కుంటోడైనా ఇంటోడు మేలు

kuntodaina intodu melu

Translation

Even if he is lame, a person from the house is better.

Meaning

This proverb emphasizes the value of familiarity and loyalty. It suggests that a person you know well and can trust—even with their flaws or disabilities—is more reliable and beneficial in the long run than a capable stranger who might be untrustworthy.

Related Phrases

A house already built has many critics.

This proverb is used to describe how people find numerous faults or suggest unnecessary improvements only after a task is completed. It is similar to the English expression 'Hindsight is 20/20' or 'Everyone is a master after the event.'

The small measure of milk in one's own house is better than a large pot of milk in the neighbor's house.

This proverb emphasizes the value of self-reliance and ownership. It suggests that having a small amount of something that belongs to you is more reliable and beneficial than depending on a large amount that belongs to someone else. It is used to advise people to be content with what they own rather than looking at others' wealth.

Even a monkey from one's own community is better.

This proverb suggests that it is better to deal with someone from your own background or community, even if they have flaws or are troublesome, because there is an inherent understanding and shared social bond that might not exist with a stranger.

Like adding cold water to hot water

This expression is used to describe a situation where a small amount of help or contribution is added to a larger effort. It signifies how even a minor assistance can complement or complete a task, much like how cold water helps bring boiling water to a usable temperature.

When asked 'Who would you have married if not for me?', she replied 'Someone just like your father's son would have been born'.

This proverb is used to deflate someone's ego when they think they are indispensable or unique. It suggests that the world doesn't stop for one person and a suitable replacement or a similar person will always be available to fill a role.

In a house where gantaloo (pearl millet) grows and a house where kanuju (foxtail millet) grows, there is no scarcity.

This is a traditional agricultural proverb highlighting the importance of growing hardy millet crops. It suggests that these crops are reliable and provide food security even during tough times, ensuring that the household never faces hunger or poverty.

The person with skin sores (or a weak constitution) craves pickles.

This proverb describes a situation where someone likes or chooses things that are actually harmful to their condition. It is used to mock people who have poor taste or those who stubbornly pursue things that worsen their existing problems.

One's own good and evil stay with them only.

This expression emphasizes personal responsibility and the law of karma. It means that the consequences of a person's actions—whether positive (good) or negative (evil)—will ultimately follow them and affect their own life. It is often used to advise someone to act righteously, as they alone will reap the results of their deeds.

Whether it is a feast or a medicine, it is for three days only.

This proverb is used to convey that both happiness (represented by a feast) and hardship (represented by taking medicine) are temporary. It suggests that any situation, good or bad, will typically lose its intensity or reach its conclusion in a short period. It is often used to advise someone not to overstay their welcome as a guest or to encourage someone enduring a difficult phase that it will soon pass.

A squint eye is better than a blind eye.

This proverb is used to convey that having something imperfect or partial is better than having nothing at all. It is similar to the English expression 'Half a loaf is better than no bread' or 'Something is better than nothing.'

Of two evils choose the least.