మాకు కుడుము, మీకు వక్క
maku kudumu, miku vakka
A steamed cake for us, a betel nut for you
Used to describe a situation where there is an unfair distribution of benefits or a lopsided deal. It refers to a person taking the substantial part (the food) for themselves while offering something insignificant or hard to digest (the nut) to others.
Related Phrases
ప్రియములేని కూడు పిండముతో సమానము
priyamuleni kudu pindamuto samanamu
Food served without affection is equal to funeral offerings.
This expression highlights that the hospitality and love with which food is served are more important than the food itself. Food served by someone who does not like you or without genuine warmth is compared to 'Pindam' (food offered to the deceased), implying it is soul-less or insulting to consume.
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.
మీకు మాట, మాకు మూట
miku mata, maku muta
For you, the word; for us, the bundle.
This expression is used in situations involving negotiation or bribery where one party receives credit, honor, or praise (the word), while the other party receives financial gain or material wealth (the bundle/money). It implies a mutually beneficial deal where social status and material profit are divided between the parties.
కుక్కకు కూడువేస్తే కూటికుండకు ముప్పు
kukkaku kuduveste kutikundaku muppu
If you feed the dog, the food-pot is at risk.
This proverb refers to people who are ungrateful or those who, when helped, try to take advantage of or harm their benefactor. It describes a situation where showing kindness to an unworthy or untrustworthy person results in them endangering your own resources or well-being.
ఉడుముకు రెండు నాలికలు
udumuku rendu nalikalu
The Guana has two tongues. Said of a man that breaks his word. " A sinner that hath a double tongue." Ecclesiasticus vi. 1.
This expression is used to describe a person who is inconsistent, hypocritical, or goes back on their word. Just as a monitor lizard has a forked tongue, it refers to someone who says one thing now and another thing later, or someone who is double-tongued and unreliable.
ప్రీతిలేని కూడు పిండాకూడు
pritileni kudu pindakudu
Food served without affection is like funeral offerings.
This expression emphasizes that the hospitality and love behind a meal are more important than the food itself. Food served grudgingly or without warmth is compared to 'Pinda', the ritual food offered to the deceased, which is considered uninviting and devoid of the joy of living hospitality. It is used to highlight that one should not accept or offer food where there is no mutual respect or affection.
చవిలేని కూడు కుడిచినట్లు
chavileni kudu kudichinatlu
Like eating food that has no taste.
This expression is used to describe an experience or activity that is dull, uninteresting, or lacks any satisfaction. Just as eating tasteless food provides no pleasure despite fulfilling a necessity, it refers to performing a task or attending an event that is completely bland and monotonous.
నీకు ఒక దండం, నీ బువ్వకు ఒక దండం
niku oka dandam, ni buvvaku oka dandam
A bow to you, a bow to your food. Said when offered bad food.
This expression is used when someone is fed up with another person's troublesome behavior or difficult nature. It signifies a desire to cut ties or stay away from them, implying 'I don't want your company, nor do I want to share a meal with you; just leave me alone.'
మొదళ్ళు మీకు, మోసులు మాకు
modallu miku, mosulu maku
The trunks/roots for you, the tender tips/shoots for us.
This proverb describes a situation of clever deception or an unfair deal where one party takes the valuable or substantial part (the roots/base) while tricking the other into accepting the useless or superficial part (the thin tips). It is often used to highlight exploitation or a lopsided agreement.
ఆలు కుదురైతే చేను కుదురు
alu kuduraite chenu kuduru
If the wife is steady, the farm is steady.
This proverb emphasizes the central role of a woman in managing a household and its prosperity. It means that if a wife is disciplined, hardworking, and manages the home well, the family's assets and livelihood (symbolized by the 'farm') will also be stable and successful.