డబ్బు ఇవ్వనివాడు పడవ ముందర ఎక్కును.
dabbu ivvanivadu padava mundara ekkunu.
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.
Related Phrases
ఇచ్చినవాడు దాత, ఇవ్వనివాడు పాత
ichchinavadu data, ivvanivadu pata
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.
దబ్బులేనివాడు డబ్బుకు కొరగాడు
dabbulenivadu dabbuku koragadu
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.
డబ్బు ఇవ్వనివాడు ముందుగా పడవెక్కాడట
dabbu ivvanivadu munduga padavekkadata
The one who didn't pay the money was the first to board the boat.
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.
డబ్బు ఇవ్వను, డబ్బు మీది దుమ్ము ఇవ్వను
dabbu ivvanu, dabbu midi dummu ivvanu
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.
ఆవును అమ్మినవాడు కన్నెతాడు ఇవ్వడా?
avunu amminavadu kannetadu ivvada?
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.
పాము చావకూడదు, బడితె విరగకూడదు
pamu chavakudadu, badite viragakudadu
He won't allow the snake to die, and he won't allow the stick to be broken.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where one seeks a diplomatic or clever solution to a problem that resolves the issue without causing loss, damage, or hurting any parties involved. It refers to maintaining a delicate balance or handling a conflict so skillfully that the task is accomplished without any negative consequences.
Applied to a trimmer.
గొడ్డుకు ఎక్కువ డబ్బు, గుడ్డకు తక్కువ డబ్బు పెట్టాలి
godduku ekkuva dabbu, guddaku takkuva dabbu pettali
Spend more money on cattle and less money on clothes.
This traditional saying emphasizes productivity over vanity. It suggests that one should invest more in assets that provide a livelihood or income (like livestock in an agrarian society) and spend minimally on non-productive luxuries like expensive clothing. It is used to advise someone to prioritize essential investments over outward appearances.
పని చేయనివాడు ఇంటికి దొంగ, పన్ను ఇవ్వనివాడు దివాణానికి దొంగ
pani cheyanivadu intiki donga, pannu ivvanivadu divananiki donga
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.
డబ్బు ఇవ్వనివాడు ముందు పడవ ఎక్కినట్టు.
dabbu ivvanivadu mundu padava ekkinattu.
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.
చావనివ్వడు, బ్రతకనివ్వడు
chavanivvadu, bratakanivvadu
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.