బుద్ధిమంతుడికి సద్ది కడితే, బొండ్రాయి దగ్గరే భోంచేసినాడట

buddhimantudiki saddi kadite, bondrayi daggare bhonchesinadata

Translation

When a wise man was given packed lunch for a journey, he ate it right at the milestone.

Meaning

This proverb is used sarcastically to describe people who lack foresight or patience despite being called 'wise'. It refers to someone who finishes a task or consumes resources prematurely, right at the start of a journey, without considering the future need or the distance remaining.

Related Phrases

A woman who lost her self-respect has become wise.

This is a sarcastic proverb used to describe someone who starts acting very righteous or follows the rules strictly only after they have already lost their reputation or after the damage is done. It implies that their current display of virtue is ironic given their past actions.

Like packing and setting aside leftovers because a drought is coming.

This expression is used to describe someone who acts with premature or excessive caution. It highlights the futility of trying to prepare for a major, long-term crisis (like a drought) with small, temporary measures (like cooked leftovers) that will likely spoil before they are even needed.

Unable to bear the cold, when one slept near the hearth, the quilt caught fire, Oh Narayana!

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone, in an attempt to escape a minor problem or discomfort, ends up facing a much bigger disaster or loss. It is similar to the English expression 'out of the frying pan and into the fire.'

When asked to clear the leaf plates, he started counting how many people had eaten.

This proverb describes a person who tries to avoid work or delay a task by engaging in irrelevant, trivial, or unnecessary calculations. It is used to mock someone who makes excuses or acts foolishly instead of simply doing the job assigned to them.

He said 'brother' to the axe blow

This expression describes a situation where someone suddenly becomes humble, respectful, or starts calling an enemy 'brother' only when faced with an immediate, life-threatening danger or severe punishment. It is used to mock people who only show manners or submission when they are under duress.

When a poor man was given packed food, he ate it right at the pond outside the village and left.

This proverb describes a person with a 'poverty mindset' or someone who lacks foresight. Despite being given a valuable resource or an opportunity that could have lasted, their lack of patience or low standards causes them to consume or waste it immediately without reaching a better destination or goal.

The advice is given at the ear, but it is heard at the mortar.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone is told something important or confidential, but they are distracted or completely ignoring the advice. It signifies that the listener is not paying attention, similar to someone leaning towards a grinding stone (mortar) while someone else is trying to whisper in their ear.

If the person serving the food is one of our own, it doesn't matter where we sit.

This proverb highlights that if the person in power or authority is your well-wisher or relative, you will receive benefits regardless of your position or status. It is often used to describe nepotism or the advantage of having influential connections.

The words spoken at the graveyard do not remain at the dinner table.

This proverb highlights the fleeting nature of philosophical realizations or remorse. People often express deep wisdom or regret during somber moments (like a funeral), but quickly return to their usual habits and desires once they are back in the comfort of their daily lives.

If he can't keep quiet, put him in the stocks.

This expression is used to describe someone who makes extreme, irrational, or self-destructive decisions when faced with minor discomfort or temporary problems. It highlights the tendency to overreact or choose a permanent 'solution' to a temporary situation.