జెముడు కంచెకు శ్రేష్టం, రేగడి చేనికి శ్రేష్టం.

jemudu kancheku shreshtam, regadi cheniki shreshtam.

Translation

Cactus is best for a fence, black soil is best for a field.

Meaning

This proverb highlights that everything has its own specific value depending on its placement or context. Just as a thorny cactus makes an impenetrable boundary and fertile black soil produces the best crops, individuals or tools are most effective when utilized in the roles they are naturally suited for.

Related Phrases

One likes a dry curry, while another likes a tangy stew.

This proverb is used to express that tastes and preferences are subjective and vary from person to person. It is the Telugu equivalent of 'To each their own' or 'Different strokes for different folks.' It highlights that there is no single right choice when it comes to personal preference.

Corrupt in argument, excellent in medicine.

This proverb suggests that a doctor who loses or avoids arguments is often a better healer. It implies that a physician's skill lies in their practice and results rather than in their rhetorical or debating abilities. It is used to describe professionals who prioritize their craft over winning verbal disputes.

Asceticism is difficult at the end, family life is difficult in the middle

This proverb highlights the challenges of different stages of life. Being a monk or ascetic (Sanyasam) is difficult in old age due to loneliness and physical ailments, whereas family life (Samsaram) is hardest in the middle years when one is burdened with responsibilities, financial stress, and raising children.

Plaintiff's destruction, defendant's total loss, lawyer's fortune, and the court's whim.

This proverb satirizes the legal system. It implies that in a legal battle, both the plaintiff and the defendant end up losing their wealth and peace of mind, while only the lawyers benefit financially. The final outcome remains unpredictable as it depends entirely on the court's discretion. It is used to advise people to settle disputes outside of court.

Among all types of donations, patience is the best.

This is a witty play on words in Telugu. While 'daanam' usually means charity or donation, here it is paired with 'nidaanam' (patience/composure). The expression suggests that being patient and composed is a greater virtue than any act of giving material wealth. It is used to advise someone to stay calm and patient in difficult situations.

Old wood for burning, old water for drinking, old friends for trusting, and old books for reading are the best.

This proverb highlights the value of experience, reliability, and time-tested quality. Just as old wood burns better and aged water is settled, long-standing friendships are the most trustworthy and classic books contain timeless wisdom.

Strong for the offering, luck for the work.

This proverb is used to describe someone who is very enthusiastic and first in line when it comes to eating or receiving benefits, but makes excuses or relies on 'luck' and laziness when it is time to work. It highlights the hypocrisy of a person who consumes resources greedily but contributes nothing.

Loss and hardship

This expression is used to describe a situation involving significant trouble, loss, and suffering. It is often used when someone explains the various difficulties or 'trials and tribulations' they have endured to achieve something or during a bad phase in life.

Will a field of withered corn require three watcher's sheds? To drive off the birds.

This proverb is used to criticize excessive or unnecessary expenditure and effort on something that is already worthless or beyond repair. It highlights the irony of providing high security or maintenance to a failed venture.

* Wer da fallt, über ihm laufen alle Welt, ! Ao cas morido, todos o mordem, ‡ Cognatio movet invidiam.

Plaintiff's ruin, defendant's dead loss, lawyer's fortune, and court's whim.

This saying highlights the cynical reality of prolonged legal battles. It implies that while the plaintiff and defendant lose their wealth and peace of mind in litigation, the lawyers profit from the fees, and the final outcome remains at the discretion of the court. It is used to advise people to settle disputes amicably rather than approaching the court.