ముందు వచ్చినందుకు మూడు వరహాలు దండుగ, మళ్ళీ ఏలవస్తివే మాయదారి తొత్తా

mundu vachchinanduku mudu varahalu danduga, malli elavastive mayadari totta

Translation

Three gold coins were wasted for your first visit; why have you come again, you wretched woman?

Meaning

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone has already caused a significant loss or nuisance in the past, yet they return to cause even more trouble. It highlights the frustration of dealing with a recurring problem or a person who does not learn from their previous mistakes and continues to be a burden.

Related Phrases

Waking up early and losing the way offset each other.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where the effort put into a task is rendered useless by a subsequent mistake or hurdle. It highlights that the benefit gained from starting early or working hard was nullified because the person ended up going in the wrong direction or making a fundamental error, resulting in no net progress.

The horns which came last are sharper than the ears which came first. Said of a new comer wishing to usurp authority over his seniors.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where a newcomer, junior, or younger person surpasses their senior or predecessor in skill, power, or success. It highlights that experience (age) doesn't always guarantee superiority over late-blooming talent or sharp ambition.

Can we provide cots for an entire army?

This proverb is used to describe an impossible task or an impractical demand. It suggests that while you can cater to a few individuals, it is impossible to provide luxury or special treatment to a massive crowd. It is often used when someone expects resources that exceed the available capacity.

A festival in the middle of a loss

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone finds a small reason to celebrate or gains a minor benefit amidst a significant loss or a wasteful expenditure. It refers to making the best of a bad situation or finding a silver lining in a calamity.

Seeing the husband is a waste, seeing the lover is a festival.

This is a bold, satirical proverb used to describe a person who neglects their duties or legitimate relationships (like a husband) in favor of forbidden or exciting external attractions (like a lover). It is used to mock people who find no value in the things they already possess but are overjoyed by things that are fleeting or improper.

When you came before you cost me three hundred pagodas, why have you come again, you deceitful jade ? A man married a bad wife. After getting 300 pagodas' worth of jewels from him she went off to her mother's house and left her husband to shift for himself. After some time, the jewels having been sold and the proceeds spent, she returned to try her old trick, whereupon the husband accosted her as above.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where a previous interaction or investment resulted in a significant loss, yet the source of that loss returns to cause further trouble. It is typically used to express frustration toward someone who has already caused harm or waste and is now reappearing, implying that their presence is neither wanted nor beneficial.

The hand that comes for a small coin (dabbu) will also come for a gold coin (varaha).

This proverb is used to warn that a person who starts with small dishonest acts or petty thefts will eventually gain the audacity to commit much larger crimes. It highlights how bad habits or greed escalate over time if not checked early.

The hand which touches a Dabb, will touch a pagoda. A man who is dishonest in trifles will not be scrupulous in greater matters. He that will steal an egg will steal an ox.

This expression means that if someone develops a habit of stealing or greedily taking small amounts of money, they will eventually progress to committing much larger thefts. It is used as a warning that bad habits or petty crimes, if left unchecked, will inevitably lead to more serious consequences and greater greed.

Like a single thread of cotton for a hundred gold coins.

This expression is used to describe a token contribution or a small gesture made towards a large cause or expense. It signifies that even a tiny contribution (the thread) counts as a symbolic participation or 'blessing' when a massive task or expense (the hundred gold coins) is being undertaken. It is often used when one gives a small gift during a grand event to show their presence and goodwill.

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.