మొదట మానెడు, దూడ చస్తే దుత్తెడు.
modata manedu, duda chaste duttedu.
At first one Mânika, after the calf's death a potful [ of milk ].
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone exaggerates the value or quantity of something only after it is lost or gone. It mocks people who claim a great loss but didn't value the object much when it was actually available.
Related Phrases
మఘలో మానెడు, పుబ్బలో పుట్టెడు
maghalo manedu, pubbalo puttedu
A measure in Magha, a basketful in Pubba.
This is an agricultural proverb related to rainfall during specific lunar mansions (Nakshatras). It means that even a small amount of rain during the 'Magha' season is valuable, but heavy rain during the 'Pubba' season is extremely beneficial and results in a bountiful harvest.
దూడ చస్తే కమ్మలం, గేదె చస్తే నిమ్మళం
duda chaste kammalam, gede chaste nimmalam
If the calf dies there will be Kammalam, if the she buffalo dies there will be quiet. Kammalam, corrupted from the Tamil Kaimúlam (கைமூలం) is a name given to milk drawn from a cow or buffalo which has lost its calf.
This proverb describes a situation where one finds relief or a silver lining in a loss. Losing a calf provides hide for a blanket (a small consolation), but losing the buffalo (which requires a lot of care and work) brings total freedom from the burden of chores. It is used when a difficult responsibility finally ends, even if the ending was a loss.
పగలు చస్తే వాటికి లేదు, రాత్రి చస్తే దీపము లేదు
pagalu chaste vatiki ledu, ratri chaste dipamu ledu
If one dies during the day, there is nothing for the mouth; if one dies at night, there is no lamp.
This proverb describes a state of extreme, wretched poverty where a family lacks even the most basic resources to perform funeral rites. It is used to highlight situations of utter destitution where someone has nothing to fall back on, regardless of the timing or circumstances of their hardship.
పగలు చస్తే వత్తికి లేదు, రాత్రి చస్తే దీపానికి లేదు.
pagalu chaste vattiki ledu, ratri chaste dipaniki ledu.
If he dies in the day, there is no rice to put in his mouth; if he dies in the night, there is no oil for a lamp. Rice is put into the mouth of the dead at the funeral ceremony. Said of a miserably poor person.
This proverb is used to describe an extreme state of poverty or a situation of absolute misfortune where one lacks even the most basic resources for necessary rituals. It highlights a state of utter helplessness where no matter when or how a problem arises, the means to address it are completely absent.
పగలు చస్తే వత్తికి లేదు, రాత్రి చస్తే దీపానికి లేదు
pagalu chaste vattiki ledu, ratri chaste dipaniki ledu
If one dies during the day there is no wick, if one dies at night there is no lamp.
This proverb describes a state of extreme poverty or a sequence of unfortunate timings where basic necessities are unavailable regardless of the situation. It is used to highlight a person's miserable condition where they lack resources for even essential rites or survival, no matter when or how the need arises.
పుణ్యం పుట్టెడు, పురుగులు తట్టెడు
punyam puttedu, purugulu tattedu
A basketful of merit, but a basketful of worms.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone performs a deed with the intention of gaining religious merit (punyam), but the act inadvertently causes harm or results in a mess. It is often applied when an attempt to do good backfires or when a seemingly pious person's actions are actually riddled with flaws.
పుణ్యం పుట్టెడు, పురుగులు తట్టెడు
punyam puttedu, purugulu tattedu
A measure of merit, but a basketful of worms.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone performs a small good deed or gains a little spiritual merit, but in the process, commits many sins or causes significant harm. It highlights hypocrisy or the irony of small virtues being overshadowed by large vices.
మంటిలో మానెడు, ఇంటిలో పుట్టెడు.
mantilo manedu, intilo puttedu.
A measure in the mud, a heap in the house.
This is a traditional agricultural saying referring to the high yield of crops. It means that even a small amount of seed sown in the soil (mud) can result in a massive harvest stored at home. It is used to describe investments or efforts that yield exponentially great results.
పుణ్యము పుట్టెడు, పురుగులు తట్టెడు
punyamu puttedu, purugulu tattedu
A bushelful of good works, and a dishful of worms. A great show of piety, but the prospect of future punishment for evil deeds.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone performs a supposedly good deed or religious act, but the unintended negative consequences, sins, or flaws associated with it far outweigh the benefits. It highlights hypocrisy or the futility of an action that brings more harm than good.
నేడు చస్తే రేపటికి రెండు.
nedu chaste repatiki rendu.
If you die to-day, to-morrow will be two. i. e. the second day, on which milk will be poured on his bones, accord- ing to custom, after his body has been burnt.
This proverb is used to highlight the transient nature of life and the rapid passage of time. It implies that once a person is gone, the world moves on quickly, and their death soon becomes a thing of the past. It is often used to counsel against over-thinking about the future or to emphasize that time waits for no one.