కూటి మీద ఆశ, మీసం మీద ఆశ

kuti mida asha, misam mida asha

Translation

Lust for the food, and lust for the mustache.

Meaning

This proverb refers to a person who wants two contradictory things at the same time. In ancient culture, eating a full meal (especially liquid-based traditional food) might soil a well-groomed mustache. It is used to describe a situation where someone wants to enjoy a benefit but is unwilling to compromise on their pride or vanity, or simply wants 'the best of both worlds' when they are mutually exclusive.

Related Phrases

Wishing for porridge and also for mustaches.

This proverb describes a person who wants two things that are mutually exclusive or incompatible. In the context, one cannot drink porridge (ambali) from a bowl without getting it on their mustache. It is used to critique someone who is being greedy or unrealistic by trying to enjoy a benefit without accepting the associated consequences or trade-offs.

The two don't go well together.

The mother-in-law desires a son-in-law, the brahmin desires dal.

This proverb describes the natural or predictable inclinations and desires of specific people. It highlights that everyone has their own set of expectations or things they fond of; just as a mother-in-law is keen on her son-in-law's arrival or wellbeing, a traditional brahmin is humorously noted for his love of a good meal (specifically dal). It is used to point out obvious preferences.

A woman's desires do not end until the main wooden beam of the house is pulled away.

This proverb describes the deep emotional bond a woman maintains with her parents' home. It suggests that her longing for her childhood home and the family she grew up with lasts throughout her entire life, ending only with her death (symbolized by the destruction or dismantling of the family house).

Desire for the porridge, desire for the mustache.

This proverb describes a person who wants two things that are mutually exclusive or incompatible. In the context of the saying, drinking porridge (ambali) would inevitably soil one's mustache; therefore, one cannot keep the mustache clean while enjoying the drink. It is used to mock someone who is indecisive or greedy, wanting to enjoy a benefit without accepting the necessary sacrifice or consequence.

An intercalary Âshâḍha. The month Âshâḍha corresponds with June—July. Said by a man when excusing himself for not observing the rules of the house in which he was staying.

This expression is used to describe a situation where there is an unnecessary or redundant addition to an already problematic or complicated situation. In the Hindu lunar calendar, an 'Adhika Masam' (extra month) can sometimes be Ashadha; figuratively, it refers to something surplus, unwanted, or a delay that complicates matters.

Complaining about the husband, but greedy for the money

This expression describes a person who constantly complains about their spouse's presence or behavior but is very eager to enjoy the financial benefits and wealth provided by them. It is used to highlight hypocrisy or material greed in a relationship.

The son-in-law longs for his mother-in-law, the priest longs for dal, and the cattle long for their calf.

This proverb humorously highlights the predictable or inherent desires and attachments of different people or animals based on their roles or instincts. It is used to describe situations where someone acts exactly as their natural or social inclination dictates.

For Ganganamma on the mound, her whole world revolves around food.

This proverb is used to describe a person who is constantly preoccupied with food or their own basic needs regardless of their duties or status. It implies that despite being in a position of respect (like a deity), the individual's mind is focused only on consumption.

Desire for the hanging pot, but disgust for the granary.

This expression describes a person who desires something small or unattainable (represented by 'Utti', a hanging net for pots) while neglecting or showing disdain for something abundant and valuable already in their possession (represented by 'Putti', a large grain measurement/granary). It is used to mock those who lack a sense of priority or fail to appreciate their own resources.

A throat as narrow as a needle's eye, but a desire as vast as the sky.

This proverb is used to describe a person who has extremely limited capacity or means but harbors impossibly large ambitions or greed. It highlights the stark contrast between one's actual abilities and their unrealistic expectations.