కక్కుర్తిపడ్డా కడుపు నిండాలి

kakkurtipadda kadupu nindali

Translation

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

Meaning

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.

Related Phrases

Without the buttermilk in the stomach even moving

This expression is used to describe a state of absolute comfort, ease, or luxury where a person doesn't have to perform any physical labor or face any hardships. It literally suggests a life so stable and smooth that even the liquid in one's stomach remains undisturbed.

A full stomach does not listen to morality

This proverb suggests that when a person is over-satisfied, wealthy, or comfortable, they often become arrogant and lose the patience to listen to good advice or moral lessons. It is also used to imply that someone who has everything cannot empathize with those in need or understand the value of discipline.

Even if you act stingy or greedy, you should at least enjoy the benefit.

This proverb is used when someone compromises their dignity, quality, or ethics for a small gain or to save money, but fails to actually enjoy or benefit from the result. It implies that if you are going to be miserly or endure some embarrassment, it should at least be worth the trouble.

A stingy husband does not recognize stomach pain.

This proverb is used to describe a person who is so greedy, stingy, or selfish that they ignore the genuine suffering or needs of others. In the context of the saying, a husband who is overly miserly might dismiss his wife's illness just to avoid spending money on treatment or to ensure his own needs are met first. It characterizes blind selfishness and lack of empathy due to greed.

Neither a widow, nor a married woman. Said by a man kept in suspense, neither granted nor refused a request, and not knowing whether he was to be as fortunate as a married woman or as unfortunate as a widow.

This expression is used to describe someone or something that is in an ambiguous or uncertain state, belonging to neither of two distinct categories. It often refers to a person who lacks a clear identity or a situation that remains unresolved and 'in-between.'

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

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.

Like breaking the pots because one is too full to carry them.

This expression is used to describe a person who becomes arrogant, lazy, or reckless once their basic needs are met or when they achieve prosperity. It refers to someone who forgets their struggles and destroys the very tools or resources that helped them, simply because they no longer feel the immediate pressure of necessity.

Even if one eats crow's food, the stomach must be filled.

This proverb emphasizes that the end result or the outcome is more important than the means or the status of how something was achieved. It is used to suggest that as long as a person's basic needs are met or a goal is accomplished, the specific methods or the humble nature of the source do not matter.

When asked, 'Why are you committing a burglary in broad daylight?', he replied, 'What do you know about my son's desperate greed?'

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone performs a reckless or shameful act out of extreme desperation or greed, and then tries to justify it with an even more absurd or personal excuse. It highlights how some people lose their sense of shame when driven by intense desire or necessity.

Will the stomach of a hungry person be filled with Anushtup verses?

This proverb highlights the importance of practical solutions over theoretical or spiritual ones when dealing with basic survival needs. It is used to point out that when someone is in dire need of physical help or resources (like food), offering them words, poetry, or advice is useless and insensitive.