గుమ్మలో గింజలు గుమ్మలో ఉండాలి, పిల్లలు పిట్టల్లాగ ఉండాలి

gummalo ginjalu gummalo undali, pillalu pittallaga undali

Translation

The grains should stay in the bin, and the children should be like little birds

Meaning

This expression refers to an ideal state of domestic prosperity and harmony. It suggests that resources (grains) should be abundant and preserved, while children should be healthy, active, and cheerful like chirping birds. It is often used to describe a well-settled, happy household.

Related Phrases

The thought of repaying should exist at the very moment the loan is taken.

This expression emphasizes financial integrity and responsibility. It suggests that one should only borrow money if they have a clear intention and plan to repay it, rather than worrying about repayment only when the deadline approaches. It is used to advise people to be cautious and honest in their financial dealings.

One should stay out of the government's sight.

This expression suggests staying away from legal or governmental scrutiny to avoid unnecessary trouble, taxes, or complications. It is often used to advise someone to keep a low profile or operate discreetly when dealing with official authorities.

Grains should remain in the granary, and children should be as healthy as desert dates.

This proverb is used to describe a state of complete prosperity and health. It expresses the wish or situation where wealth (grains) remains intact and undiminished, while the children of the house grow up to be strong, robust, and healthy.

The food in the pot should remain as it is, and the children should remain like logs.

This expression is used to describe an impossible or highly selfish desire where someone wants to enjoy the benefits of something without any of the associated costs or natural consequences. In this context, it refers to wanting children to be healthy and grow (like sturdy logs) while simultaneously wishing that they never consume the food in the house. It highlights a paradoxical or stingy mindset.

One should stay out of the government's sight and stay right in front of the moneylender's sight.

This traditional proverb advises on social and financial conduct: avoid the attention of authorities or the state to prevent taxes and legal troubles, but always remain visible and available to your creditors (moneylenders) to maintain trust and prove your integrity in repaying debts.

While a small measure of grains went towards labor wages, a larger measure of grains was eaten by the calf.

This proverb describes a situation where one incurs a massive loss while trying to save a small amount of money or while focusing on minor expenses. It is used to highlight poor management or irony when the overhead/accidental losses far exceed the actual cost of work.

The oil in the pot should stay in the pot, and the children should be as healthy as ridge gourd seeds.

This is a paradoxical wish or a humorous proverb used to describe an impossible or overly greedy expectation. It refers to a situation where someone wants to enjoy the benefits of a resource (having healthy, well-fed children) without actually spending or exhausting the resource (the oil/money). It is often used to critique stinginess or unrealistic desires where one wants to have their cake and eat it too.

When told to stay hidden like a small fruit among leaves, she went and sat in the pumpkin patches.

This proverb is used to describe someone who attempts to be modest or inconspicuous but does so in a way that attracts even more attention. It mocks the irony of a person trying to act humble while choosing the most prominent or loud platform to showcase that humility.

Grains should remain in the granary, but children should be as strong as clubs.

This proverb describes an impossible or highly greedy expectation. It refers to someone who wants to enjoy the benefits of a resource (like having healthy, well-fed children) without actually spending or utilizing the necessary assets (the grain). It is used to critique people who want results without incurring the associated costs or effort.

There should be either fear or devotion

This expression is used to emphasize that a person should be governed by some form of discipline. It implies that if one does not have genuine respect (devotion) for authority or rules, they should at least have a fear of the consequences of breaking them. It is often used in contexts of parenting, workplace management, or social conduct to suggest that a complete lack of both leads to chaos or irresponsible behavior.