దొడ్డినిండా గొడ్లు, ఇంటినిండా బిడ్డలు, ఇంకేమి కావలె ఇరకటానికి.

doddininda godlu, intininda biddalu, inkemi kavale irakataniki.

Translation

Cattle full in the backyard, children full in the house, what else is needed for suffering (congestion).

Meaning

This proverb is used sarcastically to describe a situation where someone has many assets or family members but lacks the space, resources, or peace of mind to manage them. It highlights that having 'too much' of a good thing can lead to chaos, suffocation, or excessive hardship if not managed properly.

Related Phrases

Children depend on the prayers performed, and wealth depends on fortune.

This proverb suggests that the quality and number of children one has is a result of their spiritual merit or devotion (puja), while the accumulation of wealth and prosperity (addalu/granaries) is a matter of luck or destiny. It is used to express that certain blessings in life are predetermined by one's actions and fate.

A backyard full of cattle, a house full of children, what else does one need for this world?

This proverb describes the traditional Indian definition of a prosperous and fulfilling life. In an agrarian society, having plenty of livestock (wealth) and many children (family legacy/support) was considered the ultimate form of success and happiness. It is used to express contentment with a simple yet abundant life.

Criticizing others leads to the destruction of the home; criticizing a sage leads to the destruction of the lineage.

This proverb serves as a moral warning against slander. It suggests that speaking ill of others (Paraninda) brings misfortune to one's household, while insulting or criticizing a saintly person or a monk (Yatininda) brings spiritual ruin that can wipe out one's entire family line or reputation.

No medicine is needed for a healed disease; the doctor said there is a dog that has just given birth in the house.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone makes unnecessary excuses or complicates a simple matter. It refers to a doctor who, instead of admitting a patient is cured, gives a bizarre or irrelevant reason (like a nursing dog being present) to avoid providing further treatment or to cover up their lack of necessity.

When told that a bull has given birth, he asked to tie the calf in the shed.

This proverb describes a person who blindly reacts or believes something without thinking logically. Since a bull (male) cannot give birth, a rational person should question the statement first. Instead, the person in the proverb immediately suggests a next step, showing gullibility or a lack of common sense. It is used to mock people who follow instructions or rumors without verifying the facts.

Agriculture belongs to the one who has paddy and cattle.

This proverb emphasizes that farming is only sustainable and profitable for those who possess the necessary resources, specifically grain (seed/wealth) and livestock (labor/manure). It is used to suggest that success in any venture requires having the essential fundamental assets.

Sandalwood paste all over the body and a mouth full of betel nut.

This expression is used to describe someone who is overly decorated, living in extreme luxury, or showing off their prosperity and well-being. It signifies a state of being perfectly groomed and content, often used to remark on someone's high-status appearance or their indulgence in comforts.

If you eat a bellyful of cakes, [you will get] a bodyful of fever.

This proverb warns about the consequences of overindulgence and greed. It suggests that excessive consumption of heavy or rich food leads to illness and physical suffering. It is used to advise moderation in eating habits and to highlight that momentary pleasure can lead to long-term discomfort.

Don't cattle belonging to the same shed gore each other?

This expression is used to describe how small conflicts or disagreements are natural and inevitable among people who live together, work together, or belong to the same family or group. It suggests that occasional friction is a normal part of close relationships.

A village full of debts, a mouth full of teeth.

This expression is used to describe a person who is drowning in debt but remains shamelessly cheerful or continues to grin as if nothing is wrong. It mocks the irony of having many liabilities while maintaining a facade of carefree happiness or showing off.