మడతకుడుములు, శేషపానకాలు
madatakudumulu, sheshapanakalu
Folded steamed dumplings and leftover sweet drinks.
This expression is used to mock someone who makes grand claims about their wealth or status but only offers very humble or leftover items. It highlights the disparity between high-sounding names and the poor quality of the actual items provided.
Related Phrases
అలకపాన్పు
alakapanpu
The bed of resentment (or sulking)
In ancient literature and folklore, it refers to a designated place where a queen or a spouse would retreat when angry or upset with their partner. In modern usage, it describes a state of silent resentment or sulking over a disagreement.
ఋణశేషము, వ్రణశేషము, అగ్నిశేషము ఉంచకూడదు.
rinasheshamu, vranasheshamu, agnisheshamu unchakudadu.
Remains of a debt, of a sore, or of a fire should not be left.
This proverb advises that certain things must be dealt with completely and never left unfinished. Debts (Runam) can grow with interest, wounds (Vranam) can become infected or septic if not fully healed, and fire (Agni) can regrow from a single spark to cause destruction. It is used to suggest that problems should be solved at their root entirely.
నాటకములు బూటకములు, బోటితనములు నీటులు.
natakamulu butakamulu, botitanamulu nitulu.
Plays are unreal, your wit is your beauty.
This expression is often used to convey that worldly life or human behavior is superficial and deceptive. It implies that people's actions are often just 'acts' (dramas) and that youth or external beauty is fleeting and pretentious rather than reflecting a deeper truth.
కుడుములు తిన్ననాడే కుట్టువెళ్ళదు
kudumulu tinnanade kuttuvelladu
The stitching work won't be completed on the same day the steamed dumplings (Kudumulu) are eaten.
This proverb is used to convey that success or results take time and cannot be achieved immediately after making an effort or investment. Just because you enjoyed a feast or started a task today, you cannot expect the final output or profit instantly. It emphasizes patience and the reality that processes have their own timeline.
శుష్కప్రియములు, శూన్యహస్తములు.
shushkapriyamulu, shunyahastamulu.
Sweet words, empty hands.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone offers a lot of sweet talk, fake affection, or empty promises but provides no actual help or material support when needed. It characterizes people who are generous with words but stingy with actions.
Speaking kindly, but rendering no assistance. Deeds are love, and not fine phrases. (Spanish.)* Words are female, deeds are male. (Italian.)†
అగ్నిశేషం, రుణశేషం, శత్రుశేషం, వ్రణశేషం ఉంచరాదు.
agnishesham, runashesham, shatrushesham, vranashesham uncharadu.
Do not leave remnants of fire, debt, enemies, or wounds.
This proverb advises that some things must be dealt with completely and never left unfinished. A small spark can restart a fire; a small unpaid debt can grow; a surviving enemy can return for revenge; and an unhealed wound can become infected. It is used to emphasize the importance of thoroughness in solving problems to prevent them from recurring.
కుడుము దాచితే, అమ్మా కుడుములు వండమన్నట్లు
kudumu dachite, amma kudumulu vandamannatlu
Like hiding a steamed dumpling and asking mother to cook more steamed dumplings.
This proverb describes a situation where someone pretends to be innocent or needy while already possessing or hiding the very thing they are asking for. It is used to mock hypocritical behavior or someone who is being cunning by feigning ignorance to gain more.
ఋణశేషం, వ్రణశేషం, శత్రుశేషం ఉంచరాదు.
rinashesham, vranashesham, shatrushesham uncharadu.
Remnants of debt, remnants of a wound, and remnants of an enemy should not be left behind.
This proverb advises that certain things must be dealt with completely. Small amounts of unpaid debt can grow into huge burdens; an improperly healed wound can lead to infection or relapse; and a defeated but remaining enemy can rise again to seek revenge. It is used to emphasize the importance of resolving problems or liabilities entirely rather than leaving them half-finished.
శత్రుశేషం, రుణశేషం, అగ్నిశేషం, రోగశేషం మిగల్చరాదు
shatrushesham, runashesham, agnishesham, rogashesham migalcharadu
Remnants of an enemy, debt, fire, and disease should not be left behind.
This ancient wisdom advises that four things must be completely eliminated rather than partially dealt with. Even a small remnant of an enemy can seek revenge, a tiny debt can grow into a massive burden due to interest, a single spark can reignite a wildfire, and a lingering disease can recur and become fatal. It is used to emphasize the importance of thoroughness in solving problems to prevent their return.
అగ్ని శేషం, వ్రణ శేషం, రుణ శేషం, శత్రు శేషం ఉండరాదు.
agni shesham, vrana shesham, runa shesham, shatru shesham undaradu.
Remnants of fire, remnants of a wound, remnants of debt, and remnants of an enemy should not be left.
This proverb emphasizes the importance of complete resolution. It warns that even a small spark of fire can burn down a house, a partially healed wound can become infected again, a small remaining debt can grow through interest, and a defeated but surviving enemy can strike back. One must deal with these four problems thoroughly and leave no trace behind to ensure safety and peace.