కష్ట సంపాదనము, ఇష్టభోజనము.

kashta sampadanamu, ishtabhojanamu.

Translation

Hard-earned income, favorite food.

Meaning

This proverb emphasizes that wealth earned through hard work brings true satisfaction and the right to enjoy one's favorite comforts. It suggests that when you work hard for your money, the pleasure derived from spending it, particularly on good food, is much more fulfilling and honorable.

Related Phrases

One person's earnings are shared by ten people.

This proverb refers to a situation where a single individual is the sole breadwinner for a large extended family or a group of dependents. It describes the burden of one person's hard work sustaining many others, often used when discussing family responsibilities or collective dependency on one source of income.

The eldest son's marriage, and the giant's dinner.

This proverb is used to describe a situation that is chaotic, unorganized, or characterized by excessive haste and lack of discipline. It refers to an event where, due to mismanagement or overwhelming crowds, the food is consumed greedily or served in a disorderly fashion, much like a feast of demons.

A giant had to be supplied with a man daily by the villagers in turn. ( See Vikramârka Tales in Telugu Selections Page 41. ) A happy event and a great misfortune coming together.

Asceticism is difficult at the end, family life is difficult in the middle

This proverb highlights the challenges of different stages of life. Being a monk or ascetic (Sanyasam) is difficult in old age due to loneliness and physical ailments, whereas family life (Samsaram) is hardest in the middle years when one is burdened with responsibilities, financial stress, and raising children.

Eating when the appetite is satisfied; unfaithfulness to a wife. Both bad.

This proverb highlights the futility and lack of enjoyment in doing things at the wrong time or in the wrong context. Eating when one is not hungry is tasteless and forced, much like the absurdity and pointlessness of treating one's own wife as a prostitute. It is used to describe actions that lack purpose, desire, or natural fulfillment.

Wealth and life are under the Guru's control; the key and the body are under my control.

This proverb satirically describes a person who pretends to surrender everything to a teacher or mentor but remains deeply attached to their physical comforts and material possessions. It is used to mock hypocritical devotion or someone who talks about sacrifice but keeps the most important resources for themselves.

Plaintiff's destruction, defendant's total loss, lawyer's fortune, and the court's whim.

This proverb satirizes the legal system. It implies that in a legal battle, both the plaintiff and the defendant end up losing their wealth and peace of mind, while only the lawyers benefit financially. The final outcome remains unpredictable as it depends entirely on the court's discretion. It is used to advise people to settle disputes outside of court.

Dining with the son-in-law, studying with the son.

This proverb highlights the traditional social dynamics where a son-in-law is treated with great hospitality and formality, making dining together a celebratory or respectful event. In contrast, a father is expected to be deeply involved in his son's education and discipline. It implies that certain relationships are best suited for specific activities based on the roles and expectations within a family.

Three sessions, but only one meal.

This expression is used to describe a state of extreme poverty or scarcity. It refers to a situation where despite the day having three natural meal times (morning, afternoon, and night), a person can only afford or find enough food to eat once.

Loss and hardship

This expression is used to describe a situation involving significant trouble, loss, and suffering. It is often used when someone explains the various difficulties or 'trials and tribulations' they have endured to achieve something or during a bad phase in life.

As much wealth, so much danger.

This proverb suggests that the more wealth or possessions one acquires, the greater the associated risks, worries, or dangers. It is used to caution that prosperity often brings its own set of problems and vulnerabilities.