ముతకో సతకో మూడుబట్టలు, కుంటోగుడ్డో ముగ్గురు పిల్లలు.

mutako satako mudubattalu, kuntoguddo mugguru pillalu.

Translation

Three pieces of clothing, coarse or torn; three children, lame or blind.

Meaning

This proverb describes a state of extreme poverty or a humble life where one possesses only the bare minimum for survival. It highlights a situation where both material possessions and family circumstances are meager and struggling, yet it often implies contentment or the basic reality of a poor person's life.

Related Phrases

For a hundred crore problems, there are infinite crore solutions.

This proverb suggests that no matter how many difficulties or challenges (poverty/problems) one faces, there are always countless ways or strategies to overcome them. It highlights human ingenuity and the idea that for every problem, a solution exists if one thinks creatively.

If a blind woman goes to fetch water, it causes harm to three people.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where an incompetent person attempts a task they cannot handle, resulting in multiple casualties or problems. The 'three' usually refers to the woman herself (who might fall), the pot (which might break), and the person waiting for the water (who remains thirsty).

Two ends for a bowstring, two children for a mother.

This proverb emphasizes the importance of balance and security. Just as a bowstring is secured at two ends to function properly, a mother is often considered 'complete' or secure when she has at least two children, ensuring that the lineage continues or that the children have companionship and mutual support.

When three women join together the stars come out in broad daylight. The above is taken from the following verse :— క॥ జగములు వణకవె యొకతెకు | నగణితముగ నిద్దరయిన నంబుధులింకు౯| ముగురాడ వారు గూడిన| సుగుణాకర పట్టపగలు చుక్కలు వెడుచు౯|| [ At the sight ] of one woman, will not the worlds tremble? When there are two the oceans will greatly sink ; when three women join together the stars will appear in broad daylight, O Possessor of good qualities !

This proverb is used to humorously or satirically suggest that when three women get together to talk, the resulting noise, gossip, or commotion is so intense that it can cause extraordinary or chaotic things to happen (metaphorically making stars appear during the day). It is often used to comment on excessive chatter or the potential for trouble when a specific group congregates.

After the saree is gone, I get a husband.

This expression is used to describe a situation where help or a solution arrives too late, specifically after the damage is already done or the opportunity has passed. It refers to a sarcastic scenario where protection is offered only after the modesty or asset it was meant to protect is already lost.

He wrote words in the air and tied a bundle in the water

This expression refers to someone who makes impossible or empty promises that have no substance or reality. It describes actions that are futile, unreliable, or purely imaginary, much like the impossibility of writing on air or securing a bundle under water.

The mother of three children supposedly taught how to blow her nose to the mother of six children.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where an inexperienced person tries to give advice or instructions to someone who is much more experienced and knowledgeable in that specific field. It highlights the irony of a novice teaching a veteran.

A stone design and a monkey's design

This expression refers to something that is messy, disorganized, or poorly executed. It compares a drawing or task to a pattern made by a monkey or on rough stone, implying it lacks clarity, beauty, or skill. It is often used to describe bad handwriting or a chaotic situation.

One can buy bundles with words.

This expression refers to someone who is highly persuasive or a smooth talker. It describes a person who can achieve great things or acquire assets just by using their convincing speech and eloquence, without necessarily having the physical means or money at that moment.

While the seal is still intact, she became a mother of three children.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone claims to have done something impossible or where results have appeared suspiciously fast without the necessary process. It refers to maintaining a facade of innocence or purity (the seal) while the reality (three children) suggests otherwise. It is often used to highlight hypocrisy or blatant lies regarding one's conduct.