లేని ఉదారి కంటే కలిగిన మొండి మేలు.

leni udari kante kaligina mondi melu.

Translation

A rich stingy man is better than a poor liberal man.

Meaning

This proverb highlights that intentions alone are not enough. A generous person who lacks resources cannot help others despite their kindness, whereas a wealthy but difficult or stingy person might still be a source of resources or support in a practical sense. It is often used to emphasize the importance of capability over empty promises.

Related Phrases

Even if it is a detour, a dry path is better.

This proverb suggests that it is better to take a longer, safer, and more reliable route (or method) rather than a shortcut that is dangerous or difficult. It emphasizes choosing safety and certainty over speed.

All are relatives of the rich man. ( Bee No. 1557. ) A full purse never lacked friends.

This proverb highlights the social reality that people flock to those who are wealthy or powerful. When someone is affluent, many people claim a relationship or friendship with them to share in their status or benefits. It is used to describe how wealth attracts people, often contrasting with how the poor are neglected.

A pair is better than being alone

This proverb emphasizes the value of companionship and cooperation. It suggests that two people working together or supporting each other is always better and more effective than a person acting alone. It is often used to encourage marriage, partnership, or teamwork.

One said " Loss, loss !" the other replied " A hole in the dish." A pun on the word Ôḍu.

This proverb describes a situation where someone performs a task with excessive or destructive force, or takes a simple instruction to an absurd extreme, causing more damage than help. It is used when a person lacks common sense in fixing a minor problem.

Even if the sky breaks or an eye is lost, you will not stop doing it.

This expression is used to describe an extremely stubborn person or someone who is persistent to a fault. It suggests that regardless of major disasters or personal injury, the individual refuses to change their course of action or stop a specific behavior.

The husband's authority and a stubborn paternal aunt.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone is doubly burdened or oppressed by two difficult authorities. It typically refers to a woman's hardship when she has to deal with a dominating husband on one side and a relentless, stubborn mother-in-law (paternal aunt) on the other, leaving her with no peace or freedom.

A half-burnt log. Said of a mean spirited creature who resents no affront.

This expression refers to a person who is extremely stubborn, obstinate, or unresponsive to advice and logic. Just as a partially burnt, thick log of wood is difficult to handle and neither fully burns away nor remains useful, this phrase describes a person whose behavior is difficult to change or manage.

A fingernail-sized fortune is better than a mountain-sized intelligence.

This proverb highlights the practical reality that sometimes a little bit of wealth or resources can be more immediately useful than vast knowledge or intelligence without any means to apply it. It is often used to emphasize that even small financial stability can provide more security than mere cleverness in difficult times.

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.

Even if it is a long way around, an easy path is better.

This proverb suggests that it is better to take a longer, safer, and more convenient route rather than a shortcut that is difficult, risky, or problematic. It is used to advise patience and caution over hasty shortcuts that might lead to trouble.