మునగకాయకు తగిన ముండ్లు, కాకరకాయకు తగిన కరకులు.

munagakayaku tagina mundlu, kakarakayaku tagina karakulu.

Translation

Thorns suited for the drumstick, and roughness suited for the bitter gourd.

Meaning

This proverb implies that every individual or situation has its own unique set of flaws or characteristics that are inherent to their nature. It is often used to suggest that a person has found a match or a consequence that perfectly fits their specific temperament or behavior, similar to the English expression 'to each their own' or 'fitting for one's nature.'

Related Phrases

Oil according to the [ quantity of ] Sesamum.

This expression is used to indicate that the result or output is directly proportional to the investment, effort, or resources put in. It is often used to tell someone that they get what they pay for, or that rewards are commensurate with the work performed.

Like a monkey that drank palm wine

This expression is used to describe someone who is behaving in an extremely hyperactive, erratic, or uncontrollable manner. It implies a state of chaotic agitation where a person is already naturally restless (like a monkey) and has been further stimulated by an intoxicant, making them impossible to manage.

The wind that is suitable for the tree.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone gets exactly what they deserve, or when a consequence is perfectly matched to an action or a person's character. It is similar to the English proverb 'As you sow, so shall you reap' or 'To each according to their capacity.'

As there are thorns on the nightshade so is there roughness on the Kâkara.

This proverb emphasizes that natural traits, flaws, or defenses are inherent from birth or origin. It is used to describe situations where a person's behavior or a thing's characteristics are innate and not acquired later in life. It suggests that every being comes equipped with its own unique nature, whether pleasant or prickly.

Mulaka is the Solanum Trilobatum. One man foolish in one way and one man in another.

Seed suitable for the fruit, water suitable for the soil

This proverb suggests that results are dictated by the quality of inputs and the environment. Just as a specific seed determines the fruit and the soil type determines the water requirement, the outcome of any endeavor depends on using the right resources and adapting to the specific circumstances.

When asked how many bumps a bitter gourd has, he asked how many ridges a drumstick has.

This proverb describes a situation where someone answers a question with another irrelevant or counter-question to avoid admitting ignorance. It is used when someone tries to cover up their lack of knowledge by being argumentative or evasive.

A pack-saddle fits the size, and a quilt fits the pack-saddle.

This proverb is used to describe a perfect match or a situation where things are suited to each other, often used in a sarcastic or humorous way to describe a couple or a pair of people who share the same (often negative) traits or habits. It implies that for every person or situation, there is a corresponding match that deserves them.

Even a bitter gourd is not visible to the daughter-in-law of a wealthy family.

This proverb is used to describe someone who has become so blinded by their wealth or status that they fail to see or acknowledge even the smallest or most obvious things. It suggests that extreme prosperity can sometimes lead to arrogance or a lack of perception regarding simple realities.

Like packsaddle, like quilt.

This expression is used to describe two people or things that are a perfect match for each other, often in a sarcastic or negative sense (like two equally lazy or cunning people). It is the Telugu equivalent of the English phrase 'Like father, like son' or 'A chip off the old block', implying that the quality or nature of one thing matches the other perfectly.

Like pot, like cover. (Dutch.)*

When asked how many sections are in a drumstick, replying with how many ridges are on a bitter gourd.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone gives an irrelevant, nonsensical, or evasive answer to a question. It highlights a lack of direct communication or a mismatch between a query and its response, often used when someone tries to avoid a topic by diverting to another illogical point.