కసాయికి దొరతనం వస్తే, కసికింత పప్పు వేయమన్నాడట.

kasayiki doratanam vaste, kasikinta pappu veyamannadata.

Translation

When a butcher was given authority, he ordered 'a pinch of lentils' to be served.

Meaning

This proverb is used to describe a person with a narrow-minded or miserly nature who, even after attaining a position of power or wealth, continues to act with a petty and stingy mindset. It highlights how a person's inherent character does not change simply because their social or financial status has improved.

Related Phrases

I will eat all the dal that I have mixed myself.

This expression is used to describe a person who is highly individualistic, stubborn, or unwilling to share or cooperate with others. It signifies a 'my way or the highway' attitude, where the person insists on handling their own affairs entirely by themselves, often rejecting help or input from others.

When someone asks for oil for their cattle, the other asks for butter for their child.

This expression is used to describe a situation where a person, instead of helping someone in a difficult or basic situation, makes an even greater or more luxurious demand for themselves. it highlights selfishness or competitive one-upmanship in a humorous or critical way.

When a starving woman was given stale food, she told the neighbors that her mother-in-law served her a royal feast.

This proverb describes a person who is so deprived or desperate that even the smallest, most insignificant favor feels like a grand gesture. It is used to highlight situations where someone's extreme need makes them overly grateful for something of very low value, or when someone tries to cover up their poor circumstances by glorifying a meager offering.

Like saying, 'Uttarayanam has arrived, now go hang yourself.'

This proverb is used to describe someone who gives bad, sarcastic, or destructive advice under the guise of an auspicious or positive occasion. Uttarayanam is considered a highly sacred period in the Hindu calendar where dying is believed to lead to salvation; however, advising someone to commit suicide just because the timing is 'good' is absurd and malicious.

He said the spinning wheel has arrived, move the cart out of the way.

This proverb is used to mock someone who exaggerates the importance of a small or insignificant object or event. It describes a situation where a person demands a lot of space or attention for something tiny (like a spinning wheel), treating it as if it were a massive vehicle (like a cart).

He said 'Domestic life has slowly settled in, now cook fine rice'.

This proverb is used to mock someone who expects luxury or high standards before they have truly established their foundations or stability. It describes a situation where someone demands rewards or comforts prematurely, often with very little effort or progress made.

While there is the royalty (status) of stealing, why have the lowliness of begging?

This is a satirical or ironic proverb used to describe a person's skewed sense of pride. It refers to someone who considers stealing to be a more dignified or 'brave' act than the perceived humiliation of begging for help or working humble jobs. It is often used to criticize those who choose dishonest paths over honest, albeit modest, living.

The authority of a woman is like the lordship of a Tamballa man.

This proverb is used to criticize situations where people who are perceived as weak or unsuitable for leadership are given authority, suggesting that such leadership will be ineffective or lack real power. Historically, 'Tamballa' referred to a specific community of temple priests who were often seen as non-assertive, and this expression draws a parallel between their perceived nature and the leadership of women (reflecting traditional patriarchal views). It is used to mock a household or organization where the leadership is seen as weak or disorderly.

There is no better answer than silence.

This expression is used to convey that sometimes staying silent is the most powerful or effective way to respond to a situation, provocation, or unnecessary argument. It suggests that silence can prevent further conflict and is often more dignified than words.

It became this much from that much; who knows what this much will become; for this, only this much.

This expression is used to describe a situation that has grown or escalated unexpectedly from a small beginning. It reflects on the unpredictable progression of events and concludes that the current outcome is the inevitable result of the preceding actions.