దున్నిన పొలానికీ తాగిన గంజికీ సరి

dunnina polaniki tagina ganjiki sari

Translation

The rice water which he drank was equivalent to the field which he ploughed. Pay proportionate to labor.

Meaning

This proverb is used to describe a situation where the effort or investment put into a task is exactly equal to the reward or result gained, leaving no profit or surplus. It refers to a break-even scenario or a hand-to-mouth existence where one works just enough to survive.

Related Phrases

Oil according to the [ quantity of ] Sesamum.

This expression is used to indicate that the result or output is directly proportional to the investment, effort, or resources put in. It is often used to tell someone that they get what they pay for, or that rewards are commensurate with the work performed.

Equal to the field plowed and the porridge consumed.

This proverb describes a situation where the effort put into a task is exactly equal to the reward or compensation received, resulting in no net gain or profit. It is used to express that someone's hard work only managed to cover their basic sustenance or expenses, leaving them in a break-even state.

A child suitable for the mother, a porch suitable for the house

This proverb describes a perfect match or a natural compatibility between two entities. Just as a child reflects the traits of the mother or a porch is built to complement the structure of a house, it is used to highlight that someone or something is exactly as expected given their origin or environment.

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.'

Thorns suited for the drumstick, and roughness suited for the bitter gourd.

This proverb implies that every individual or situation has its own unique set of flaws or characteristics that are inherent to their nature. It is often used to suggest that a person has found a match or a consequence that perfectly fits their specific temperament or behavior, similar to the English expression 'to each their own' or 'fitting for one's nature.'

Seed suitable for the fruit, water suitable for the soil

This proverb suggests that results are dictated by the quality of inputs and the environment. Just as a specific seed determines the fruit and the soil type determines the water requirement, the outcome of any endeavor depends on using the right resources and adapting to the specific circumstances.

A child worthy of its mother, a Pandili fit for the house.

This proverb is used to describe two things or people that are perfectly matched in quality, character, or behavior. It is often used to remark on how a child's traits mirror their parent's, or how an environment is perfectly suited to its occupants.

Even if one only drinks porridge, they still want a concubine.

This proverb is used to criticize someone who lacks basic necessities or lives in poverty but still harbors expensive, immoral, or luxury-seeking desires. It highlights the irony of having high demands or vices without having the means to fulfill basic needs like food.

A pack-saddle fits the size, and a quilt fits the pack-saddle.

This proverb is used to describe a perfect match or a situation where things are suited to each other, often used in a sarcastic or humorous way to describe a couple or a pair of people who share the same (often negative) traits or habits. It implies that for every person or situation, there is a corresponding match that deserves them.

Like packsaddle, like quilt.

This expression is used to describe two people or things that are a perfect match for each other, often in a sarcastic or negative sense (like two equally lazy or cunning people). It is the Telugu equivalent of the English phrase 'Like father, like son' or 'A chip off the old block', implying that the quality or nature of one thing matches the other perfectly.

Like pot, like cover. (Dutch.)*