మారుచీర లేక మేలుచీర కట్టుకొన్నట్లు
maruchira leka meluchira kattukonnatlu
Like wearing a high-end saree because one does not have a spare change of clothes.
This expression describes a situation where someone is forced to use an expensive or precious resource for a mundane task simply because they lack a basic or ordinary alternative. It highlights a lack of preparedness or the irony of using something luxury out of necessity rather than choice.
Related Phrases
చీర చిరుగును, పెయ్య పెరుగును
chira chirugunu, peyya perugunu
The sari will tear, the heifer will grow.
This proverb is used to emphasize making wise investments or spending money on things that appreciate in value. It compares buying clothes (which wear out and lose value) to buying livestock (which grows and produces profit), suggesting one should prioritize long-term growth over temporary material possessions.
బోయే కాలానికి బుద్ధి గడ్డి తిన్నట్టు
boye kalaniki buddhi gaddi tinnattu
When the end is near, the intellect eats grass.
This expression is used to describe a situation where a person starts making foolish or irrational decisions that lead to their downfall. It implies that when someone's bad time or ruin is approaching, they lose their common sense and act against their own best interests.
కట్టుచీర లేనినాడు పట్టుచీర బయటకు వస్తుంది.
kattuchira leninadu pattuchira bayataku vastundi.
When there is no common saree to wear, the silk saree comes out.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone is forced to use their most expensive or valued items out of sheer necessity because their everyday essentials are unavailable or exhausted. It highlights a state of extreme poverty or a situation where things have reached a critical point, leaving one with no choice but to utilize their final, reserved resources.
పట్టుచీర ఎరవిచ్చి, పీటపట్టుకుని వెంట తిరిగినట్లు
pattuchira eravichchi, pitapattukuni venta tiriginatlu
Lending a silk saree and then following them around carrying a low wooden stool.
This expression describes a situation where someone helps another person or lends them something valuable, but then becomes overly anxious or intrusive about its safety. It refers to a person who, after doing a favor, constantly hovers over the recipient to ensure their belongings aren't damaged or soiled (the stool is meant for the person to sit on so the saree doesn't touch the ground). It is used to mock those who can't trust others even after offering help.
కూడు చీర లేని చోటు కొరగానిది
kudu chira leni chotu koraganidi
A place without food and clothing is useless.
This proverb highlights that basic necessities like food (koodu) and clothing (cheera) are the primary requirements for living. It is used to suggest that one should not stay in a place or a job where even their fundamental needs are not met, as such a place is of no value to them.
భోజనానికి వద్దంటే, పట్టుచీర కట్టుకొని వస్తానన్నట్లు
bhojananiki vaddante, pattuchira kattukoni vastanannatlu
When told not to come for the meal, she said she would come wearing a silk saree.
This proverb is used to describe a person who lacks self-respect or fails to take a hint. It refers to someone who insists on attending an event or staying in a situation where they are clearly not welcome or have been explicitly disinvited, often by trying to justify their presence with superficial excuses.
వారకాంత కట్టిన చీర వారణాసిపట్టు, పేదరాలు కట్టిన చీర పిచ్చిపట్టు.
varakanta kattina chira varanasipattu, pedaralu kattina chira pichchipattu.
The saree worn by a courtesan is considered Varanasi silk, while the saree worn by a poor woman is considered madman's silk.
This proverb highlights social prejudice and how the same thing is perceived differently based on a person's status or wealth. If a wealthy or influential person does something, it is praised or seen as a luxury; if a poor person does the same, it is dismissed or looked down upon.
వన్నె చీర కట్టుకొన్న సంభ్రమమేగాని, వెర్రికుక్క కరిచినది ఎరుగదు.
vanne chira kattukonna sambhramamegani, verrikukka karichinadi erugadu.
She was thinking so much of the coloured cloth she had put on, that she did not know that she had been bitten by a mad dog. Engrossed in pleasure, and blind to danger.
This proverb describes a situation where someone is so preoccupied with superficial appearances or momentary excitement that they ignore a serious, underlying danger. It is used to criticize people who focus on trivialities while neglecting grave risks or consequences.
భోజనానికి వద్దంటే పట్టుచీర కట్టుకొస్తానన్నట్లు
bhojananiki vaddante pattuchira kattukostanannatlu
Like saying she will wear a silk saree when told not to come for the meal
This expression is used to describe a person who behaves contrary to the situation or reacts inappropriately to a rejection. It highlights an individual's stubbornness or their attempt to show off even when they are not welcome or when the primary request was a 'no'.
కననిది బిడ్డ కాదు, కట్టనిది చీర కాదు.
kananidi bidda kadu, kattanidi chira kadu.
That which has not been brought forth is not a child ; that which is not worn is not a garment. Nothing belonging to others can make up for the want of one's own.
This expression highlights the value of personal experience, biological connection, and practical utility. It suggests that the true essence or value of something is realized only when it fulfills its primary purpose or has a direct personal bond. It is often used to emphasize that ownership or a relationship is truly meaningful only when it is direct and earned, rather than through secondary means.