కుండలో కూడు కూడుగానే ఉండవలె, పిల్లలు మొద్దుల్లాగా ఉండవలె

kundalo kudu kudugane undavale, pillalu moddullaga undavale

Translation

The food must remain undiminished in the pot, and the children must be fat and strong.

Meaning

This is a sarcastic or satirical expression used to describe someone who has unrealistic, contradictory, or impossible expectations. It depicts a person who wants to keep their resources (food) untouched while expecting those they are responsible for (children) to stay quiet and still without needing any sustenance. It is used to mock stinginess or illogical management.

Notes

To wish for two things opposed to each other. You can't eat your cake and have it too. 15 ( 113 )

Related Phrases

It must be with the goldsmith, or in the chafing-dish. Said of gold made away with by a swindling goldsmith.

This proverb is used to describe things or situations that have no middle ground or compromise. It refers to gold, which must either be in the hands of the goldsmith to be shaped or in the furnace (brazier) to be purified. It implies that a person or a task should either be completely involved in the process or undergoing transformation, leaving no room for being idle or halfway done.

The food in the pot should remain untouched, but the children must grow.

This proverb describes a situation where someone wants to achieve a result without any expenditure or effort. It is used to criticize unrealistic expectations or stinginess, highlighting that you cannot expect growth or progress if you are unwilling to use the necessary resources.

One must be threshing, and the master must be cheated. Said by a dishonest servant.

This expression describes a deceptive or hypocritical way of working where one pretends to put in effort (maintenance) while secretly ensuring the outcome is poor or the resources are drained. It is used to mock people who act like they are helping or working hard, but their actions actually lead to failure or loss for the owner/employer.

If there is food in the pot, the widow cannot sleep.

This proverb describes a greedy or gluttonous person who cannot rest as long as there is something left to consume. It is used to highlight an obsessive nature over resources or an inability to save for later because of an immediate desire to indulge.

As long as there is food, the traditional way of draping the sari among certain castes does not change.

This proverb is used to illustrate that people do not change their fundamental habits, customs, or attitudes as long as they are comfortable and their basic needs (like food) are met. It suggests that change often only occurs under the pressure of necessity or hardship.

The food in the pot should remain as it is, and the children should remain like logs.

This expression is used to describe an impossible or highly selfish desire where someone wants to enjoy the benefits of something without any of the associated costs or natural consequences. In this context, it refers to wanting children to be healthy and grow (like sturdy logs) while simultaneously wishing that they never consume the food in the house. It highlights a paradoxical or stingy mindset.

The son must flourish, and the daughter-in-law must become a widow.

This proverb describes a paradoxical or impossible desire, highlighting human selfishness or hypocrisy. Since a woman can only become a widow if her husband (the son) dies, wishing for both simultaneously is a logical contradiction. It is used to mock people who want all the benefits for themselves without accepting the necessary consequences, or those who harbor ill will that would ultimately hurt their own interests.

You should not stay near a young buffalo, or an old creditor.

This proverb warns about potential dangers or troubles. Standing near a buffalo's calf is dangerous because the mother buffalo may attack to protect it. Similarly, being near an old creditor is risky as they will inevitably demand their money back, causing social embarrassment or financial pressure. It advises staying away from situations that trigger trouble.

Shun a wicked man.

This expression serves as a cautionary advice to avoid the company or proximity of evil-minded people. It implies that associating with bad characters can lead to unnecessary trouble or influence one's own reputation and character negatively.

Pretend to condole when you cauterize.

This proverb describes a situation where someone pretends to be sympathetic or helpful while actually causing harm or dealing a severe blow. It is used to describe a calculated action that appears kind on the surface but is intended to teach a painful lesson or inflict damage, or to describe someone who acts with duplicity.