కచ్చితానికి కాసులు, ఉచితానికి ఊళ్ళు
kachchitaniki kasulu, uchitaniki ullu
Coins for accuracy, villages for charity
This expression highlights the contrast in rewards for different types of work. It implies that while professional or strict work earns a fixed wage (coins), selfless or charitable acts earn immense respect and a legacy (villages). It is often used to describe how being precise and firm has its own small value, but being generous or offering things for free can win people's hearts or have vast social consequences.
Related Phrases
ముందు వచ్చినదానికి ముగ్గురు మొగుళ్ళు, వెనుక వచ్చినదానికి వేగుళ్ళు.
mundu vachchinadaniki mugguru mogullu, venuka vachchinadaniki vegullu.
The one who arrived first has three husbands, while the one who arrived later has pregnancy cravings.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where an experienced person or someone who arrived early is neglected or treated with indifference, while a newcomer or a later arrival receives excessive attention, special treatment, or pampered care. It highlights the irony of human nature where novelty is often valued over experience or seniority.
ఏలడానికి ఊళ్ళు లేకపోయినా, ఎత్తుకు తినడానికి ఊళ్ళు లేక పోతాయా?
eladaniki ullu lekapoyina, ettuku tinadaniki ullu leka potaya?
Even if there are no villages left to rule, will there be no villages left to beg or steal from?
This expression is used to describe a person who has lost their high status, power, or wealth but remains resourceful (often in a shameless or opportunistic way) to survive. It suggests that even if one cannot be a leader or a ruler anymore, they can still find a way to make a living by other, perhaps less dignified, means.
ఏలడానికి ఊళ్ళు లేకపోవచ్చు కానీ, ఎత్తుక తినడానికి ఊళ్ళు లేవా?
eladaniki ullu lekapovachchu kani, ettuka tinadaniki ullu leva?
There may not be villages to rule, but aren't there villages to beg from?
This expression is used to criticize someone who is overly arrogant or picky about work. It implies that if one cannot find a high-status job (ruling), they should not be too proud to take up simpler work or even resort to begging to survive. It is a sarcastic take on people who have lost their wealth or status but refuse to let go of their ego.
సంగీతానికి గాడిదనడగాలి, అందానికి లొట్టినడగాలి
sangitaniki gadidanadagali, andaniki lottinadagali
Ask a donkey about music, and ask a camel about beauty.
This is a sarcastic proverb used to describe people who have absolutely no taste or knowledge in a particular subject yet act as critics. It highlights the irony of seeking an opinion from someone who possesses the exact opposite of the quality being discussed, as donkeys are known for harsh braying and camels are traditionally viewed as awkward-looking.
చక్కదనానికి లొట్టపిట్ట, సంగీతానికి గాడిద.
chakkadananiki lottapitta, sangitaniki gadida.
A camel for beauty, and a donkey for music.
This ironic proverb is used to mock someone who lacks talent or aesthetic appeal but behaves as if they possess them. A camel is traditionally considered unattractive and a donkey's braying is harsh; therefore, using them as standards for beauty and music highlights a complete lack of those qualities.
గుఱ్ఱానికి సకిలింత, సంగీతానికి ఇకిలింత ఉండాలి.
gurraniki sakilinta, sangitaniki ikilinta undali.
A horse must have a neigh, and music must have a smile.
This proverb emphasizes the importance of appropriate expression and appreciation. Just as a horse is identified by its neighing, music should evoke a pleasant expression or a smile (ikilintha) from the listener. It is used to suggest that every action or art form has a natural, fitting response or characteristic that defines its quality.
సౌందర్యానికి ఒంటె, సంగీతానికి గాడిద.
saundaryaniki onte, sangitaniki gadida.
A camel for beauty, a donkey for music.
This sarcastic proverb is used to mock someone who lacks talent or quality in a specific area but thinks highly of themselves. Since camels are not conventionally considered beautiful and a donkey's braying is not musical, it highlights a mismatch between a person's claims and reality.
సంగీతానికి గార్ధభం హాస్యానికి కోతి
sangitaniki gardhabham hasyaniki koti
A donkey for music and a monkey for comedy.
This expression is used to mock someone who lacks talent or grace in their actions. It compares a person's poor singing to the braying of a donkey and their awkward attempts at humor or behavior to the antics of a monkey. It is often used to describe someone who is totally unfit for the task they are attempting.
కాలానికి కడగండ్లూ దేశానికి తిప్పలూ వచ్చినవి
kalaniki kadagandlu deshaniki tippalu vachchinavi
Time is afflicted, and the country is wandering [in trouble ]. Said jokingly by a person when asked whether he was in trouble. Dîiams here means literally the country and not the inhabitants of it.
This expression is used to describe a period of extreme adversity, crisis, or misfortune affecting an entire society or region. It suggests that both the times (destiny) and the land are undergoing severe trials, often used in literary or dramatic contexts to lament widespread suffering, political instability, or natural calamities.
ఉచితానికి ఊళ్ళు, లెక్కకు కాసులు.
uchitaniki ullu, lekkaku kasulu.
Villages for free, but coins when it comes to the count.
This proverb describes a person who makes grand, empty promises or displays excessive generosity in theory, but becomes extremely stingy and calculative when it comes to actual payment or specific details. It is used to mock hypocritical behavior where one talks big about giving away 'villages' for free but fusses over every single cent ('kāsu') during a real transaction.