కడుపునిండా గారెలు తింటే, వంటినిండా జ్వరము

kadupuninda garelu tinte, vantininda jvaramu

Translation

If you eat a bellyful of cakes, [you will get] a bodyful of fever.

Meaning

This proverb warns about the consequences of overindulgence and greed. It suggests that excessive consumption of heavy or rich food leads to illness and physical suffering. It is used to advise moderation in eating habits and to highlight that momentary pleasure can lead to long-term discomfort.

Related Phrases

Even if one stoops low or acts greedy, the stomach must be filled.

This proverb implies that if one is willing to compromise their dignity, undergo humiliation, or act greedily for a task, the end result should at least be substantial and satisfying enough to justify that compromise. It is used when someone goes through a lot of trouble or loses respect for a very small or insignificant gain.

If one eats vomit, even vadas (garelu) will taste bitter.

This proverb is used to describe a person who has lost their sense of appreciation or value due to poor habits or bad company. It suggests that when someone is accustomed to something foul or inferior, they cannot enjoy or recognize the quality of something good. It is often used to mock someone who complains about good things after indulging in something bad.

A backyard full of cattle, a house full of children, what else does one need for this world?

This proverb describes the traditional Indian definition of a prosperous and fulfilling life. In an agrarian society, having plenty of livestock (wealth) and many children (family legacy/support) was considered the ultimate form of success and happiness. It is used to express contentment with a simple yet abundant life.

To a person with a full stomach, even vadas (sweets/savories) taste bitter.

This proverb describes how a person's needs and desires change based on their current state. When someone is satisfied or has plenty, they no longer value things that are otherwise considered precious or delicious. It is used to remark on people who show lack of interest or find faults in something good because they are already satiated or over-privileged.

If you listen, listen to the Bhârata; if you eat, eat cakes.

This expression is used to describe the pinnacle of excellence in a specific category. It implies that if one wants to experience the best of something, they should choose the absolute finest. The Mahabharata is considered the greatest epic to listen to, just as Garelu (deep-fried lentil donuts) are considered the most delicious traditional snack to eat.

If you must listen, listen to the Mahabharata; if you must eat, eat Vada (Garelu).

This expression is used to highlight the absolute best or finest examples in a category. It suggests that just as the Mahabharata is the pinnacle of literature and storytelling, the Garelu (deep-fried lentil donuts) are the ultimate delicacy. It is often quoted when someone encounters something of exceptional quality.

Sandalwood paste all over the body and a mouth full of betel nut.

This expression is used to describe someone who is overly decorated, living in extreme luxury, or showing off their prosperity and well-being. It signifies a state of being perfectly groomed and content, often used to remark on someone's high-status appearance or their indulgence in comforts.

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.

If you eat, eat Garelu; if you listen, listen to the Mahabharata.

This proverb emphasizes the pursuit of excellence and quality. It suggests that if one chooses to engage in an activity, it should be the best version of it—specifically, that 'Garelu' is the ultimate delicacy and the 'Mahabharata' is the ultimate epic to listen to.

A village full of debts, a mouth full of teeth.

This expression is used to describe a person who is drowning in debt but remains shamelessly cheerful or continues to grin as if nothing is wrong. It mocks the irony of having many liabilities while maintaining a facade of carefree happiness or showing off.