చేను పండినా చేట అప్పే, మొగుడుండినా మొండిమెడే

chenu pandina cheta appe, mogudundina mondimede

Translation

Even if the field yields a harvest, the winnow is still borrowed; even if there is a husband, the neck remains bare.

Meaning

This proverb describes a state of chronic poverty or misfortune where even a positive turn of events does not improve one's basic condition. It is used to refer to people who remain destitute despite having resources or relationships that should normally provide security.

Related Phrases

Even if the river flows, there's only a scarcity of water; even if the husband arrives, there's only a stubborn neck.

This proverb describes a state of perpetual misfortune or dissatisfaction where even favorable circumstances do not bring relief. It refers to a person who remains in a miserable or neglected state regardless of changes in their environment or situation. It is used when someone's basic needs or expectations are never met, even when the source of that fulfillment is physically present.

Whether ruined or fallen, one cannot escape the husband they married.

This proverb emphasizes the concept of commitment and acceptance in life's permanent choices, particularly marriage. It suggests that regardless of the difficulties, failures, or changes in circumstances, one must stand by and endure the consequences of their primary life decisions and relationships.

Whichever way it goes, it's water for the bull; even if the husband comes, it's just the stubborn wall.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where there is no hope for improvement or change, regardless of the circumstances. It signifies a state of stagnation or a 'no-win' situation where the outcome remains equally bleak or indifferent no matter who arrives or what happens.

Whether the crop yields or withers, the tax is inevitable.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where one's obligations, debts, or taxes must be paid regardless of their personal circumstances or success. It highlights the rigid and often unforgiving nature of certain systems or responsibilities.

Whether it ripens or withers, work is inevitable.

This proverb emphasizes the necessity of labor regardless of the outcome. In an agricultural context, it means whether the crop yields a harvest (ripens) or fails due to drought (withers), the farmer's hard work must continue. It is used to describe situations where one must fulfill their duties and keep working, irrespective of success, failure, or external circumstances.

The day the crop ripens is the festival day.

This expression is used to convey that the real celebration or reward occurs only when efforts yield fruit. It emphasizes that success and prosperity are the true causes for celebration, rather than just the arrival of a calendar date.

He can make a common pig into Śiva's bull, and Śiva's bull into a common pig. ( Sec Nos. 1082, 1915. ) Ability in argumentation.

This expression refers to a person who is extremely cunning, manipulative, or persuasive. It describes someone capable of twisting facts so skillfully that they can make a lie seem like the truth and vice versa, often used to describe crooked politicians, lawyers, or deceivers.

What is the danger to a ruined field, and what is the use of a shoe for a stumped leg?

This proverb is used to describe a situation where a person or thing has already reached the lowest possible state or has been completely ruined, so further threats or minor improvements no longer matter. It suggests that once everything is lost, there is no fear of further damage, and offering a solution to a broken situation is futile.

A person who can turn a divine bull into a pig, and a pig into a divine bull.

This expression describes someone who is extremely manipulative, cunning, or skilled at distorting the truth. It is used to refer to a person who can make something good look bad, or something bad look good, often through clever words, influence, or deceitful arguments.

Will a ruined field produce sugarcane or high-quality rice?

This proverb suggests that you cannot expect a superior or high-quality outcome from a foundation that is fundamentally damaged or poor. It is used to emphasize that the quality of the result is directly dependent on the quality of the source or environment.