ముందటివానికి ముంతంబలి, వెనుకటివానికి తెడ్డంబలి
mundativaniki muntambali, venukativaniki teddambali
Gruel in a pot for the one in front, and a blow with the ladle for the one behind.
This proverb describes a situation of extreme unfairness or diminishing returns. It is used when those who arrive first or act first get the benefits (even if modest), while those who follow late receive only punishment or the remains. It highlights how timing or position can dictate whether one receives a reward or a reprimand.
Related Phrases
ముసలివానికి ముండ ముద్దు
musalivaniki munda muddu
An old man is fond of a young widow
This proverb describes a situation where an elderly person becomes overly attached to or obsessed with someone or something unsuitable or inappropriate for their age. It is often used to criticize elderly men who pursue younger women, or more broadly, to point out the irony of developing new, intense cravings at a late stage in life when they should be focused on other matters.
ఆకలివానికి అన్నమే బ్రహ్మం
akalivaniki anname brahmam
Food is God to a hungry person
This expression highlights that for someone suffering from hunger, satisfying that basic need is the highest priority and equivalent to a divine experience. It is used to emphasize that practical necessities are more important than philosophy or spirituality when a person is in dire need.
తిండికి ముందు, పనికి వెనుక.
tindiki mundu, paniki venuka.
First for food, last for work.
This expression is used to describe a lazy person who is always eager and the first to arrive when it's time to eat, but avoids responsibility or lags behind when there is work to be done. It highlights a lack of work ethic and selfishness.
పొట్టివానికి మితిలేని పొలతి వాంఛ
pottivaniki mitileni polati vanchha
A short man having an immeasurable desire for a woman
This expression describes a situation where someone has desires or ambitions that are far beyond their actual capabilities, stature, or resources. It is used to mock unrealistic aspirations or when someone 'aims too high' in a way that seems disproportionate to their reality.
తెగించిన వానికి తెడ్డే లింగము.
teginchina vaniki tedde lingamu.
The man who is determined [to worship] uses his ladle as a lingam. Where there's a will, there's a way. The will is everything. (Italian.)* The will is the soul of the work. (German.)
This proverb refers to a person who has become desperate, reckless, or completely shameless. Once a person loses their fear or sense of social propriety, they stop caring about the sacredness or rules of society, treating even a common kitchen tool like a ladle with the same (or lack of) regard as a holy deity. It is used to describe someone who has nothing left to lose and acts without inhibition.
ప్రసాదానికి ముందు, పనికి వెనుక
prasadaniki mundu, paniki venuka
First for the offering, last for the work.
This expression describes a lazy person who is always the first to show up when food or rewards are being distributed, but the last to volunteer or show up when there is actual work to be done. It is used to mock opportunistic laziness.
తాగడానికి ముందు, వ్రాతకు వెనుక ఉండాలి
tagadaniki mundu, vrataku venuka undali
One should be at the front for drinking, and at the back for writing.
This proverb highlights human nature regarding pleasure versus responsibility. It implies that people are usually eager and first in line when it comes to enjoying treats or drinks, but they are hesitant and stay in the background when it comes to work, documentation, or taking official responsibility.
భోజనానికి ముందు, స్నానానికి వెనుక
bhojananiki mundu, snananiki venuka
Before the meal, after the bath
This expression refers to the sequence of daily routines or the priority of tasks. It is often used to describe someone who is very punctual or eager for food (being first at the table) but perhaps less enthusiastic about chores or preparation (being last to bathe). In a broader sense, it highlights a tendency to prioritize personal comfort or enjoyment over effort.
పుట్టిన వానికి తమ్ముడు, పుట్టే వానికి అన్న
puttina vaniki tammudu, putte vaniki anna
The younger brother of him who is born, the elder brother of him who is about to be born. Said jokingly of a dwarf.
This proverb describes someone who is in a middle position or a mediator. It refers to a person who has experienced both sides of a situation, making them versatile or uniquely positioned between two generations or two different states of being.
చచ్చేవాడికి తమ్ముడు, పుట్టేవాడికి అన్న
chachchevadiki tammudu, puttevadiki anna
Younger brother to the one dying, elder brother to the one being born
This expression describes a person who is in a middle-aged or transitional stage of life. It is often used to refer to someone who is neither too young nor too old, bridging the gap between generations, or someone who is an experienced adult who has seen both the end of one era and the start of another.