నడిస్తే మార్గాయాసం, తింటే భుక్తాయాసం తిమ్మావధానికి.

nadiste margayasam, tinte bhuktayasam timmavadhaniki.

Translation

Walking causes path-fatigue, and eating causes meal-fatigue for Thimmavadhani.

Meaning

This expression describes a person who is extremely lazy or finds excuses to avoid any kind of effort. It depicts a character who feels tired not only from physical exertion (walking) but even from the simple act of eating. It is used to mock people who complain about tasks that are either necessary or inherently beneficial.

Related Phrases

Gongura at the parental home is better than Kheer at a stranger's land.

This expression highlights that even a simple or poor meal (represented by the common sour leaf Gongura) eaten at one's own home/birthplace is far more satisfying and comforting than a rich feast (represented by the sweet Kheer) served at an unfamiliar or foreign place. It emphasizes the value of belonging, freedom, and the emotional comfort of home over material luxury elsewhere.

Like the ghi falling into the milk pudding.

This expression is used to describe a situation where something good happens within an already positive or beneficial context. Since ghee is an expensive and tasty ingredient that enhances the flavor of kheer, spilling it into the dish is not seen as a loss or a waste, but rather an added benefit or a fortunate gain.

When a pot of ghi slipped from a woman's hand, it fortunately fell into a pudding. He is like a cat, he always falls on his feet.

Fatigue from eating, exhaustion from walking.

This proverb describes a state of extreme laziness or lack of endurance. It refers to a person who complains of being tired after eating (indigestion/lethargy) and also complains of being tired after walking. It is used to mock people who find an excuse to avoid any form of effort or activity.

If you listen, listen to the Bhârata; if you eat, eat cakes.

This expression is used to describe the pinnacle of excellence in a specific category. It implies that if one wants to experience the best of something, they should choose the absolute finest. The Mahabharata is considered the greatest epic to listen to, just as Garelu (deep-fried lentil donuts) are considered the most delicious traditional snack to eat.

Speaking of people who are not known, as having distributed rice-milk by baskets full.

This proverb is used to describe an exaggerated or boastful claim made by someone who has never experienced or possessed something before. When people who have been deprived of something finally get it, they often exaggerate its quantity or quality to an unrealistic degree.

Exaggerating the bounty of absent persons.

If you must listen, listen to the Mahabharata; if you must eat, eat Vada (Garelu).

This expression is used to highlight the absolute best or finest examples in a category. It suggests that just as the Mahabharata is the pinnacle of literature and storytelling, the Garelu (deep-fried lentil donuts) are the ultimate delicacy. It is often quoted when someone encounters something of exceptional quality.

Better a pearl millet bread outside than rice pudding in captivity

Freedom is more valuable than luxury in bondage. This expression is used to emphasize that a simple, humble life lived independently is far superior to a luxurious life where one's freedom is restricted or compromised.

If one eats for free, they are seen as a person of husk; if one eats little, they are seen as a merchant.

This proverb is used to describe how society judges people based on their consumption and social standing. It suggests that eating excessively at someone else's expense brings disrespect (equating one to worthless husk), whereas eating moderately or being thrifty is associated with the calculated nature of a merchant (Komati). It is often used to advise people on self-respect and moderation.

If one leaves family life, it is monkhood; if it's not heaven, it is Kailasam.

This expression refers to a situation where there are limited but equally acceptable or predetermined alternatives. It is used when a person is prepared for one of two outcomes, implying that if one path doesn't work out, the next logical or inevitable step is already decided. It often suggests a sense of resignation or a lack of other choices.

If you eat, you feel weak; if you don't eat, you feel weak.

This expression is used to describe a state of poor health or extreme exhaustion where neither food nor fasting provides relief. It can also figuratively describe a 'no-win' situation or a dilemma where every possible action leads to a negative or unsatisfying result.