గొడ్డుకు తిన్నది పుష్టి, మనిషికి ఉన్నదే పుష్టి

godduku tinnadi pushti, manishiki unnade pushti

Translation

For cattle, what is eaten is strength; for a human, what one possesses is strength.

Meaning

This proverb highlights the difference between physical needs and social security. While animals thrive purely on food, a human's well-being and status in society are determined by their wealth, assets, or family support. It is used to emphasize that material or social security is as vital for humans as nutrition is for animals.

Related Phrases

Contentment is strength for a human, what it eats is strength for cattle.

This proverb emphasizes that while animals derive their strength solely from physical food, human beings require mental satisfaction and contentment (shanti) to be truly healthy and strong. It suggests that a person's well-being is more dependent on their state of mind and what they possess spiritually/mentally than just physical nourishment.

One blow for the cattle, one word for the human.

This expression means that while an animal needs physical punishment to understand or obey, a sensible human should be able to understand with just a single word or a simple explanation. It is used to emphasize that intelligent people do not need to be repeatedly told or forced to do the right thing.

Strength in the house, strength in the body

This expression refers to the interconnectedness of prosperity at home and physical health. It suggests that when a household is well-provisioned and abundant (nutritious food, wealth, peace), the individuals living there will naturally be healthy and robust. It is used to emphasize that one's physical well-being is often a reflection of their domestic stability.

A man gets fat by doing nothing, a beast gets fat by eating.

This proverb contrasts the sources of well-being for humans and animals. It suggests that while cattle require physical fodder to grow strong and healthy, a human's strength or contentment often comes from their inner state, character, or the assets and support system they possess. It is used to emphasize that human fulfillment goes beyond mere physical consumption.

Among the fists, the fist of charity.

This expression is a play on words using 'Mushti' (which can mean both 'a fist' and 'begging/alms'). It highlights the ironic situation where someone who is already poor or a beggar themselves tries to help another beggar. It is used to describe an act of charity performed by those who have very little to give, emphasizing that even the smallest act of kindness from the poor is significant.

That profit and this loss are equal.

This proverb is used when the pleasure or satisfaction derived from an action is completely offset or negated by the resulting loss or trouble. It describes a break-even situation where the gain was not worth the cost, or where the damage done balances out the enjoyment felt.

Stoutness of body, consumption of food. The only advantage of obesity is expensive living.

This proverb is used to describe someone who looks physically strong, healthy, or imposing but is actually incompetent, lazy, or useless when it comes to performing work. It implies that despite their grand appearance (like a large idol), they are a 'waste of food' (the offering) because they don't contribute anything productive.

What one possesses gives strength to the person, what one eats gives satisfaction to the body.

This expression highlights that true well-being comes from two sources: financial or material security (which provides confidence and social strength) and proper nourishment (which provides physical health and contentment). It is often used to emphasize the importance of being content with what one has and the necessity of basic sustenance for a happy life.

Alms within alms, righteous alms

This expression refers to a situation where someone who is already in a state of seeking help or living on charity decides to share a portion of what they have received with someone even more needy. It signifies an act of extreme generosity or charity performed by a person who themselves has very little.

Like going to beg for alms and then complaining that it wasn't satisfying.

This proverb is used to describe someone who is receiving something for free or through charity, yet complains about the quality or quantity of what they received. It highlights the irony of a person in a dependent position showing ungratefulness or having unrealistic expectations.