బిచ్చపు కూటికి పేదరికమా?

bichchapu kutiki pedarikama?

Translation

Is there any poverty in a beggar's food ? Does he feel any want ?

Meaning

This proverb is used to point out that when someone is already living on charity, alms, or the generosity of others, they have nothing left to lose. It implies that a person at the lowest level of subsistence does not fear 'poverty' because they are already experiencing its extreme. It is often used to describe situations where additional misfortune cannot further harm someone who is already in a desperate state.

Related Phrases

The sight of a beggar rouses a poor man's anger.

This expression describes the envy or resentment felt between people in similar unfortunate circumstances. It is often used when someone who is struggling themselves looks down upon or feels competitive towards another person who is also in need, rather than showing empathy.

Said impertinently by a beggar when he gets nothing.

Anger on the tip of the nose

This expression is used to describe someone who is short-tempered or gets angry very quickly and easily. It implies that their anger is always 'at the ready' right on their face.

There is no loss by rain, or poverty with a husband.

This proverb highlights that rain, even if it causes temporary inconvenience, ultimately brings prosperity and growth, making it never truly harmful. Similarly, in a traditional context, it suggests that as long as a woman has her husband's support and presence, she is not truly poor, emphasizing emotional and social security over material wealth.

Will raw butter be praised in front of pure ghee?

This proverb is used to say that a lesser version or an incomplete product cannot compete with the refined, final, or superior version. It emphasizes that once someone experiences the best (ghee), they will no longer value the basic or raw form (butter).

Saturn prevented the [ eating of ] food got by begging.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone experiences obstacles or bad luck even in the most humble or desperate circumstances. It refers to extreme misfortune where even the bare minimum needed for survival is hindered by fate.

If you raise a heifer, there is no poverty.

This proverb highlights the importance of animal husbandry and long-term planning. A heifer (young female cow) eventually grows to provide milk and offspring, ensuring a source of livelihood and financial security for a household. It suggests that small, diligent investments in livestock can eliminate poverty.

A new beggar knows not the time [ to ask for alms ].

This proverb is used to describe a person who is new to a role, job, or status and overdoes things due to excess enthusiasm or lack of experience. It refers to someone who doesn't know when to stop or doesn't understand the boundaries of their new situation, similar to how a new beggar might keep asking for alms at inappropriate hours.

Though a man be poor, will he lose caste ?

This expression is used to remind others that being economically disadvantaged or lacking wealth does not mean a person lacks self-respect, dignity, or cultural identity. It suggests that poverty affects one's physical needs, but should not diminish their social standing or the respect they deserve.

A poor man is even lower than a beggar.

This proverb describes the harsh reality of social hierarchies, implying that someone who is down on their luck or lacks resources is often looked down upon or disrespected even by those who are considered to be at the bottom of society. It is used to highlight how vulnerability invites mistreatment from everyone.

He is not wanting in words.

This proverb means that speaking or making promises costs nothing. It is used to describe situations where people talk big or offer hollow words because talking is free and requires no actual resources or effort.

He ruins himself in promises, and clears himself by giving nothing. ( French. )*