కొన్న దగ్గర కొసరు గానీ, కోరిన దగ్గర కొసరా?

konna daggara kosaru gani, korina daggara kosara?

Translation

Bargaining for an extra is fine where you purchase, but can you bargain where you begged?

Meaning

This proverb highlights that one has the right to demand more (kosaru) only when they are paying for a service or product. It is used to point out the lack of modesty or manners in someone who is receiving a favor or gift for free yet continues to demand more or specific preferences.

Related Phrases

Like a wasp near the ear

Used to describe a person who is constantly annoying, nagging, or buzzing around someone with persistent talk, causing irritation similar to the buzzing of a wasp near one's ear.

Ten million skills are all for earning one’s livelihood.

The purpose, by and large, of acquisition of diverse special skills is only to make a living.

Clerkship at the threshing floor, lordship at the dining plate.

This proverb describes people who show off their authority or position only where there is a personal benefit or profit. A 'Karanam' (clerk) shows his power at the threshing floor to take his share of grain, and a 'Reddy' (village head) asserts his status at the dining table to get the best food. It is used to mock those who are only 'bossy' when there is something to gain.

What he bought was a brinjal, what he got to boot was a gourd.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone demands or expects a free addition (bonus) that is far more valuable or larger than the actual item they paid for. It highlights greediness or unreasonable expectations in transactions.

The words spoken at the graveyard do not remain at the dinner table.

This proverb highlights the fleeting nature of philosophical realizations or remorse. People often express deep wisdom or regret during somber moments (like a funeral), but quickly return to their usual habits and desires once they are back in the comfort of their daily lives.

Will something that doesn't come by buying it, come by haggling for extras?

This proverb highlights that when a fundamental goal or result cannot be achieved through primary efforts or fair means (buying), it is futile to expect it through minor requests or petty bargaining (haggling). It is used to describe situations where someone tries to get a major benefit through trivial persistence when the main opportunity has already failed.

The lock is with you, the key is with me.

In Telugu, 'Chevi' can mean both 'ear' and 'key'. This expression refers to a situation where two parties must cooperate because they each hold a vital part of a solution, or more colloquially, it describes a situation where authority or access is divided, preventing any one person from acting independently.

When there's no way to get the principal amount, asking for a bonus.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone is demanding extras or luxuries when the basic or essential requirements are not even met. It highlights the irony of asking for something additional (kosaru) when the main part (asalu) is missing or unavailable.

For a field near the village, everyone is a thief.

This proverb refers to a situation where a resource or property is easily accessible to everyone, leading to its exploitation or misuse. When something is conveniently located for the public, people tend to take small liberties or steal from it, thinking their minor action won't be noticed, but collectively it leads to significant loss for the owner.

Graze where it is green, sleep where it is warm

This proverb describes a person who is opportunistic or seeking extreme comfort and convenience. It is used to refer to someone who enjoys resources where they are plentiful and seeks shelter where it is most comfortable, often without contributing or showing loyalty. It can also imply living a life of ease and smart survival.