ఇంటికి ఏబ్రాసి, పొరుగుకు శ్రీమహాలక్ష్మి

intiki ebrasi, poruguku shrimahalakshmi

Translation

A slob at home, but Goddess Lakshmi to the neighbors.

Meaning

This expression is used to describe a person who is stingy, lazy, or ill-mannered with their own family members but acts extremely generous, helpful, and virtuous when dealing with outsiders or neighbors to maintain a good reputation.

Related Phrases

By the festival of Mahalakshmi, the cold rises to the crown of the head.

This traditional Telugu saying describes the seasonal transition of weather. It indicates that by the time of the Mahalakshmi festival (usually occurring in late October or November during the Kartika month), the winter chill becomes significant enough to be felt intensely, specifically referring to the sensation of cold hitting the 'madu' (crown of the head). It is used to remark on the arrival of peak winter.

In a village without cows, even a barren buffalo is considered Goddess Lakshmi.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where, in the absence of high-quality options or truly talented people, even someone with mediocre skills or a sub-par alternative is treated as superior or highly valuable. It is similar to the English expression 'In the kingdom of the blind, the one-eyed man is king.'

Loose change is the Goddess Mahalakshmi herself.

This expression is used to emphasize the importance of small denominations of money or loose change. It suggests that one should not underestimate the value of small coins, as they collectively represent wealth and are essential for daily transactions and financial discipline.

An iron sickle for the home, a golden knife for the neighbors.

This expression is used to describe a person who is stingy, harsh, or negligent toward their own family and household, while being overly generous, helpful, or displaying a false sense of grandeur to outsiders and neighbors.

A barren buffalo is the emblem of Mahâ Lakshmî, in a village where there are no cows.

This expression is used to describe a situation where, in the absence of something truly superior or qualified, even a mediocre or inferior alternative is highly valued. It is similar to the English proverb 'In the kingdom of the blind, the one-eyed man is king.'

Mahâ Lakshmî is the goddess of fortune. The one-eyed is a king in the land of the blind.

The goddess of misfortune at home, the goddess of fortune abroad. Bad to his own, but good to others.

This proverb describes a person who is helpful, generous, and pleasant to outsiders or neighbors, but is difficult, lazy, or brings misery to their own family members. It is used to criticize those who prioritize their external reputation while neglecting their responsibilities at home.

Goddess Lakshmi has many incarnations.

This expression is used sarcastically to describe someone who is extremely moody, unpredictable, or puts on many different 'acts' and pretenses. It suggests that a person changes their behavior or temperament frequently, much like a deity taking on different forms.

In a village where there are no cows, a barren buffalo is considered Goddess Lakshmi.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where, in the absence of something truly high-quality or superior, even something mediocre or inferior is highly valued. It is similar to the English idiom 'In the country of the blind, the one-eyed man is king.'

Goddess of misfortune to one's own house, but Goddess of wealth to the neighbor's house.

This proverb describes a person who is stingy, lazy, or ill-tempered at home, causing misery to their family, but acts very generous, kind, and helpful toward outsiders or neighbors to maintain a good reputation. It is used to criticize someone who prioritizes their public image over the well-being of their own household.

Monday is Shuba Lakshmi, Tuesday is Maha Lakshmi

This phrase is typically used by street vendors, beggars, or traditional performers to praise potential donors or customers on specific days of the week. It suggests that since the day is auspicious (Monday or Tuesday), the person giving charity or making a purchase will be blessed with prosperity and wealth. It is a form of rhythmic flattery used to encourage generosity.