దచ్చిన చుట్టం వన్నెచీర కేడ్చినదట

dachchina chuttam vannechira kedchinadata

Translation

A relative who came to a funeral cried for a colorful saree.

Meaning

This proverb is used to describe a person who behaves selfishly or inappropriately in a serious situation. It refers to a person who attends a funeral (a place of mourning) but is more concerned about material things or personal gains, like wanting a beautiful saree, rather than showing sympathy for the deceased.

Related Phrases

Is he a blood relation, or a dinner relation ?

This proverb is used to question the nature of a relationship. It asks whether a person is a genuine blood relative (pegu chuttam) who cares out of love, or a 'fair-weather friend' (pettu chuttam) who is only around for financial gain, gifts, or personal benefit. It is often used when someone shows sudden interest in a person's life only when they become wealthy or influential.

A table friend is changeable. (French.)‡ * Vache de loin a lait asses. † Geluk en glas brekt even ras. ‡ Ami de table est variable.

Like wearing a high-end saree because one does not have a spare change of clothes.

This expression describes a situation where someone is forced to use an expensive or precious resource for a mundane task simply because they lack a basic or ordinary alternative. It highlights a lack of preparedness or the irony of using something luxury out of necessity rather than choice.

Like saying, a relative has arrived, go see where he left his sandals.

This expression is used to describe a person who is overly suspicious or focused on trivial, petty details instead of showing proper hospitality or respect. It highlights a mean-spirited nature where one looks for a reason to find fault or protect their belongings even before welcoming a guest.

If a guest arrives without an invitation, the night will not pass without irritation.

This expression highlights the inconvenience and frustration caused by uninvited or unwanted guests. It suggests that when someone visits at an inappropriate time or without being asked, it creates a restless and bothersome situation for the host.

While the children were crying for food, the grandmother was crying for a paramour.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone ignores the basic or urgent needs of those dependent on them to pursue their own inappropriate or selfish desires. It highlights a complete lack of priorities and responsibility.

Crying for ear ornaments when the head itself is being severed.

This proverb describes a person who focuses on trivial or minor losses while ignoring a major catastrophe. It is used to criticize someone's lack of perspective or their obsession with insignificant things in the face of a life-threatening or severe crisis.

When the mouth cried for kisses, the back cried for punches.

This proverb describes a situation where someone's attempt to gain affection or a favor results in an unexpected punishment or a harsh consequence. It is often used to mock someone who expected a reward but received a reprimand instead, or when a situation backfires completely.

He cried for the broken rice and then cried for the bran.

This expression is used to describe a person who laments or worries about small, insignificant things instead of focusing on the bigger picture. It suggests a lack of perspective, where one becomes overly distressed over minor losses or low-value items.

While the pampered child cried for anklets, the back cried for blows.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone's excessive demands or spoiled behavior leads to unexpected negative consequences or punishment. It highlights the transition from being over-indulged to being disciplined when one's demands become unreasonable.

A relative in words, but not a relative at mealtime.

This expression describes people who offer verbal sympathy or make grand promises but disappear when actual help or hospitality (like providing a meal) is required. It refers to someone who is friendly only on the surface and avoids the responsibility of true friendship or kinship.