నడుము తిరిగే కుంటెనగాడికి కందూరు, కఫాయి సారా.

nadumu tirige kuntenagadiki kanduru, kaphayi sara.

Translation

For a matchmaker with a twisted waist, a feast and a cup of liquor.

Meaning

This expression is used to describe a situation where an undeserving or unreliable person (a 'matchmaker' or 'go-between' of ill repute) receives unexpected rewards or grand hospitality despite their lack of merit or physical flaws. It highlights the irony of rewarding someone who is likely causing more trouble than help.

Related Phrases

A wage earner and a weaver have no death.

This proverb highlights the endless nature of labor for certain professions. Just as a weaver's work is never done because people always need clothes, a manual laborer or servant is always in demand and must keep working to survive. It implies that their toil is perpetual and they are constantly kept busy by the needs of society.

If the Âruga fails, we shall have Kandi. These are both sown together. The Âruga crop sometimes perishes. To have two strings to one's bow. Good riding at two anchors men have told ; For if one break, the other may hold.

This proverb is used to describe a 'hit or miss' situation or a risky venture where there are only two extreme possibilities. It signifies a state of uncertainty where one will either get a quick, small result or a delayed, substantial one, often used when someone takes a gamble without being sure of the specific outcome.

* Aut Cæsar aut nullus.

No way to afford food, but pearls for matchmakers.

This proverb is used to describe someone who lacks basic necessities or is in poverty, yet indulges in extravagant or unnecessary expenses to maintain a false status or vanity. It highlights the irony of poor financial priorities.

Jangalu of Konduru and Sannasulu of Tarunayi

This expression is used to describe two groups of people or individuals who are equally useless, lazy, or unreliable. It originates from a local context where the mendicants (Jangalu and Sannasulu) of two specific villages (Konduru and Tarunayi) were known for being particularly unproductive or for creating a ruckus without any purpose. It is used to mock a situation where no matter which side you choose, the outcome is equally bad or ineffective.

For a middleman who acts as a pimp, the Chennai train is the tool.

This proverb is used to mock someone who constantly travels back and forth as a mediator or a busybody, often in a suspicious or unethical context. It implies that just as a pimp relies on constant movement to conduct business, some people are perpetually in motion for trivial or dubious reasons.

A dog that barks does not bite.

It is said that a shouting man does not harm really. It is not necessary to take the loud threats of one seriously, because one may not really be able to carry out one’s threats.

If it works out, it's Kodo millet; if not, it's Pigeon pea.

This proverb is used to describe a 'win-win' situation or a situation where there are only two possible outcomes, both of which are acceptable or manageable. It highlights a state of being prepared for either of two specific results, often implying that even if the primary goal isn't met, the alternative is still useful.

In bad times, even a pigeon pea plant will not bear fruit

This proverb describes a period of misfortune where even the simplest or most reliable tasks fail to yield results. It is used to express that when luck is against someone, even their best efforts and usually dependable resources will let them down.

The mouth that scolds, the mouth that eats, and the leg that wanders cannot stay still.

This proverb highlights ingrained habits or natural tendencies that are difficult to change. It implies that a person prone to verbal abuse will continue to shout, a glutton will always look for food, and a wanderer will never stay in one place. It is used to describe people who are slaves to their repetitive behaviors or restless nature.

The village is far, the graveyard is near.

This expression is used to describe someone who is reaching the very end of their life or is extremely old. It signifies that their connection to the living world (the village) is fading, while their transition to death (the graveyard) is imminent.