జ్వర జిహ్వకు పంచదార చేదు

jvara jihvaku panchadara chedu

Translation

To a feverish tongue, even sugar tastes bitter.

Meaning

This expression is used to describe a situation where a person's judgment or perception is clouded by their current negative state or circumstances. Just as a physical illness makes sweet things taste bitter, a person in a bad mood, bias, or difficult situation may find fault or negativity in things that are otherwise good, pleasant, or beneficial.

Related Phrases

A different mind for every birth, a different taste for every tongue.

This proverb highlights the diversity of human nature and preferences. It means that just as every individual has their own unique way of thinking, every person also has their own specific tastes and likes. It is used to explain why people have different opinions, choices, or temperaments.

Every head has its idiosyncrasy, and every tongue its taste. All tastes are tastes. (Italian.) There is no disputing of tastes, appetites, and fancies.

This proverb highlights the diversity of human nature and preferences. It suggests that just as different people enjoy different flavors, every individual possesses their own unique way of thinking, personality traits, and opinions. It is used to explain why people disagree or have varying interests.

* Tutti i gusti son gusti. 36

Does a ploughing ox want sugar and flattened rice?

This proverb is used to point out that one should be given what is appropriate for their role or situation rather than unnecessary luxuries. A hard-working ox needs fodder and strength, not delicacies. It is often applied to people who demand sophisticated or fancy things that do not suit their current needs or capacity.

Like sugar dropped into milk.

This expression is used to describe a situation where two things or people blend together perfectly, harmoniously, or indistinguishably. It is often used to describe a great friendship, a perfect match, or a seamless integration of something.

Are you eating bitter or cutting down trees ? Said of anything easy, or profitable.

This expression is used to question someone's priorities or logic when they complain about a process but still want the end result. It highlights the contradiction between wanting the benefits (like fruit) while being unwilling to endure the necessary hardships (the bitterness or hard work). It is often used to mock someone who makes unnecessary fusses or avoids hard work while expecting rewards.

A small stick in the sweet syrup

This expression is used to describe a person or an obstacle that disrupts a smooth or pleasant situation. Similar to the English idiom 'a fly in the ointment', it refers to a minor but annoying interference that spoils the enjoyment of something good.

Sugar for the parrot, sugar for the ant

This expression describes a situation where a single act or resource benefits everyone involved, regardless of their status or size. It signifies impartiality, universal appeal, or a solution that satisfies diverse needs perfectly. In a broader sense, it refers to something being sweet or beneficial to all.

There isn't even salt for the gruel, but they want sugar for the milk.

This proverb is used to describe someone who lacks basic necessities but still makes demands for luxuries or high-end items. It highlights a mismatch between one's actual financial situation and their expensive tastes or unrealistic desires.

To a person suffering from excess bile, sugar tastes bitter.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone's own bias, negative mindset, or illness prevents them from appreciating something good or truthful. Just as a physical illness can distort one's sense of taste, a mental or emotional prejudice can make a person perceive a good thing as bad.

A different taste for every tongue, a different thought for every skull.

This proverb highlights the diversity of human nature. Just as every person has their own unique sense of taste, every individual has their own way of thinking, opinions, and intelligence. It is used to explain why people behave differently or have conflicting perspectives.