గుడ్డి కన్నా మెల్ల మేలు.

guddi kanna mella melu.

Translation

A squint eye is better than a blind eye.

Meaning

This proverb is used to convey that having something imperfect or partial is better than having nothing at all. It is similar to the English expression 'Half a loaf is better than no bread' or 'Something is better than nothing.'

Notes

Of two evils choose the least.

Related Phrases

Even if it is a detour, a dry path is better.

This proverb suggests that it is better to take a longer, safer, and more reliable route (or method) rather than a shortcut that is dangerous or difficult. It emphasizes choosing safety and certainty over speed.

Even a monkey from one's own community is better.

This proverb suggests that it is better to deal with someone from your own background or community, even if they have flaws or are troublesome, because there is an inherent understanding and shared social bond that might not exist with a stranger.

A pair is better than being alone

This proverb emphasizes the value of companionship and cooperation. It suggests that two people working together or supporting each other is always better and more effective than a person acting alone. It is often used to encourage marriage, partnership, or teamwork.

The man that ate, was better off than the man that bought the things [ and did not use them ].

This proverb suggests that the person who actually enjoys or consumes a resource is in a better position than the one who merely spent money to acquire it but didn't get to use it. It is often used to highlight that true value lies in experience and consumption rather than just possession or investment.

An old patient is better than a new doctor.

This proverb suggests that practical experience often outweighs theoretical knowledge. An 'old patient' who has suffered through a condition for a long time may understand the nuances of the illness better than a 'new doctor' who has only studied it. It is used to emphasize that lived experience and familiarity provide insights that even a professional might lack initially.

A wretch of a mother-in-law is better than a strange slut.

This is a sarcastic or cynical proverb used to suggest that a known relative (even one who might be difficult or considered unlucky like a widow in old social contexts) is more reliable or helpful in times of need than a stranger who is merely 'noble' or 'virtuous' in name. It emphasizes that family ties, however flawed, often provide more practical support than the abstract goodness of outsiders.

A bad bush is better than the open field. Better a lean jade than an empty halter.

Squint is better than blindness

A slightly better position. All pleasures and miseries are relative. When compared with a man with two of his legs amputated, the one with at least one leg is fortunate. It is the positive (optimistic) attitude that matters.

A monkey [ -like wife ] of good family is better [than a pretty wife of low origin ].

This proverb suggests that it is better to deal with someone familiar, even if they have flaws or are troublesome, rather than trusting a stranger. It emphasizes the comfort and safety found within one's own community, family, or social circle during times of need.

The woman who serves food is better than the woman who cooks it.

This proverb highlights that execution, presentation, or final delivery is often more recognized or appreciated than the hard work behind the scenes. In a practical sense, it means that even if someone does all the labor (cooking), the person who manages the final distribution or interaction (serving) often gets the credit or gratitude. It is used to describe situations where the person at the final stage of a process holds more influence.

When one asked "Is rain good for the earth?" another re- plied "It is good."

This expression is used to describe an obvious truth or a situation where a question is redundant because the answer is universally accepted. It highlights a self-evident benefit where there is no room for disagreement, similar to saying 'It goes without saying.'