చిన్నవాళ్ళు తింటే చిరుతిండి, పెద్దవాళ్ళు తింటే ఫలహారం

chinnavallu tinte chirutindi, peddavallu tinte phalaharam

Translation

If children eat it, it's a snack; if elders eat it, it's a religious offering (light meal).

Meaning

This expression points out social hypocrisy or double standards. It suggests that the same action is judged differently based on the status or age of the person performing it. While a child eating between meals might be seen as a bad habit (snacking), an elder doing the same is given a more respectful or justified label (tiffin or sacred meal).

Related Phrases

Whether the daughters-in-law of the house eat or the chickens eat, it will not go to waste.

This proverb suggests that money or resources spent within the family or on its assets are never truly lost. Just as feeding the household's chickens eventually benefits the family (through eggs or meat), food eaten by the family members contributes to the strength and well-being of the household itself. It is used to justify internal expenses that might otherwise seem like a loss.

If a king eats filth, it is seen as medicine; if a poor man eats it, it is seen as having no food.

This proverb highlights social hypocrisy and double standards based on status. It suggests that the same action is interpreted differently depending on a person's wealth or power: an unusual behavior by a powerful person is given a sophisticated excuse, while the same behavior by a poor person is attributed to their misery or lack of choice.

If a child eats it, it is a snack; if an elder eats it, it is a meal (sanctified food).

This proverb highlights social double standards or how the same action is perceived differently depending on the status, age, or authority of the person performing it. It is often used to point out hypocrisy or how powerful people can justify their actions while others are judged for the same.

If one wants to eat the tastiest, one has to eat gare, and if one wants to listen to the best,

A saying, describing a typical Telugu taste, suggests the best dish to eat and the best book to read.

If you listen, listen to the Bhârata; if you eat, eat cakes.

This expression is used to describe the pinnacle of excellence in a specific category. It implies that if one wants to experience the best of something, they should choose the absolute finest. The Mahabharata is considered the greatest epic to listen to, just as Garelu (deep-fried lentil donuts) are considered the most delicious traditional snack to eat.

The bird that eats stones will eat stones, and the bird that eats gems will eat gems.

This expression refers to the inherent nature and destiny of individuals based on their character and surroundings. It signifies that people will gravitate towards things that match their worth, status, or habits. Just as birds follow their natural diet, humans pursue what they are accustomed to or what they truly deserve.

If you must listen, listen to the Mahabharata; if you must eat, eat Vada (Garelu).

This expression is used to highlight the absolute best or finest examples in a category. It suggests that just as the Mahabharata is the pinnacle of literature and storytelling, the Garelu (deep-fried lentil donuts) are the ultimate delicacy. It is often quoted when someone encounters something of exceptional quality.

The one who ate the palm fibers faces more trouble than the one who ate the palm fruits.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where an innocent person or a person who only handled the leftovers/waste of an act gets into more trouble or faces more blame than the person who actually enjoyed the primary benefit. It highlights the irony of unfair consequences.

If you listen, listen to the Mahabharata; if you eat, eat Vada (Garelu).

This proverb highlights the gold standard of experiences. It suggests that among all stories, the epic Mahabharata is the most worthwhile to hear, and among all snacks, the Vada is the most delicious to eat. It is used to describe the best or most superior choice in a particular category.

If you eat, eat Garelu; if you listen, listen to the Mahabharata.

This proverb emphasizes the pursuit of excellence and quality. It suggests that if one chooses to engage in an activity, it should be the best version of it—specifically, that 'Garelu' is the ultimate delicacy and the 'Mahabharata' is the ultimate epic to listen to.