కూర ఎంతైనా కూడుకాదు

kura entaina kudukadu

Translation

No matter how much curry there is, it is not cooked rice.

Meaning

This proverb is used to emphasize that secondary things, no matter how plentiful or high-quality they are, cannot replace the primary or essential requirement. Just as curry cannot satisfy hunger like rice (the staple) does, luxuries or additions cannot replace basic necessities.

Related Phrases

Age is crunchy, duck is crunchy.

This expression is used to describe the vigor and energy of youth. It implies that during one's prime age, even a tough or 'crunchy' meat like duck can be easily digested and enjoyed. It signifies that everything seems favorable and manageable when one is young and healthy.

He will spend any amount on the royal palace/city, but cries to provide food for his eldest daughter-in-law.

This proverb describes a hypocritical or foolish person who spends lavishly on grand public displays or outsiders to gain status, but neglects the basic needs of his own family members. It highlights the irony of seeking external prestige while being stingy at home.

In a village where the husband himself is absent, banana curry is served.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where the main person or essential element is missing, making the current actions or arrangements redundant or meaningless. It highlights the irony of preparing something for someone who isn't there to receive it.

A rabbit in the kitchen and a hen by the stove.

This expression is used to describe a person who is extremely lazy, unproductive, or avoids work by spending all their time in comfortable, warm places like the kitchen. It refers to someone who is always found near food or warmth instead of being out and working.

Without heat, the food will not cook

This proverb emphasizes that without hard work, effort, or a certain level of pressure/urgency, results cannot be achieved. Just as heat is essential for cooking rice, diligence is necessary for success.

No matter how much they have learned, no matter how much they have seen, no matter how great they are, they are still slaves to women.

This expression suggests that regardless of a man's education, wisdom, worldly experience, or social status, he is ultimately susceptible to the charms and influence of a woman. It is often used to describe how even the most powerful or intellectual men can become weak or subservient when it comes to their romantic interests or the women in their lives.

He doesn't pay, hang him, but he comes for every meal. Said by a cateress, of a customer who was more regular in his attendance than in his payments.

This expression is used to describe a person who is lazy, useless, and parasitical. It refers to someone who contributes nothing to society or the family (doesn't give anything) and doesn't even have the decency to 'get out of the way' (doesn't die), yet is always present promptly whenever it is time to eat at someone else's expense.

Even if it is just a spoonful, it should give strength; even if it is a whole granary, it should be consumed.

This proverb emphasizes the importance of quality over quantity, while also highlighting that resources are meant to be used. It suggests that a small amount of nutritious or high-quality food is better than a large amount of useless filler. In a broader sense, it means that whatever we possess should serve its purpose effectively.

No matter how long its trunk is, a mosquito cannot become an elephant.

This expression is used to remind that imitation or having a single similar trait does not equate to having the actual stature, strength, or essence of another. It highlights that inherent nature and capability cannot be changed by superficial similarities or mere pretension.

No matter how much is harvested, it's for food; no matter how much one has, it ends at the cremation ground.

This proverb reflects on the ultimate simplicity and transience of life. It emphasizes that despite one's wealth, achievements, or surplus, the basic necessity remains food, and the final destination for everyone is death. It is used to counsel humility and to remind people not to be overly greedy or proud of their possessions.