బియ్యపు బస్తాలు పోతుంటే లేదుగాని, చవిటి చేటలకు వచ్చిందా

biyyapu bastalu potunte ledugani, chaviti chetalaku vachchinda

Translation

Not worried when bags of rice are disappearing, but bothered about winnowing baskets of dust.

Meaning

This expression is used to describe a person who ignores major losses or significant problems while obsessing over trivial or minor matters. It is similar to the English proverb 'Penny wise and pound foolish'.

Related Phrases

The hand which touches bran, will touch money.

This expression means that a person's habits or character remain the same regardless of the value of the stakes. If someone is habituated to stealing or mishandling small, worthless things (like bran), they will not hesitate to do the same when it comes to valuable items like money or gold. It is often used to warn that small dishonesties lead to larger ones.

He that will steal a pin will steal a better thing.

The well-rope of Kondaveedu

This expression is used to describe something that is excessively long, tedious, or never-ending. It refers to a legendary rope used at the deep wells of the Kondaveedu Fort, implying a task or a story that stretches on indefinitely.

If there is no word, there is no place.

This proverb emphasizes the importance of communication and social interaction. It suggests that if you do not speak or express yourself properly, you will not find a place for yourself in society or in a specific situation. It is often used to encourage people to speak up or to highlight that social status and inclusion are built through speech and reputation.

Malli for words, Elli for deeds

This proverb describes someone who is very vocal, boastful, or makes grand promises (Malli) but is completely absent or disappears when it comes time to actually do the work (Elli). It is used to criticize people who talk a lot but never follow through with action.

The ox that has come under the yoke, and the child who has come to hand.

This proverb highlights two stages of life where support is expected. Just as an ox is ready to share the burden of farm work once it fits the yoke, a child is expected to assist and support their parents once they grow up and become capable. It refers to the point when a person or animal becomes productive and helpful to the family.

Achi's wedding ended up leading to Buchi's death.

This expression is used to describe a situation where a celebration or a positive event unintentionally leads to a disaster or a tragic outcome for someone else. It highlights the irony of a festive occasion turning into a cause for sorrow due to unforeseen circumstances or mismanagement.

Achi's wedding led to Buchi's death

This proverb is used to describe a situation where one person's celebration or positive event unexpectedly results in trouble or a disaster for someone else. It highlights unintended negative consequences or a stroke of bad luck occurring simultaneously with a good event.

The well-rope of Kondaveedu

This expression is used to describe something that is excessively long, tedious, or never-ending. It refers to the deep wells of the Kondaveedu Fort which required incredibly long ropes to draw water, and is typically used today to describe long speeches, never-ending stories, or lengthy queues.

Words are leaves, actions are fruits

This proverb is used to emphasize that talking is easy and abundant like leaves on a tree, but real results and value come only from actions, which are like the fruit. It is often used to criticize people who talk a lot but do very little.

The wedding has reached Venki's death.

Used to describe a situation where an event that started as a joyous celebration or a simple task has turned into a life-threatening or disastrous situation. It is often applied when someone is being pushed to their limits or suffering because of someone else's festivities or demands.