మొదలు మోదుగ పూస్తే, కొన సంపెంగ పూచునా?

modalu moduga puste, kona sampenga puchuna?

Translation

Will [ a branch ] bear Môduga flowers at one end and Sam- penga at the other ? Môduga is the Butea Frondosa, the flowers of which have no perfume.

Meaning

This proverb implies that the beginning of a process determines its end. If a person or a project starts with bad traits or poor quality (represented by the scentless Moduga flower), it cannot miraculously end with superior results (represented by the fragrant Sampenga flower). It is used to suggest that a person's basic nature or the fundamental flaws in a plan will persist until the conclusion.

Notes

Sampenga is the Michelia Champaca.

Related Phrases

What is the tip and what is the base of a sugarcane?

This expression is used to describe something that is consistently good, uniform, or enjoyable from beginning to end. Just as the sweetness of sugarcane is present throughout the stalk, it refers to situations or people whose quality or nature does not change over time or across different parts.

There isn't a grain of food to swallow, but champaca oil for the mustache.

This proverb is used to describe a person who lacks basic necessities but indulges in expensive luxuries or puts on a show of wealth. It mocks vanity and the habit of maintaining a false status while struggling with essential needs.

Not a single grain of rice to swallow, but Champak oil for the mustache.

This proverb is used to describe a person who lacks basic necessities but indulges in or shows off with extravagant luxuries. It mocks hypocritical behavior where someone tries to maintain a high social status or vanity despite being in poverty.

Not a grain to eat, but scented oil for his mustaches.

This proverb is used to describe a person who lacks basic necessities (like food) but indulges in expensive luxuries or maintains a false sense of status to show off to others. It mocks superficial vanity and the act of maintaining appearances while suffering in poverty.

Love of outward show disproportionate to one's means.

The son is a darling, while the daughter-in-law is a blockhead.

This proverb reflects a common human bias and double standard within families. It highlights how parents often overlook their own child's faults (viewing them with affection) while being overly critical, dismissive, or insensitive toward their daughter-in-law's efforts and intelligence.

There is no food to eat, but Champaca oil for the mustache.

This proverb is used to describe a person who lacks basic necessities or is in poverty, yet indulges in unnecessary luxuries or maintains a false sense of pride and status. It highlights the irony of someone prioritizing vanity over survival.

Literally, no food to eat but for the moustache perfumed oil.

This is said when one does not live within one’s means. Extravagance is to be avoided at any cost, as it would turn one into a pauper sooner than later.

He doesn't have a single grain to swallow, but he wants champaca oil for his mustache.

This proverb describes a person who lacks basic necessities or is in a state of poverty, yet tries to maintain a fake, luxurious, or boastful outward appearance. It is used to mock people who focus on superficial vanity while neglecting their essential needs.

As the Cassia blossoms. Rēla chettu is the Cassia ( Cathartocarpus ) Fistula.

This expression is used to describe something that appears in great abundance or looks exceptionally beautiful all at once. Just as the Rela tree bursts into vibrant yellow blossoms covering the entire tree during its season, this phrase refers to a sudden, striking, or grand display of beauty or prosperity.

* O dia de amanbā ninguem o vio.

An extra expense on top of a festival expense

This expression is used to describe a situation where an unexpected or unnecessary additional expense occurs at a time when one is already spending heavily, typically during a celebration or crisis. It signifies the burden of 'wasteful' costs added to already high costs.