కుంటి కులాసం, ఇంటికి మోసం.

kunti kulasam, intiki mosam.

Translation

What's the cripple's delight is harm to the house. Such a man is said always to be in mischief.

Meaning

This proverb describes a situation where an unproductive or dependent person indulges in unnecessary luxuries or lazy pleasures at the expense of those who support them. It is used to critique individuals who waste resources they haven't earned, leading to the financial or structural downfall of the household.

Related Phrases

Like tying a knot between the sky and the earth

This expression is used to describe an impossible task, a highly exaggerated statement, or a clever person who can bridge two completely unrelated or extreme things through their talk or actions. It is often used to describe someone who spins tall tales or attempts to reconcile vast differences.

Cheating the principal while fighting for the profit

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone risks or loses their original investment (the base/capital) while greedily fighting for additional gains or profits. It highlights the foolishness of endangering the foundation for the sake of small extra benefits.

Fighting for the profits after losing the capital. Neglecting great things for small.

This expression describes a situation where someone is so focused on gaining extra benefits or profits that they risk losing their original investment or the base itself. It is used to caution against greed that leads to the loss of what one already has.

If the mistress of the house be blind, all the pots will be broken. Without supervision things will go to ruin. When the gude wife's awa', the keys are tint. (Scotch.)

This proverb highlights the importance of the primary person in charge of a task being capable and attentive. If the person responsible for managing a household (or an organization) is unable to see or manage things properly, it leads to the loss and destruction of the resources under their care. It is used to describe how a lack of supervision or competence in leadership leads to waste and damage.

Lame leisure/complacency is a deception to the house.

This proverb is used to warn that laziness or feigning inability (lameness) to avoid work ultimately harms the entire household or family. It highlights how one person's excuses for not being productive lead to the downfall of collective stability.

Old age is a danger to the house, a crocodile is a danger to the river.

This proverb is used to describe situations where a specific entity becomes a source of trouble for its environment. Just as a crocodile makes a river dangerous, an elderly person who is neglected or becomes overly difficult (or the inevitable decay associated with age) can bring distress to a household. It is often used to highlight unavoidable or inherent problems within a system.

For conversation at our house, for a meal at your house.

This proverb is used to describe someone who is very friendly and talkative but avoids being hospitable or sharing food. It refers to a person who is happy to host a conversation but expects others to provide the meal or resources. It highlights a one-sided relationship or stinginess disguised as friendliness.

A fowl has no happiness and a Kômaṭi has no feeling. The Kômaṭis are a class of shopkeepers.

This proverb describes the inherent nature of certain entities. It suggests that a hen is always busy scratching the ground for food (never resting), and traditionally implies that in business, a merchant prioritizes profit over personal loyalty or trust. It is used to describe situations where constant restlessness or self-interest is expected.

A lame person's leisure is a loss to the house.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where a person who is unable to contribute productively (or is making excuses) spends their time in idle enjoyment or luxury, which ultimately leads to the financial or situational ruin of the household. It warns against being lazy or irresponsible when one should be mindful of their duties and the family's welfare.

If one leaves family life, it is monkhood; if it's not heaven, it is Kailasam.

This expression refers to a situation where there are limited but equally acceptable or predetermined alternatives. It is used when a person is prepared for one of two outcomes, implying that if one path doesn't work out, the next logical or inevitable step is already decided. It often suggests a sense of resignation or a lack of other choices.