గంగగోవు పాలు గంటెడైనా చాలు, కడవెడైన నేమి ఖరము పాలు
gangagovu palu gantedaina chalu, kadavedaina nemi kharamu palu
A spoonful of a sacred cow's milk is enough; what is the use of a potful of donkey's milk?
Quality is far more important than quantity. A small amount of something virtuous or valuable is much better than a vast amount of something useless or inferior. This proverb is often used to emphasize that one good person or one wise word is better than a crowd of fools or a long, meaningless speech.
Related Phrases
చేనిపంట చేరడైనా చాలు
chenipanta cheradaina chalu
Even a handful of harvest from one's own field is enough.
This expression emphasizes the value of self-reliance and the satisfaction derived from one's own honest labor. It suggests that a small amount earned or produced through one's own effort is more gratifying and honorable than a large amount obtained through other means or dependency.
తమంత లేదంటే, తవ్వెడైనా ఇవ్వమన్నట్లు
tamanta ledante, tavvedaina ivvamannatlu
If you cannot give the whole amount, at least give a small measure (tavva).
This expression is used when someone is unwilling to fulfill a large request and is then asked to at least provide a small, minimal portion. It highlights a compromising attitude where something is considered better than nothing, or mocks someone who settles for a pittance when their original high demand is rejected.
పురిటాలికి పుట్టెడైనా చాలదు
puritaliki puttedaina chaladu
Even a 'Putti' (a large measure of grain) is not enough for a woman who has just given birth.
This expression is used to describe a situation where no amount of resources or supplies seem sufficient to meet an overwhelming or critical need. Historically, it refers to the high nutritional and care requirements of a postpartum mother, but metaphorically it applies to any scenario involving insatiable demand or extreme necessity.
గంగగోవుపాలు గరిటెడైననుచాలు, కడవడైననేమి ఖరముపాలు
gangagovupalu garitedainanuchalu, kadavadainanemi kharamupalu
A spoonful of milk from a sacred cow is enough; what is the use of a potful of donkey's milk?
Quality is better than quantity. A small amount of something virtuous or valuable is far superior to a large amount of something useless or inferior. This proverb, from Yogi Vemana's poems, is used to emphasize that one good person or one great idea is more impactful than a crowd of mediocre ones.
మంచి కొంచెమైనా చాలు, విత్తనం చిన్నదైనా చాలు!
manchi konchemaina chalu, vittanam chinnadaina chalu!
Goodness, even if small, is enough; a seed, even if tiny, is enough!
This proverb emphasizes that quality matters more than quantity. Just as a tiny seed has the potential to grow into a massive tree, a small amount of goodness or a single positive action can have a significant and lasting impact. It is used to encourage people that even small contributions or virtuous acts are valuable.
కులనాశకుడైన కొడుకు దీర్ఘాయువైన నేమి లేకున్న నేమి.
kulanashakudaina koduku dirghayuvaina nemi lekunna nemi.
What does it matter if a son who ruins his family name lives long or not?
This expression emphasizes that quality of character is more important than longevity. If a person brings disgrace or ruin to their family line, their presence is considered worthless to the lineage, regardless of how long they live.
పోరులేని గంజి, పుడిసెడైనా చాలు.
poruleni ganji, pudisedaina chalu.
Even a handful of gruel is enough, if it is without conflict.
This proverb emphasizes that peace of mind is more important than luxury. It suggests that having a simple meal in a peaceful environment is far better than having a feast in a house full of quarrels or stress.
గంగగోవు పాలు గంటెడైనను చాలు, కడివిడైనను ఏమి ఖరము పాలు
gangagovu palu gantedainanu chalu, kadividainanu emi kharamu palu
A spoonful of a sacred cow's milk is enough; what is the use of a potful of donkey's milk?
This expression emphasizes quality over quantity. It suggests that a small amount of something virtuous, noble, or useful is far superior to a large quantity of something worthless or inferior. It is often used to describe people's character or the value of work.
భక్తి కలుగు కూడు పట్టెడైనను చాలు
bhakti kalugu kudu pattedainanu chalu
Even a handful of food served with devotion is enough.
This expression emphasizes that the quality of intention and love behind an action is more important than the quantity of the offering. In a social context, it means that a simple meal offered with genuine affection is far superior to a feast offered without heart or with arrogance.
విందైనా మందైనా మూన్నాళ్ళు.
vindaina mandaina munnallu.
Whether it is a feast or a medicine, it is for three days only.
This proverb is used to convey that both happiness (represented by a feast) and hardship (represented by taking medicine) are temporary. It suggests that any situation, good or bad, will typically lose its intensity or reach its conclusion in a short period. It is often used to advise someone not to overstay their welcome as a guest or to encourage someone enduring a difficult phase that it will soon pass.