డబ్బు సంచి గట్టుకు, ముద్ద నోటి గుట్టుకు

dabbu sanchi gattuku, mudda noti guttuku

Translation

Money stays in the bag on the bank, while the morsel stays hidden in the mouth.

Meaning

This proverb emphasizes the importance of keeping one's financial status and personal habits private. Just as money is kept secure in a bag and food is concealed while chewing, one's wealth and personal affairs should not be displayed or discussed openly to avoid unnecessary trouble or envy.

Related Phrases

An embankment for the field, a secret for the word.

Just as an embankment (bund) is necessary to hold water and protect a field, a sense of secrecy or discretion is essential for maintaining the value and integrity of a conversation or a promise. It emphasizes the importance of confidentiality and thinking before speaking.

God resides in the backside of money

This blunt and cynical expression is used to describe how wealth commands immense power and respect in society. It implies that money is so influential that it can make anything happen, and people will worship or follow it as if it were a deity, often overriding moral or spiritual values.

Money organizes an assembly, while a morsel of food shuts the mouth.

This proverb highlights the power of material wealth and influence. 'Money organizes an assembly' means that wealth can gather people and command respect or power. 'A morsel shuts the mouth' refers to the idea that providing someone with basic needs or a bribe can silence their criticism or opposition.

Is the work dear to you, or is the struggle dear to you?

This expression is used to question whether someone values the end result and productivity (pani) or if they are more concerned with the effort and hardship (paatu) involved. It is often used to remind someone that the outcome is what matters most, or to ask if they are willing to endure the struggle to get the reward.

The wind that is suitable for the tree.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone gets exactly what they deserve, or when a consequence is perfectly matched to an action or a person's character. It is similar to the English proverb 'As you sow, so shall you reap' or 'To each according to their capacity.'

A child in arms won't stop crying even if you hit it.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where one is forced to endure a burden or responsibility they have voluntarily taken up. Once you have committed to helping someone or taking on a task (lifting the child), you must bear the consequences and difficulties (the crying/trouble) that come with it until the end.

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.

Every house has its secrets, every field has its bunds.

This proverb emphasizes that every family or household has private matters or internal problems that should remain confidential. Just as a 'gattu' (bund/embankment) defines and protects the boundaries of a field, 'guttu' (secrecy/privacy) protects the dignity and reputation of a family.

Tie the mouth of the pot, take the bag to the assembly.

This proverb highlights the importance of presentation and appropriateness based on the context. Just as a pot needs its mouth covered for safety or cleanliness, a bag (representing one's knowledge or goods) should be well-prepared and 'tied up' properly before being presented in a public assembly or formal gathering to ensure respect and success.

Making mustard seed into a ball. An impossible combination.

This expression is used to describe an impossible or extremely difficult task. Mustard seeds are small, round, and slippery; trying to pack them together into a solid ball without a binding agent is futile. It signifies attempts to unify people or things that naturally tend to disperse or remain individualistic.