చద్దిమూటలో సారం చాకలి ఎరుగును
chaddimutalo saram chakali erugunu
The washerman knows the essence/quality of the bundled leftover food.
This proverb suggests that a person who is constantly in contact with or handles a particular thing knows its true value, quality, or secrets better than anyone else. In the olden days, washermen (Chakali) often received 'Chaddi' (leftover rice) from various households as part of their wages, making them experts at knowing who provided the best food.
Related Phrases
చద్దికూడు తిన్నమ్మకు మొగుడి ఆకలి తెలియదు
chaddikudu tinnammaku mogudi akali teliyadu
A woman who has already eaten cold leftovers cannot understand her husband's hunger.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone who is already comfortable, satisfied, or has their needs met fails to empathize with the struggles or urgency of others. It highlights a lack of empathy or perspective when one is in a privileged or secure position compared to those around them.
ఆకలి రుచి ఎరుగదు, నిద్ర సుఖమెరుగదు
akali ruchi erugadu, nidra sukhamerugadu
Hunger knows no taste, sleep knows no comfort.
When someone is truly hungry, they don't care about the taste or quality of the food; they just want to eat. Similarly, when someone is exhausted and needs sleep, they don't care about the comfort or luxury of the bed; they can sleep anywhere. This expression is used to highlight that basic survival needs override preferences or luxuries.
పెద్దల మాట చద్దిమూట
peddala mata chaddimuta
The words of elders are like a bundle of cooked rice.
This proverb suggests that the advice of elders is as nourishing and essential as a bundle of food packed for a long journey. Just as 'Chaddiannam' (fermented/preserved rice) provides energy and sustenance later in the day, the wisdom and guidance of experienced people will eventually prove to be beneficial and protective for one's future.
వంకాయ రుచి తోటవాడెరుగును, అరటికాయ రుచి రాజెరుగును.
vankaya ruchi totavaderugunu, aratikaya ruchi rajerugunu.
The gardener knows the taste of the brinjal, and the King knows the taste of the banana.
This proverb highlights that appreciation and expertise depend on one's role or status. The gardener (the producer/laborer) knows the true quality and effort behind common goods like brinjal, while the King (the consumer/elite) enjoys the refined or premium rewards like the banana. It is used to describe how different people value things based on their perspective and lifestyle.
కప్పలకెరుగునా కడలి లోతు?
kappalakeruguna kadali lotu?
Do frogs know the depth of the ocean?
This proverb is used to describe people with limited knowledge or narrow perspectives who try to judge or comment on vast, complex matters beyond their understanding. Just as a frog living in a small pond cannot comprehend the depth of a vast ocean, a person with a small mind cannot grasp the magnitude of great things.
దొంగ సంగతి దొంగకే ఎరుగును
donga sangati dongake erugunu
Only a thief knows the secrets of another thief
This proverb implies that people of the same kind, especially those involved in deceptive or specific activities, understand each other's tactics and mindsets better than outsiders. It is used to suggest that it takes one to know one.
మంగలి పాత, చాకలి కొత్త
mangali pata, chakali kotta
An old barber and a new washerman. An old physician, a young lawyer. A barber learns to shave by shaving fools.
This proverb refers to traditional preferences in village life: a barber's razor or tools are considered better when they are 'old' (well-seasoned/tested), whereas a washerman is judged by how 'new' (clean/fresh) the clothes look. It is used to describe how different professions or situations require different standards—some value experience and age, while others value freshness and appearance.
తాను ఎరుగని కల్ల లేదు, తల్లి ఎరుగని కులం లేదు.
tanu erugani kalla ledu, talli erugani kulam ledu.
There is no lie unknown to oneself, and there is no lineage unknown to the mother.
This proverb emphasizes absolute truth and intimacy. Just as a person internally knows when they are lying regardless of what they tell the world, a mother knows the true origin and character of her children better than anyone else. It is used to suggest that some facts are impossible to hide from those at the source.
ముప్పొద్దు తిన్నమ్మ మొగుడి ఆకలి ఎరుగదు
muppoddu tinnamma mogudi akali erugadu
A woman who eats three meals a day does not understand her husband's hunger.
This proverb describes a situation where a person who is comfortable or has their needs fulfilled fails to empathize with the struggles or suffering of others. It is used to criticize lack of empathy or selfishness in those who are privileged.
చద్దికూడు తిన్నమ్మ మొగుడి ఆకలి ఎరుగదు
chaddikudu tinnamma mogudi akali erugadu
The woman who has eaten the previous night's leftovers does not understand her husband's hunger.
This proverb describes a situation where a person who is comfortable or has their needs met fails to empathize with the struggles or needs of others. It is used to highlight selfishness or a lack of perspective when one's own belly is full.