డబ్బు ఇవ్వనివాడు ముందుగా పడవెక్కాడట

dabbu ivvanivadu munduga padavekkadata

Translation

The one who didn't pay the money was the first to board the boat.

Meaning

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone who has contributed the least or has no right to a benefit is the first to claim it or rush for it. It highlights the irony of people who avoid responsibility but are quick to enjoy the rewards.

Related Phrases

Like paying money to get stung by a scorpion.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone spends money or effort only to invite trouble or harm upon themselves. It refers to self-inflicted misery or bad investments that lead to painful consequences.

He who gives is a donor, he who does not give is a clout.

This expression highlights that generosity earns a person respect and a lasting legacy. A person who helps others is remembered as a benefactor, whereas someone who is stingy or refuses to help is quickly forgotten or disregarded by society. It is used to encourage charity and reflect on the social value of giving.

The impertinent speech of a beggar.

A person without courage is of no use even with money.

This proverb highlights that courage and self-confidence are more valuable than material wealth. It is used to describe a situation where a person, despite having financial resources, cannot achieve anything or defend themselves because they lack the necessary boldness or character.

I won't give a Dabb, I won't give the dust on a Dabb. ( 35 ).

This expression is used to describe an extremely stingy or miserly person who refuses to give away even the slightest bit of their wealth, often to an irrational degree. It highlights a character that is uncompromising and excessively greedy.

Won't the person who sold the cow also give the leading rope?

This proverb is used when someone completes a major task or makes a significant deal but hesitates or forgets to include a small, essential accessory or minor detail related to it. It implies that when a big commitment is made, the small requirements associated with it should naturally follow.

The one who does not pay sits at the front of the boat.

This proverb describes the irony of someone who contributes nothing yet expects the most prominent or first-class treatment. It is used to mock people who act entitled or try to take the lead without having paid their share or fulfilled their responsibilities.

The one who does not work is a thief to the house; the one who does not pay taxes is a thief to the government.

This proverb highlights personal and civic responsibilities. It suggests that a family member who doesn't contribute labor is a burden to the household, just as a citizen who evades taxes is a traitor to the state (divanam). It is used to emphasize that laziness and tax evasion are both forms of dishonesty.

The man that did not pay his fare, got into the boat first.

This proverb describes a situation where someone who has contributed the least or nothing at all is the most eager or demanding to receive the benefits. It is used to mock people who display entitlement or boldness despite having no rightful claim or contribution.

An extra expense on top of a festival expense

This expression is used to describe a situation where an unexpected or unnecessary additional expense occurs at a time when one is already spending heavily, typically during a celebration or crisis. It signifies the burden of 'wasteful' costs added to already high costs.

He neither lets one die nor lets one live.

This expression is used to describe a person or a situation that is extremely suffocating or harassing. It refers to someone who keeps others in a state of constant misery, preventing them from progressing or finding peace, yet not letting them completely abandon the situation.