కలిమిది కస్తూరి, లేమిది వెట్టిమన్ను

kalimidi kasturi, lemidi vettimannu

Translation

Wealth is musk, poverty is common clay

Meaning

This proverb contrasts the lives of the rich and the poor. It suggests that everything associated with a wealthy person is seen as fragrant and valuable like musk (Kasturi), whereas even the basic existence of a poor person is treated as worthless or common as dirt (Vettimannu). It is used to describe social inequality and how status dictates value.

Related Phrases

Like the whole family gathering to lift the dung of a newly bought ox.

This proverb describes a situation where people show excessive, often unnecessary, enthusiasm or over-attention toward something new. It implies that the novelty of a new possession or person makes everyone in the family or group want to be involved in even the most mundane or dirty tasks associated with it, usually only for a short period.

An elephant is as high as a hill even when it is lying down.

This proverb is used to describe a person of great stature, wealth, or influence. It suggests that even when such a person is at their lowest point or in a period of decline, they are still superior or more powerful than ordinary people. It emphasizes inherent greatness that doesn't disappear completely during tough times.

Morning's [earnings] for the belly, evening's [earnings] for the clothes

This expression describes a hand-to-mouth existence or a struggle for basic survival. It implies that everything earned during the day is immediately spent on basic necessities like food (stomach) and clothing, leaving nothing for savings or future planning.

Even if an elephant falls down, it is still as high as a hillock.

This proverb is used to describe a person or entity that was once great, wealthy, or powerful. Even after facing a significant downfall or loss, their remaining stature, dignity, or assets are still far superior to those of an ordinary person.

Truth is like fire, water is like a mother.

This proverb highlights two fundamental realities: Truth is as powerful and piercing as fire, capable of exposing anything and burning through lies. Water is compared to a mother because it is essential for life, nurturing, and possesses a calming, life-giving nature. It is used to emphasize the importance of honesty and the sustaining power of nature.

Foolish Venkatamma went for her marriage and came back again.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where a person, due to their lack of common sense or foolishness, fails to complete a task or secure a significant opportunity and returns empty-handed. It highlights an act of incompetence where one misses the very purpose of their journey or effort.

He doesn't have a single coin, but he raised a flag for a crore.

This expression is used to describe a person who lacks even the most basic resources or money but makes grand, boastful claims or undertakes projects far beyond their actual means. It highlights the irony of extreme poverty coupled with excessive vanity or unrealistic ambition.

Whether eyes are raised or the sky falls down, the work will not stop.

This expression describes an unwavering determination or a situation where a task will be completed regardless of any obstacles, distractions, or even catastrophic events. It signifies extreme commitment or an inevitable outcome.

For a very short husband, a very tall wife.

This proverb describes a mismatch or an ill-suited pairing. It is used to point out situations where two entities, people, or things are completely incompatible or disproportionate to each other, making the combination look awkward or impractical.

Adulterated seed leads to empty storage bins.

This proverb highlights the importance of quality at the source. Just as poor quality or impure seeds result in a failed harvest and empty granaries, starting any project with flawed materials or bad intentions will lead to disappointing results and lack of success. It is used to advise someone to ensure the foundation of their work is strong.