కడుగు త్రాగినవాని కడుపేమి నిండురా?
kadugu traginavani kadupemi nindura?
Will the stomach of one who drinks wash-water ever be full?
This proverb is used to indicate that low-quality or insufficient resources cannot satisfy a great need. Just as drinking the water used to wash rice (instead of eating the rice itself) won't satisfy hunger, superficial solutions cannot solve deep-rooted problems.
Related Phrases
మన్ను తిని మంచినీళ్లు తాగినట్లు
mannu tini manchinillu taginatlu
Like drinking water after eating mud.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone performs a completely useless or harmful action and then tries to follow it up with something normal or helpful to cover it up. It signifies a futile attempt to rectify a foolish mistake or refers to an action that yields no benefit despite the effort.
జనని పాలు త్రాగి ధరణి నీళ్లు త్రాగి ధన్యుడవు కావాలి
janani palu tragi dharani nillu tragi dhanyudavu kavali
Drink the mother's milk, drink the earth's water, and become a blessed person.
This expression emphasizes the natural progression of life and a person's duty to their roots. It suggests that one is nurtured first by their mother's milk and then sustained by the resources of their motherland. To be 'blessed' or 'successful' (Dhanyudu), one must acknowledge these foundations and live a life that honors both the biological mother and the earth/homeland.
అడుగు తప్పితే పిడుగు తప్పుతుంది
adugu tappite pidugu tapputundi
If a step is missed, a lightning strike is avoided.
This expression is used to signify a narrow escape from a major disaster or a life-threatening situation. It suggests that a small change in timing or a slight physical shift saved someone from a great calamity.
పటమట కొరడు వేస్తే పాడుగుంటన్నీ నిండును
patamata koradu veste paduguntanni nindunu
If a rainbow appears in the west, all the ruined ponds will be filled.
This is a traditional agricultural proverb or 'Gidugu' used to predict heavy rainfall. It suggests that a rainbow appearing in the western sky (usually during the evening) is a sign of an impending storm or heavy downpour that will be sufficient to fill even the most neglected or dried-up pits and ponds.
మెట్ట దున్నినవాడు, లొట్టె త్రాగినవాడు ఒకటే.
metta dunninavadu, lotte traginavadu okate.
The one who plows rain-fed land and the one who drinks toddy are the same.
This proverb highlights the uncertainty and futility of certain actions. Plowing 'Metta' (dry/rain-fed land) is risky because the harvest depends entirely on unpredictable rain, often leading to no result. Similarly, a person who drinks 'Lotte' (toddy/liquor) loses their senses and ends up with nothing. It is used to describe situations where hard work or actions are likely to go to waste due to unfavorable conditions or bad habits.
కడుపు నిండిన బేరము
kadupu nindina beramu
A bargain [with a man] with his belly full. A person in easy circumstances will drive a hard bargain.
This expression refers to a negotiation or deal where one party is not in desperate need or in a hurry. Since they are already satisfied (full), they can afford to be indifferent, picky, or firm on their terms without worrying about the outcome.
కడుపు నిండినవానికి గారెలు చేదు
kadupu nindinavaniki garelu chedu
Cakes are bitter to a man with his belly full. A rich man will not care for trifling gains.
When someone is satisfied or has had too much of something, even the most delicious or valuable things lose their appeal and become undesirable. It is used to describe how a person's needs or state of mind dictate their appreciation of a luxury or favor.
పొదుగు కోసి పాలు త్రాగినట్టు.
podugu kosi palu traginattu.
Like cutting the udder to drink milk.
This proverb describes an act of extreme foolishness or greed where one destroys the source of a recurring benefit for a small, immediate gain. It is used when someone ruins their future prospects or a sustainable resource by being impatient or short-sighted.
మోచేతి కింద నీళ్లు తాగడం
mocheti kinda nillu tagadam
Like drinking water from under someone's elbow
This expression is used to describe a state of complete dependence or subservience to someone else. It refers to a person who has no independence and must rely on the whims or 'leftovers' of another person for their survival or progress.
కడుపు నిండిన బేరం
kadupu nindina beram
A bargain made with a full stomach
This expression refers to a negotiation or deal where one party is not in a hurry or desperate to sell or buy. Because they are already satisfied or financially stable, they can afford to be stubborn, picky, or indifferent to the outcome of the deal.