మొదటికే మోసం, లాభానికి గుద్దులాట
modatike mosam, labhaniki guddulata
Cheating the principal while fighting for the profit
This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone risks or loses their original investment (the base/capital) while greedily fighting for additional gains or profits. It highlights the foolishness of endangering the foundation for the sake of small extra benefits.
Related Phrases
మొదటిదానికి మొగుడులేడు, కడదానికి కళ్యాణమట.
modatidaniki moguduledu, kadadaniki kalyanamata.
The first one doesn't have a husband, but a wedding is being planned for the last one.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where basic or primary needs are ignored, yet secondary or grand plans are being made. It highlights the irony of neglecting the most important task while focusing on something less urgent or impossible given the current circumstances.
మొదటిదానికి మొగుడే లేడు, కడదానికి కళ్యాణం కావాలట
modatidaniki mogude ledu, kadadaniki kalyanam kavalata
The first daughter has no husband, but the last one wants a grand wedding.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where the most basic or essential requirements are not yet met, but there are demands or preparations for something much more advanced or secondary. It highlights a lack of priority or unrealistic expectations in a sequence of events.
ఐదు శిఖల కంటే మూడు కొప్పులు చేరితేనే మొదటికి మోసం
aidu shikhala kante mudu koppulu cheritene modatiki mosam
More than five tufts of hair (men), if three buns (women) gather together, it leads to disaster.
This proverb suggests that even a small group of women gathering to talk can lead to more trouble or complications than a larger group of men. It is often used to describe situations where gossip or excessive discussion among a few people creates unnecessary problems or ruins the original plan.
గొంగట్లో గుద్దులాట (ముసుగులో గుద్దులాట)
gongatlo guddulata (musugulo guddulata)
Wrestling under a blanket (or wrestling behind a mask/veil)
This expression refers to a conflict, fight, or struggle that happens secretly or behind the scenes, away from public view. It is used when two parties are working against each other while maintaining an outward appearance of normalcy, or when internal politics are occurring within a group that others cannot clearly see.
మొదటికే మోసం, లాభానికి గుద్దులాట
modatike mosam, labhaniki guddulata
Fighting for the profits after losing the capital. Neglecting great things for small.
This expression describes a situation where someone is so focused on gaining extra benefits or profits that they risk losing their original investment or the base itself. It is used to caution against greed that leads to the loss of what one already has.
కుంటి కులాసా ఇంటికి మోసం
kunti kulasa intiki mosam
Lame leisure/complacency is a deception to the house.
This proverb is used to warn that laziness or feigning inability (lameness) to avoid work ultimately harms the entire household or family. It highlights how one person's excuses for not being productive lead to the downfall of collective stability.
మొదటికే మోసం వస్తే, వడ్డీ ముట్టలేదన్నాడట
modatike mosam vaste, vaddi muttaledannadata
When the principal itself is at risk, he complained that the interest wasn't paid.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone is worrying about minor losses or secondary gains when their primary investment or entire foundation is already being destroyed. It highlights a lack of perspective or a failure to realize the gravity of a total loss.
పింజారి పీకులాట కురువ గుద్దులాట
pinjari pikulata kuruva guddulata
The cotton cleaner's tugging and the shepherd's thumping
This proverb is used to describe a situation where people are engaged in tedious, endless, and noisy disputes or trivial struggles that lead to no productive outcome. It refers to the characteristic repetitive sounds and actions of traditional cotton carding (Pinjari) and sheep herding/weaving (Kuruva), signifying a chaotic or noisy commotion over petty matters.
గురువుతో గుద్దులాటా?
guruvuto guddulata?
May a man fight with his Guru ?
This expression is used when someone challenges, argues with, or tries to outsmart their own mentor, expert, or the person who taught them everything they know. It implies that such a conflict is disrespectful, foolish, or a losing battle for the student.
కుంటి కులాసం, ఇంటికి మోసం.
kunti kulasam, intiki mosam.
A lame person's leisure is a loss to the house.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where a person who is unable to contribute productively (or is making excuses) spends their time in idle enjoyment or luxury, which ultimately leads to the financial or situational ruin of the household. It warns against being lazy or irresponsible when one should be mindful of their duties and the family's welfare.