వెళ్ళినదానికి ఏగాని, తార్చినదానికి టంకం

vellinadaniki egani, tarchinadaniki tankam

Translation

A copper coin for the person who left, a gold coin for the one who brought them together.

Meaning

This proverb is used to highlight unfair or disproportionate rewards. It describes a situation where the person who actually did the work or was involved gets a very small amount (Agani), while the mediator or the one who arranged the deal gets a much larger reward (Tankam). It is often applied to middlemen taking excessive commissions.

Related Phrases

For my people saying no, for my coming here, and for this fate, he said to tie it (the knot) just like this.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone makes a poor choice against the advice of well-wishers and then tries to justify the unfortunate consequences as if they were intended or deserved. It highlights the irony of stubbornly sticking to a bad decision even when it results in hardship.

A tankam for arranging the match, and a pagani for the actual union.

This proverb refers to commission-based dealings or middleman fees. It describes a situation where a person demands payment at every stage of a process—once for making the introduction or arrangement (Tankam), and another for the successful completion of the task (Pagani). It is often used to critique people who are excessively greedy or those who demand multiple bribes/fees for a single outcome.

There may not be villages to rule, but aren't there villages to beg from?

This expression is used to criticize someone who is overly arrogant or picky about work. It implies that if one cannot find a high-status job (ruling), they should not be too proud to take up simpler work or even resort to begging to survive. It is a sarcastic take on people who have lost their wealth or status but refuse to let go of their ego.

Ask a donkey about music, and ask a camel about beauty.

This is a sarcastic proverb used to describe people who have absolutely no taste or knowledge in a particular subject yet act as critics. It highlights the irony of seeking an opinion from someone who possesses the exact opposite of the quality being discussed, as donkeys are known for harsh braying and camels are traditionally viewed as awkward-looking.

The mother-in-law put her finger in every dish prepared [ by the daughter-in-law ]. No work and all the credit. One man knocks in the nail, and another hangs his hat on it. (German.)

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone unnecessarily interferes or meddles in a task that has already been completed perfectly or settled. It highlights unwelcome interference that often ruins the final outcome or creates unnecessary complications.

The children of the deceased woman are under the feet of the newcomer.

This proverb describes the plight of motherless children who are often neglected or mistreated by a stepmother or a new person entering the household. It is used to highlight situations where vulnerable individuals lose their protection and are left at the mercy of someone who may not care for their well-being.

To a tiger, there is no distinction between its own place and others' place

This expression means that a hungry or predatory person does not distinguish between their own people or strangers when they want to satisfy their greed or aggression. It is used to describe a person who is ruthless and lacks loyalty or empathy, treating everyone as a target regardless of their relationship.

There is no point in worrying about what is past.

This proverb is equivalent to 'don't cry over spilled milk'. It is used to suggest that once something has happened or a mistake has been made that cannot be undone, there is no use in feeling regret or sorrow about it; instead, one should move forward.

It is enough for what you sang and what I heard; for my nodding, just leave the Tambura and go.

This expression is used sarcastically to describe a situation where someone's performance or work is so bad that the listener/observer wants them to stop immediately. It implies that the effort was a waste of time and the 'appreciation' (nodding) was merely a courtesy, so the person should just hand over their tools and leave before causing further annoyance.

Hands come forward to destroy, but minds do not come to sustain.

It is much easier and quicker to destroy something than it is to build or maintain it. This expression is used to highlight that many people are ready to cause harm or ruin a situation, but very few have the wisdom, patience, or willingness to protect or improve it.