కుమ్మరికి పశువులు పోయినా, మారటతల్లికి బిడ్డలు పోయినా బాధలేదు
kummariki pashuvulu poyina, maratatalliki biddalu poyina badhaledu
Neither the potter cares if the cattle are lost, nor the stepmother cares if the children are lost.
This proverb describes extreme indifference or lack of empathy. It highlights situations where individuals are completely unconcerned about losses that do not directly affect their personal interests or emotional bonds. It is used to criticize someone's cold-heartedness or apathy towards the misfortune of others.
Related Phrases
రాజ్యాలు పోయినా, రాచరికాలు పోలేదు.
rajyalu poyina, racharikalu poledu.
Even if the kingdoms are gone, the royal attitudes have not left.
This expression is used to describe people who have lost their power, wealth, or status but still cling to their old ego, arrogance, or bossy behavior. It highlights the irony of someone acting superior despite no longer having the means or position to justify it.
కన్నెతనం పోయినా, అన్న మాట పోయినా బతుకే భారం
kannetanam poyina, anna mata poyina batuke bharam
If virginity is lost, or if a given word is lost, life becomes a burden.
This expression emphasizes the extreme importance of integrity and keeping one's promises. In traditional contexts, it compares the loss of a person's reputation or honor (symbolized by broken promises) to the irreversible loss of virtue, suggesting that living without honor or credibility is a heavy burden.
పగవాని యింట పది బిచ్చాలు పోయినా పోయినవే
pagavani yinta padi bichchalu poyina poyinave
Even if ten alms are lost in an enemy's house, they are simply gone.
This proverb suggests that one should not expect any benefit, hospitality, or return from an enemy. Even if you give or lose something valuable to an adversary, it should be considered a total loss because an enemy will never acknowledge the gesture or reciprocate. It is used to advise people to avoid dealings with those who harbor ill-will.
పోయిన మగడు పోయినా, పొన్నకాయలా గుండు కుదిరింది
poyina magadu poyina, ponnakayala gundu kudirindi
Even if the husband is gone, the head shave is as perfect as a Ponnakaaya fruit.
A sarcastic expression used to describe a situation where someone overlooks a major loss or disaster and instead focuses on a trivial or insignificant detail that turned out well. It highlights a misplaced sense of priority or an inappropriate focus on minor aesthetics/outcomes amidst a tragedy.
పాలేరువానికి పశువుపోయినా, మారుతల్లికి బిడ్డపోయినా దిగులులేదు
paleruvaniki pashuvupoyina, marutalliki biddapoyina digululedu
Neither the farmhand worries about the lost cattle, nor the stepmother worries about the lost child.
This proverb is used to describe a lack of empathy or concern in people who do not have a personal stake or emotional bond with their responsibilities. It highlights that those without a sense of ownership or genuine love often remain indifferent to losses that would otherwise be devastating to the rightful owner or biological parent.
కాశీకి పోయినా విడాకులు తప్పలేదట
kashiki poyina vidakulu tappaledata
Even after going to Kashi, the divorce was inevitable.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where an unfortunate fate or a persistent problem follows someone regardless of where they go or what sacred actions they perform. It implies that certain consequences or inherent natures cannot be escaped simply by changing one's location or seeking divine intervention.
మాటలు పోయినాక, మూటలు పనికిరావు
matalu poyinaka, mutalu panikiravu
Once the words are gone, bundles of wealth are of no use.
This proverb emphasizes that once a person has lost their ability to speak or has passed away, material wealth becomes meaningless. It is often used to highlight that good communication and relationships are more valuable than riches, or to suggest that some things cannot be fixed with money once the opportunity for dialogue is lost.
పగవానింట పది బిచ్చాలు పోయినా పోయినవే
pagavaninta padi bichchalu poyina poyinave
If alms are given ten times in an enemy's house, so much the better.
This proverb suggests that one should not expect help or goodwill from an enemy. Even if they appear to give something or help you, it is likely temporary, unreliable, or comes with hidden strings that ultimately result in a loss for you. It emphasizes the importance of self-respect and the futility of depending on those who wish you ill.
పులికి పారణం పశువుకు మారణం
puliki paranam pashuvuku maranam
A feast for the tiger is death for the cattle.
This proverb highlights a situation where one person's gain or pleasure results in another's suffering or loss. It is used to describe zero-sum games or exploitative situations where the benefit of the powerful inherently involves the destruction of the weak.
బిచ్చానికి పోయినా బిగువు తప్పలేదు, దుప్పటి పోయినా వల్లెవాటు తప్పలేదు
bichchaniki poyina biguvu tappaledu, duppati poyina vallevatu tappaledu
Although he goes to beg his pride is not diminished, although his cloth has gone the scarf is not removed from his neck.
This proverb describes a person who maintains an air of false pride or arrogance even after losing everything or falling into a miserable state. It is used to mock someone who refuses to let go of their vanity despite being in a position where they must beg or rely on others.
There's nothing agrees worse, than a proud mind and a beggar's purse. * Man kan ikke see en Anden langer end til Tenderne.