కులం తప్పినవాడు బంతికి ముందు, కూరగాయలవాడు సంతకు ముందు

kulam tappinavadu bantiki mundu, kuragayalavadu santaku mundu

Translation

The one who lost their caste (status) is first in the dining row, the vegetable seller is first at the market.

Meaning

This proverb describes people who are overly eager or arrive prematurely due to their specific needs or lack of social standing. Just as a vegetable seller arrives early at a market to secure a spot before others, a person who has been ostracized or lost status might rush to the front of a feast (pankti/row) to ensure they are served or acknowledged before being ignored.

Related Phrases

Like donating vegetables that cows won't eat to the priests.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone 'generously' gives away something that is useless or unwanted by themselves. It highlights hypocritical charity or disposing of junk under the guise of being helpful or religious.

One missed being born to the maternal aunt, the other missed being born to the mother.

This expression is used to describe two people who are equally wicked, cunning, or troublesome. It implies that there is no difference in their bad character; if one is bad, the other is slightly worse or just as bad. It is similar to saying 'two of a kind' or 'chips off the same block' in a negative context.

The person who lost their caste (outcast) arrives first for the feast; the vegetable seller arrives first for the market.

This proverb highlights the eagerness or anxiety of certain individuals based on their situation. Just as a vegetable seller must arrive early to secure a good spot at the market to survive, someone who has been ostracized might arrive earliest to a public gathering or feast to ensure they are not ignored or to assert their presence before others arrive. It is used to describe people who show up excessively early or with a sense of urgency due to their specific needs or insecurities.

A person of lower status is the first to come for food

This proverb is used to criticize people who lack dignity or social grace, particularly those who exhibit greed or eagerness for material benefits (like food) despite not having earned a place of honor. It suggests that those who do not value their reputation are often the most impatient for rewards.

Whether you deviate from the truth or deviate from a prescribed diet, troubles are inevitable.

This proverb highlights the importance of integrity and discipline. It suggests that just as ignoring medical dietary restrictions leads to physical suffering, abandoning truth and honesty leads to moral and social consequences. In both cases, the person must face the resulting hardships.

Already in debt from the previous market day.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone is already burdened with existing problems, debts, or commitments before even starting a new task or phase. It implies that one is starting from a disadvantage or is perpetually lagging behind.

Shackles for the kite before Sankranti

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone who is usually free or mischievous is suddenly restricted or disciplined just before a major event or their peak time. It refers to the traditional practice of catching or grounding kites (birds of prey) before the kite-flying festival of Sankranti to prevent them from interfering.

If it thunders before the rain or if one cries before speaking, it will not last/finish.

This proverb is used to describe situations that lack substance or perseverance. It suggests that a rainstorm preceded by excessive thunder often dissipates without much rain, just as a person who starts a conversation with tears often fails to convey their point effectively or complete their argument. It highlights that excessive show or premature emotion often leads to an unproductive end.

He that breaks his word is a Pariah.

This proverb emphasizes the supreme importance of honesty and integrity. It suggests that a person's character and social standing are defined by their ability to keep promises. Historically, it was used to imply that failing to honor one's word leads to a loss of honor and respect in society, comparing the act of lying to being cast out of the social order.

A man that breaks his word and a vagrant are alike.

This proverb highlights that a person who fails to keep their word loses their credibility and status. It suggests that breaking a commitment is a sign of an unreliable character, making the person as useless or aimless as someone wasting time circling a rock.