చిన్న ఇల్లు కట్టుకొని పెద్ద కాపురము చేయవలెను

chinna illu kattukoni pedda kapuramu cheyavalenu

Translation

Build a small house, and become great. The Hindus consider it unlucky to commence housekeeping in a large house.

Meaning

This proverb advises financial prudence and modesty. It suggests that one should live in a modest house (within their means) while focusing resources on the growth, prosperity, and well-being of the family members. It emphasizes prioritizing people and life quality over showy material assets.

Related Phrases

Big household in a small house

This expression is used to describe a situation where a large family is living in a very small space. It highlights the struggles of overcrowding or managing extensive responsibilities with very limited resources.

You should save another even by telling a hundred lies.

This proverb is often used in the context of marriage or saving a family from breaking apart. It suggests that if white lies or minor deceptions can prevent a significant disaster like a divorce or a family feud, they are justified for the greater good of preserving the home.

In a neglected house, devils take up their abode.

This proverb suggests that when a place or a situation is neglected or left without proper leadership and supervision, evil or undesirable elements will inevitably move in and take control. It is often used to emphasize the importance of oversight and maintenance in both physical properties and social or political institutions.

If he points with the foot, it must be done with the head. Said of the obsequiousness necessary to a dependant.

This expression describes extreme obedience or the proactive nature of a dedicated subordinate or servant. It implies that if a master gives a minor or casual command (symbolized by pointing with a foot), the subordinate should execute it with the utmost respect, diligence, and intellectual effort (symbolized by the head). It is used to illustrate deep loyalty or the expectation of swift, high-quality execution of tasks.

Cringing is a gainful accomplishment.

Although you throw [ things ] into the river, take an account of them. Keep your expenditure within bounds.

This proverb emphasizes the importance of accountability and carefulness in spending or giving away resources. Even if you are losing or donating something, you should still keep track of the value or amount to avoid reckless waste and maintain financial discipline.

If the house be burnt or the goodwife die, there will cer- tainly be lamentations.

This expression is used to describe a person who is habitually prone to complaining or creating a ruckus regardless of the circumstances. It suggests that for some people, misery or noisy behavior is a constant trait that doesn't change even in the face of significant disasters or personal loss.

Build a small house, but lead a large family life.

This proverb advises financial prudence and modesty. It suggests that one should build a small, affordable house within their means, but focus on building a large, happy, and prosperous family or household within it. It emphasizes prioritizing people and relationships over grand material possessions.

You should speak as silk is cut. i. e. give a decided answer, as unmistakable as the cut of silk is clean.

This expression means that one's speech should be precise, brief, and very clear, similar to the clean and smooth cut of a sharp pair of scissors through silk fabric. It is used to advise someone to be straightforward and articulate without unnecessary ambiguity.

Though the snake be small, you must hit him with a big stick.

This proverb advises against underestimating a problem or an enemy simply because they appear small or insignificant. It emphasizes the importance of being fully prepared and using maximum caution to deal with a threat effectively, ensuring it is neutralized completely.

Living in the in-laws' house is like walking on the edge of a sword.

This proverb describes the delicate and difficult nature of a woman's life in her husband's home. It suggests that she must be extremely careful, balanced, and tactful in her behavior to avoid conflicts and maintain harmony, as even a small mistake can lead to trouble, much like a sword dance.