దానము అయితే ఇవ్వలేను, దండగ అయితే పెట్టగలను.

danamu ayite ivvalenu, dandaga ayite pettagalanu.

Translation

As for charity, I can't give; as for fines, I can pay. Said by a quarrelsome ruffian.

Meaning

This proverb is used to describe a person's stubbornness or a specific situation where one refuses to spend money for a noble cause or charity (Danamu), but is eventually forced to spend even larger amounts on fines, losses, or useless expenses (Dandaga) due to their own negligence or ego.

Related Phrases

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.

If the wind is limping, calling it a horse.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone makes an absurd or highly exaggerated claim that defies common sense. It highlights the tendency of some people to give grand names or qualities to things that are fundamentally weak, broken, or non-existent.

A festival amidst a waste or loss

This expression is used to describe a situation where an unexpected positive event or celebration occurs during a time of significant loss, waste, or overall failure. It highlights an ironic or small consolation in a losing situation.

In the one case Kandi, in the other Pesara.

This expression describes a situation where a person is guaranteed to benefit regardless of the outcome. It is used to refer to 'win-win' scenarios or when someone is playing both sides to ensure they don't lose anything either way.

Kandi is the Cajanus Indicus; Pesara is the Phaseolus Mungo. Said by a Brahman quack referring to the recovery or death of his patient. In either case he is feasted.

If it's on credit, they will buy whole villages; if it's for cash, they won't even buy a pinch of snuff.

This proverb describes people who are overly ambitious or extravagant when they don't have to pay immediately, but become extremely stingy or cautious when they have to spend their own ready cash. It is used to mock someone's tendency to over-commit when there is no immediate financial consequence.

If you give, [I shall consider there is ] a marriage [in your house] and if you don't give, a funeral.

This expression describes a situation where things go smoothly as long as a person's demands or conditions are met, but the moment they are denied, they cause chaos or break the relationship. It is used to characterize fickle or demanding people who create trouble when they don't get their way.

The impertinent speech of a beggar. ఈ.

When it is cheap, all will buy.

This proverb is used to describe things that are easily accessible or low in price, leading to high demand regardless of quality. It can also be used metaphorically to suggest that when something loses its value or rarity, it is no longer exclusive or special.

In the one case, Medical fees ; in the other, the gift of a Vaitarani cow.

This expression refers to a 'win-win' situation for a professional or intermediary where they benefit regardless of the outcome. It is often used to describe situations where a person profits whether the patient recovers (earning a fee) or dies (earning a ritual fee), highlighting a scenario where the service provider has no risk of loss.

A cow is presented at funerals to a Brahman to enable the soul of the deceased to get across the burning river Vaitarani which is said to separate heaven from earth. Said by a Brahman priest and doctor.

If it is cheap, everyone will buy it.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where a product, service, or idea is so low in price or effort that people flock to it regardless of its quality or necessity. It highlights the human tendency to be attracted to low-cost items and is often used as a cautionary remark about value versus price.

What if it is sharp when the time is not right?

This expression emphasizes that resources, skills, or opportunities are useless if they are not available at the right moment. It is used to point out that timing is more important than quality or preparation in specific critical situations.