కంచము అమ్మి మెట్టెలు కొన్నట్టు

kanchamu ammi mettelu konnattu

Translation

Selling the dish and buying toe-rings. He has given the hen for the egg. (German.)

Meaning

This proverb is used to describe a person who makes a foolish trade-off by giving up something essential or useful for something ornamental or trivial. It refers to misplaced priorities where one sacrifices a basic necessity (a plate for food) for a luxury or a decorative item (toe-rings).

Related Phrases

Like selling firewood where flowers were sold.

This proverb describes a person who has fallen from a high, prosperous, or prestigious status to a lowly or poor condition. It signifies the misfortune of having to do menial work in the same environment where one previously enjoyed success and respect.

Selling the fertilizer and putting the quilt in the hearth.

This expression is used to describe a foolish or self-destructive person who sells their source of livelihood (fertilizer for farming) and then destroys their only means of comfort or warmth (the quilt) for fuel. It refers to someone who makes decisions that lead to their own total ruin by wasting both their assets and their necessities.

Like selling firewood where sandal had been sold. Said of the ruin of what once was beautiful.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone or something has lost its former glory, dignity, or high status. It refers to a decline in quality or a person resorting to menial tasks after having held a prestigious position.

Even after giving a plate and having a toe ring put on, the husband cannot see it.

This proverb describes a person who is extremely unobservant, dull-witted, or indifferent. It refers to a situation where someone fails to notice something glaringly obvious or a significant gesture, even after being explicitly prompted or provided with all the necessary tools to recognize it.

When everyone sold their properties, the daughter-in-law sold her jewelry without consulting her mother-in-law.

This proverb describes a situation where someone takes a foolish or reckless action based on peer pressure or by following a trend without proper understanding or consultation. It highlights the consequence of acting blindly without looking at the long-term impact or seeking advice from elders/experienced people.

Like selling a child in a famine. Selling in a bad market.

This expression is used to describe a state of extreme desperation or dire necessity where someone is forced to give up something incredibly precious or vital just to survive a crisis. It highlights a situation where there are no good choices left and one must make a heartbreaking sacrifice.

Like selling firewood in the same shop where flowers were once sold.

This expression describes a situation where someone who once lived a dignified or prosperous life has now fallen into a lowly or difficult state. It refers to a significant decline in status, quality, or circumstances, comparing the fragrance and beauty of flowers to the ruggedness and toil associated with selling firewood.

Like selling the plate to buy anklets.

This proverb describes a situation where someone sacrifices a basic necessity or a useful tool for a luxury or a useless ornament. It refers to poor financial judgment or misplaced priorities, specifically trading something essential for survival for something that is merely for show.

Like selling a dining plate to get toe-rings made.

This expression is used to describe a foolish act where someone sacrifices a basic necessity or something of great utility for the sake of a useless luxury or a decorative item. It highlights poor prioritization and a lack of common sense.

Buying a Taddinam. Bringing difficulties upon one's own head.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone voluntarily invites trouble or creates a headache for themselves by their own actions or choices. It is similar to the English expression 'to go looking for trouble' or 'asking for it.'

* Alterâ manu scabunt, altera ferunt.