దొంగల సొమ్ము దొరల పాలు

dongala sommu dorala palu

Translation

Thieves' wealth ends up in the hands of rulers.

Meaning

This proverb suggests that ill-gotten gains or stolen wealth never stay with the person who took it; instead, it eventually gets confiscated by authorities or lost to those in power. It is used to imply that money earned through dishonest means will ultimately be wasted or taken away.

Related Phrases

The riches of a sinner go to strangers ; the riches of a traitor go to thieves.

This proverb suggests that wealth acquired through sinful or dishonest means will never be enjoyed by the person who earned it. It implies that ill-gotten gains are eventually lost to strangers or criminals, emphasizing that unethical wealth lacks stability and longevity.

A miser's property falls to the lot of the thief.

This proverb suggests that wealth hoarded by a greedy or miserly person, who refuses to spend it on themselves or for good causes, will eventually be taken away by others (like thieves) or wasted by circumstances. It emphasizes the futility of extreme hoarding.

The property of others is Pêlapindi, his own property is the property of God. It is kept as sacred as that which has been offered to the deity.— Pêlapindi is flour made of fried grain.

This proverb describes a hypocritical and selfish attitude where a person treats others' belongings as cheap or easily disposable while considering their own possessions as sacred and untouchable. It is used to criticize people who are extravagant with others' money but extremely stingy with their own.

Thieves' wealth ends up in the hands of rulers.

This proverb implies that wealth acquired through illegal or unethical means will never be enjoyed by the person who took it; instead, it will eventually be confiscated by authorities, lost to others, or spent on fines and legal issues. It is used to suggest that ill-gotten gains do not stay with the wrongdoer.

A miser's wealth goes to the public.

This proverb highlights that a stingy person who refuses to spend money on themselves or others will eventually lose it all. When a miser dies or loses control, their hoarded wealth usually ends up being spent or enjoyed by strangers or the public rather than serving its intended purpose.

Will he become a thief for the wealth he found?

This proverb is used to defend someone's character when they find something by chance rather than stealing it. It suggests that finding lost property accidentally does not make a person a criminal or a thief.

The wealth of kings goes to stones and harlots. Kings addicted to debauchery spent their wealth in constructing houses, temples, &c. and also lavished much on their concubines instead of spend- ing their Revenue for the good of people they governed.

This proverb highlights how ill-managed or excessive wealth is often squandered on unproductive vanity projects (like grand stone monuments/forts) or hedonistic pleasures. It is used to caution against the misuse of resources and the inevitable waste that occurs when power and money are not directed toward the welfare of the people.

One's own money is Monday, others' money is Tuesday.

This proverb describes a hypocritical or selfish attitude towards money and resources. It refers to a person who is very stingy and careful when spending their own money (saving it for later), but very reckless or eager when spending money belonging to others. It is used to criticize someone who takes advantage of others' generosity while being miserly themselves.

Others' wealth is sinful wealth

This proverb warns that taking or coveting wealth that belongs to others brings bad luck or misfortune. It emphasizes that ill-gotten gains or money belonging to others will never bring true happiness or prosperity to the one who takes it, often used to teach integrity and honesty.

Does a man become a thief by finding property ?

This expression is used to defend someone's character when they find something by chance. It implies that discovering lost property does not make the finder a thief, or more broadly, that one shouldn't be blamed for a situation they didn't intentionally create.