కాని కాలంలో కాని డబ్బు అప్పు పుట్టదు

kani kalamlo kani dabbu appu puttadu

Translation

In bad times, money doesn't even come as a debt.

Meaning

This expression highlights that during difficult or unfavorable times, it is extremely hard to get help or secure a loan, even if one is willing to pay it back. It is used to describe a period of misfortune where even basic resources or support systems fail.

Related Phrases

Knowledge that does not bring money is only for poverty

This proverb is used to emphasize that education or a skill which cannot be monetized or used to earn a livelihood is practically useless in the real world. It highlights the pragmatic view that the primary purpose of learning is to achieve financial stability.

A person without courage is of no use even with money.

This proverb highlights that courage and self-confidence are more valuable than material wealth. It is used to describe a situation where a person, despite having financial resources, cannot achieve anything or defend themselves because they lack the necessary boldness or character.

One's wife is another's mother.

This proverb emphasizes respect and moral conduct towards women. It suggests that every woman should be treated with the same respect one gives to their own mother, highlighting that a woman who is a wife to someone is essentially a mother figure to others in society.

[One who can tell] a hundred lies, [one who can tell] a thousand lies. Ten times as bad.

This proverb is used to convey that no matter how many difficulties or challenges (poverty/troubles) one faces, there are always ways to overcome them. It emphasizes human ingenuity and the availability of endless solutions to any number of problems. It is often used to encourage creative problem-solving in desperate situations.

If you have money, you enjoy Delhi-like luxuries; if you don't have money, you face hardships/destitution.

This expression highlights the power of wealth in determining social status and comfort. It contrasts the extreme luxury one can enjoy with money against the struggle and lack of basic respect one faces in poverty.

Complaining about the husband, but greedy for the money

This expression describes a person who constantly complains about their spouse's presence or behavior but is very eager to enjoy the financial benefits and wealth provided by them. It is used to highlight hypocrisy or material greed in a relationship.

In bad times, even a pigeon pea plant will not bear fruit

This proverb describes a period of misfortune where even the simplest or most reliable tasks fail to yield results. It is used to express that when luck is against someone, even their best efforts and usually dependable resources will let them down.

Spend more money on cattle and less money on clothes.

This traditional saying emphasizes productivity over vanity. It suggests that one should invest more in assets that provide a livelihood or income (like livestock in an agrarian society) and spend minimally on non-productive luxuries like expensive clothing. It is used to advise someone to prioritize essential investments over outward appearances.

Everyone is a relative, but one cannot even get a glass of drinking water.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where one is surrounded by many friends or relatives who claim to be close, yet none of them step forward to help when there is a genuine need. It highlights the irony of having a large social circle that offers no practical support.

Debts for food and clothing do not remain long unpaid.

This expression highlights that debts taken for basic survival needs like clothing (batta) and food (potta) are transient and must be cleared quickly. It is often used to emphasize that one cannot delay repaying small but essential debts or to point out that basic necessities are the first priorities that get consumed immediately, leaving no long-term asset behind.