బొంత కుట్టుకున్నవాడు కప్పుకోలేడా
bonta kuttukunnavadu kappukoleda
Can the one who stitched the quilt not cover himself with it?
This proverb implies that someone who is capable of performing a difficult or laborious task is certainly capable of enjoying or managing the final result. It is often used to suggest that if a person can handle the hard work of creation or preparation, they surely possess the simple right or ability to utilize what they have made.
Related Phrases
బొంత కుట్టుకున్నవాడు కప్పుకోలేడా?
bonta kuttukunnavadu kappukoleda?
Can he who has sewn himself a quilt, not cover himself with it?
This proverb implies that someone who has the skill and effort to create or achieve something is certainly capable of enjoying its benefits or managing its outcomes. It is used to suggest that if a person can handle a difficult task, they can surely handle the simple result of that task.
కొన్నవాడే తిన్నవాడు.
konnavade tinnavadu.
He that ate is he that bought. If you want any thing, you must pay for it. Nothing is had for nothing. (French.)
This expression emphasizes that the person who pays for something or takes the risk of purchasing it is the one who truly enjoys the benefits or consequences of it. In a broader sense, it suggests that ownership or direct investment leads to the right of consumption or usage.
ఉన్నవాడు ఉన్నవాడికే పెట్టే, లేనివాడూ ఉన్నవాడికే పెట్టే
unnavadu unnavadike pette, lenivadu unnavadike pette
The rich give to the rich, and even the poor give to the rich.
This proverb highlights a social irony where resources and gifts often flow toward those who already have plenty, rather than those in need. It is used to describe situations where people prioritize pleasing influential or wealthy individuals while ignoring the underprivileged.
అతుకు కుట్టు వస్తుంది గాని, అక్షంత కుట్టు రాదు; తీర్పు కుట్టు వస్తుంది గాని, దిబ్బ కుట్టు రాదు
atuku kuttu vastundi gani, akshanta kuttu radu; tirpu kuttu vastundi gani, dibba kuttu radu
One might know how to sew a patch, but not how to sew a decorative rice-grain stitch; one might know how to finish a seam, but not how to make a thick, sturdy stitch.
This expression highlights a person's limited or superficial skill set. It describes someone who knows how to do basic, rudimentary tasks (like patching a hole) but lacks the expertise or finesse required for delicate, decorative, or highly specialized work. It is used to point out that knowing the basics of a craft does not make one a master of its intricate details.
కట్టుకున్న మొగుడు, పెట్టుకున్న నగలు.
kattukunna mogudu, pettukunna nagalu.
The husband one is married to, the jewelry one is wearing.
This expression highlights the items or people that truly belong to a person and provide real security or status. It is used to emphasize that only what is legally yours or physically in your possession can be relied upon in times of need or social standing.
ఎత్తుకున్న బిడ్డ మొత్తుకున్నా ఆగదు
ettukunna bidda mottukunna agadu
A child in arms won't stop crying even if you hit it.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where one is forced to endure a burden or responsibility they have voluntarily taken up. Once you have committed to helping someone or taking on a task (lifting the child), you must bear the consequences and difficulties (the crying/trouble) that come with it until the end.
ఎత్తుక తిన్నవాణ్ణి పొత్తులో పెట్టుకుంటే, అంతా తీసి బొంతలో పెట్టుకున్నాడట
ettuka tinnavanni pottulo pettukunte, anta tisi bontalo pettukunnadata
When a thief who steals and eats was taken as a partner, he stole everything and hid it in his bundle.
This proverb warns against trusting a person with a known history of dishonesty or theft. It implies that if you enter into a partnership or trust someone who is habitually untrustworthy, you shouldn't be surprised when they eventually betray you or steal your belongings. It is used to describe situations where someone suffers a loss due to their own poor judgment in choosing associates.
ఉంచుకున్నవాడు మొగుడూ కాదు, పెంచుకున్నవాడు కొడుకూ కాదు
unchukunnavadu mogudu kadu, penchukunnavadu koduku kadu
A kept man is not a husband, an adopted one is not a son.
This traditional proverb suggests that certain relationships formed through convenience or external arrangements may lack the genuine legal, social, or biological permanence of original roles. It is often used to imply that something acquired or temporary cannot fully replace the original or legitimate version.
మిద్దె ఉన్నవాడు బ్రతికి, గుడిసె ఉన్నవాడు చావడు
midde unnavadu bratiki, gudise unnavadu chavadu
Neither the one with a mansion survives forever, nor the one in a hut dies instantly.
This proverb emphasizes the equality of life and death, suggesting that wealth (a mansion) doesn't guarantee immortality, and poverty (a hut) doesn't mean immediate demise. It is used to remind people that fate and time are the ultimate deciders, regardless of one's social or economic status.
ఉంచుకున్నవాడు మగడు కాడు, పెంచుకున్నవాడు కొడుకు కాడు
unchukunnavadu magadu kadu, penchukunnavadu koduku kadu
The man one keeps is not a husband, the child one raises is not a son.
This proverb reflects traditional social views on legitimacy and formal bonds. It suggests that informal relationships or foster care do not equate to the legal and social status of a marriage or biological lineage. It is often used to emphasize that titles or roles earned through convenience or temporary arrangements lack the permanence and sanctity of formal, recognized institutions.