చచ్చినా పయికం తప్పదచ్చమ్మ యిక తిట్టకు

chachchina payikam tappadachchamma yika tittaku

Translation

Though you die the money must be forthcoming—O Achchamma! Don't abuse me any more. A Brahman after eating is bound by the ceremonial law to repeat the following : అమృతాపిధానమసి। రారవే పుణ్యనిలయే పద్మార్బుదనివాసినాం। అర్థినాముదకం దత్తమక్షయ్యముపతిష్ఠతు॥ O Amrita! thou art a covering. May the water given to the hundreds and thousands of [thirsty] askers in hell, the habitation of the wicked, endure without diminution. The above is a parody, the allusion being to a hard-hearted creditor and hypocritical formalist.

Meaning

This expression is used to describe a situation where a debt, obligation, or tax is unavoidable even in death or extreme hardship. It highlights the persistence of financial liabilities or unavoidable duties regardless of one's plight, often used in a sarcastic or resigned tone when someone is being harassed for payment.

Related Phrases

The reputation gained will not leave even after death

This expression emphasizes that once a person earns a certain reputation—whether good or bad—it stays with them for life and remains even after they pass away. It is often used to remind someone that their actions have long-lasting consequences on their legacy.

Even if the word is missed, the rhyme should not be missed.

This expression is used to describe someone who prioritizes style, rhythm, or external appearances over the actual substance or truth of a matter. It often refers to people who focus more on making their speech sound catchy or poetic rather than ensuring it is accurate or meaningful.

Whether you deviate from the truth or deviate from a prescribed diet, troubles are inevitable.

This proverb highlights the importance of integrity and discipline. It suggests that just as ignoring medical dietary restrictions leads to physical suffering, abandoning truth and honesty leads to moral and social consequences. In both cases, the person must face the resulting hardships.

Even if I die, the payment must be made, Achamma; please don't scold me anymore.

This expression is used to describe a situation where an obligation or debt is unavoidable, no matter the hardship or suffering of the individual. It highlights a sense of helplessness against fixed demands or inevitable responsibilities.

A man with liver disease has yellow eyes. For the sick eyes everything looks yellow.

When people have some problem with their health or in their conduct, they find the same problems in everybody around.

If a mistake made in the past is hiding in the corner, a mistake made later will follow you all the way to your bed.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where past errors or secrets eventually catch up with a person, often at the most inconvenient or personal moment. It emphasizes that one cannot escape the consequences of their actions, as they will eventually manifest and confront the individual directly.

Buchamma's nuptials at Achamma's wedding.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone tries to fulfill their own personal needs or complete their own tasks while attending or helping out at someone else's major event. It refers to an inappropriate or opportunistic timing where one's private affairs are mixed into another person's public celebration.

The one who gives is liked, the one who dies is free of debt.

This proverb reflects a pragmatic and somewhat cynical view of human nature. It suggests that people only like those who provide them with something or give them money. The second part implies that a person's debts are effectively canceled or their accounts are settled only when they pass away, often used to comment on the difficulty of recovering debts or the fleeting nature of social approval based on transactions.

Calumny is not removed even by death.

This expression is used to describe a deeply ingrained habit, trait, or skill that stays with a person throughout their lifetime. It suggests that once something is learned or becomes part of a person's nature, it is nearly impossible to change or get rid of it.

Slander leaves a slur. Give a dog an ill name, and you may as well hang him.

Even if you dream as if you are dead, you must wake up eventually.

This proverb is used to emphasize that no matter how deep an illusion, an escape, or a terrible situation may be, one must eventually return to reality and face the facts of life. It highlights the inevitability of facing the truth.