చెట్టు పెరగడం మొదలు నరుకుడికే

chettu peragadam modalu narukudike

Translation

The tree starts growing only for the axe.

Meaning

This proverb is used to describe a situation where a person is raised or something is developed only to be exploited or destroyed in the end. It refers to the inevitable fate of something being nurtured just to meet an ultimate, often harsh, purpose.

Related Phrases

A rosary pea seed is unaware of the black spot on its bottom.

This proverb is used to describe a person who is quick to find faults in others while being completely oblivious to their own flaws or shortcomings. Similar to 'the pot calling the kettle black,' it highlights hypocrisy and lack of self-awareness.

A spindle is the beginning for a saree, and Upanayanam is the beginning for a boy.

This proverb signifies the essential starting points or milestones. Just as a spindle of thread is the fundamental starting point for weaving a saree, the Upanayanam (sacred thread ceremony) is considered the beginning of formal education and disciplined life for a young boy in traditional Indian culture.

Like the tree in one's own backyard is of no use for medicine.

This expression is used to describe a situation where people fail to recognize or value the talent, resources, or wisdom available close to them, often seeking the same elsewhere while undervaluing what they already have. It is similar to the English proverb 'A prophet is not honored in his own country'.

Like sowing seeds for a crop but having weeds grow instead.

This expression is used to describe a situation where one puts in hard work or investment for a positive outcome, but gets an undesirable or useless result instead. It signifies unexpected disappointment or the irony of effort leading to a nuisance.

Growing and growing the big brother-in-law became a monkey.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone or something, instead of improving or maturing with age or progress, actually deteriorates or becomes ridiculous. It highlights a decline in quality, character, or status over time.

Paying a penalty at the end, the person ruins the beginning.

This expression describes a person who, due to negligence or poor decision-making at the start of a task, ends up failing or suffering losses, eventually being forced to pay a penalty or face regret at the end. It is used to caution against poor planning or lack of foresight.

The tree in the back yard won't do for medicine. That which is near is not valued. Far fetch'd and dear bought is good for ladies. A cow from afar gives plenty of milk. (French.)

This proverb describes the human tendency to undervalue something or someone that is easily available or close at hand. Just as people often ignore the medicinal properties of a plant growing in their own backyard and seek treatment from far away, we often fail to recognize the talent, wisdom, or value of people we are familiar with.

Like cutting the very branch you are holding onto

This expression is used to describe a self-destructive action where a person undermines or destroys their own source of support, security, or livelihood. It refers to someone who, out of foolishness or short-sightedness, harms the person or entity they rely on most.

Like cutting down mango trees to plant flame-of-the-forest trees.

This expression is used to describe a foolish or counterproductive action where someone destroys something valuable or productive to replace it with something useless or inferior. It highlights a lack of foresight or poor judgment in decision-making.

Will he who planted the tree not water it?

This proverb expresses faith in providence or destiny. It implies that the creator or the person who initiated a task will also take responsibility for its sustenance and well-being. It is often used to reassure someone that their basic needs will be met by the divine or by those who brought them into a certain situation.

Will God not support the creatures of his hand? Said by a man who has lost his means of support. God never sends mouths but he sends meat.