Phrases

The life one lived is known at the time of death.

This proverb emphasizes that a person's true character, reputation, and the impact of their life's work are only fully realized and judged by society after they pass away. It is often used to suggest that one's legacy is defined by how they are remembered by others when they are gone.

When asked 'Mother, how shall I survive?', the mother replied 'Survive by using your mouth (speech), my child'.

This expression highlights that communication skills and articulateness are essential for survival and success. It is used to describe situations where someone makes a living or gets things done through their power of speech, persuasion, or sometimes by being vocal and assertive about their needs.

If he has a mouth he will live. The son of the minister of a king of Ayodhya (Oudh) was caught stealing the king's flowers.—As he was being taken to the palace, his father called out "It is of no consequence, if he has a mouth he will live" The son took the hint, ate up the flowers, denied the offence, and was believed by the king, who punished his accusers. (See Telugu Selections, 36th story.)

This expression is used to describe someone who is articulate, persuasive, or assertive in their speech. It implies that a person who knows how to speak up for themselves, communicate effectively, or negotiate will always find a way to succeed or survive in any situation, regardless of other challenges.

Will children survive in front of demons?

This expression is used to describe a situation where innocent or vulnerable people cannot thrive or survive under the control of cruel, greedy, or evil individuals. It implies that being in a predatory environment inevitably leads to destruction.

A person with resourcefulness lives off the village

This expression means that a clever or resourceful person can survive anywhere by using their intelligence. It highlights that wit and strategic thinking are more valuable than physical labor or inherited wealth for one's livelihood.

If the grain of rice is lost, life is lost

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.

A woman's life is like a banana leaf.

This proverb highlights the perceived vulnerability and fragility of a woman's life in traditional society. Like a banana leaf, which gets damaged whether it falls on a thorn or a thorn falls on it, a woman's reputation or life is seen as being easily affected by circumstances regardless of who is at fault.

Lives last as long as there are provisions

This expression means that a person's existence or stay in a place is dependent on the resources or destiny (karma/provisions) allotted to them. It is often used to signify that life is temporary and will continue only as long as the 'rations' or 'sustenance' provided by fate last.

Wife's word is the path to life.

This expression suggests that listening to a wife's advice leads to a stable, prosperous, and successful life. It highlights the importance of a spouse's wisdom in maintaining a happy household.

A woman's life is a fragile/humble life

This is a traditional Telugu proverb often used to express the perceived vulnerability, hardships, or subordinate status women faced in social structures. It suggests that a woman's life is delicate or subject to many challenges. In modern contexts, it is sometimes used to reflect on the historical plight or difficulties specific to women's experiences.