నగరికి ఎంతైనా పెడతాడు కానీ, పెదకోడలికి కూడు పెట్టను ఏడుస్తాడు.
nagariki entaina pedatadu kani, pedakodaliki kudu pettanu edustadu.
He will spend any amount on the royal palace/city, but cries to provide food for his eldest daughter-in-law.
This proverb describes a hypocritical or foolish person who spends lavishly on grand public displays or outsiders to gain status, but neglects the basic needs of his own family members. It highlights the irony of seeking external prestige while being stingy at home.
Related Phrases
నందుకు ఏడుస్తున్నాను అన్నదట.
nanduku edustunnanu annadata.
She said she was crying for 'Nandu'.
This phrase is used to describe a situation where someone is pretending to be sad or upset for a noble reason, while their true motive is hidden or entirely different. It highlights hypocrisy or deceptive behavior.
తల్లికి కూడు పెట్టనివాడు తగవు చెప్పేడు, పెళ్ళానికి చాలనివాడు పెత్తనం చేసేడు.
talliki kudu pettanivadu tagavu cheppedu, pellaniki chalanivadu pettanam chesedu.
One who doesn't feed his mother gives judgments; one who can't provide for his wife exerts authority.
This proverb is used to criticize hypocrites who try to solve other people's problems or lead society while failing to fulfill their basic responsibilities at home. It highlights the irony of someone seeking respect or power externally when they are incompetent or neglectful in their personal life.
తా దూరే కంత లేదు, మెడకో డోలు అన్నాడట
ta dure kanta ledu, medako dolu annadata
There isn't enough space for himself to pass through the hole, yet he wants a drum around his neck, he said.
This proverb is used to describe a person who is already in a difficult or tight situation but tries to take on additional, unnecessary burdens or responsibilities that make the situation impossible. It mocks people who lack the capacity to manage their basic needs yet aspire for grand, cumbersome status symbols or extra tasks.
కూర ఎంతైనా కూడుకాదు
kura entaina kudukadu
No matter how much curry there is, it is not cooked rice.
This proverb is used to emphasize that secondary things, no matter how plentiful or high-quality they are, cannot replace the primary or essential requirement. Just as curry cannot satisfy hunger like rice (the staple) does, luxuries or additions cannot replace basic necessities.
తల్లికి కూడుపెట్టనివాడు పినతల్లికి చీరపెట్టేదట
talliki kudupettanivadu pinatalliki chirapettedata
One who doesn't feed his own mother is said to buy a saree for his maternal aunt.
This proverb is used to criticize hypocrisy or misplaced priorities. It refers to someone who neglects their fundamental duties or those closest to them, yet tries to gain a good reputation by performing grand gestures for others or distant relatives. It highlights the irony of showing off generosity to the world while failing to meet basic responsibilities at home.
మనిషి పేద అయీతే మాటకు పేదా?
manishi peda ayite mataku peda?
Does it mean that being poor, one should be poor in one’s speech as well?
One may give a noble speech, even if one is financially poor. The nobility of one does not depend on one’s wealth or the lack of it.
ఆకలి అయినవాడు ధర చెడగొడతాడు
akali ayinavadu dhara chedagodatadu
A hungry man will ruin the price
This expression suggests that someone in desperate need (hungry) will pay any price or settle for any deal regardless of its fairness or market value just to satisfy their immediate necessity. In a broader sense, it implies that desperation leads to poor negotiation and can disrupt market standards.
పేదల కోపం పెదవికి చేటు
pedala kopam pedaviki chetu
The anger of the poor is a danger to their own lips
This proverb implies that when people without power or resources get angry, they cannot harm those they are angry at; instead, they only end up hurting themselves. It is used to describe a situation where expressing frustration is futile or self-destructive due to one's lack of influence.
కూటికి పేదయితే, కులానికి పేదా?
kutiki pedayite, kulaniki peda?
Though a man be poor, will he lose caste ?
This expression is used to remind others that being economically disadvantaged or lacking wealth does not mean a person lacks self-respect, dignity, or cultural identity. It suggests that poverty affects one's physical needs, but should not diminish their social standing or the respect they deserve.
కలిగినవారింటి కడగొట్టుకోడలు అయ్యేటంతకన్నా పేదవారింటి పెద్దకోడలు అయితే మేలు.
kaliginavarinti kadagottukodalu ayyetantakanna pedavarinti peddakodalu ayite melu.
Better be the eldest daughter-in-law in a poor man's house, than the youngest daughter-in-law in a rich man's house. The eldest son's wife has authority in a household next to a mother-in- law and in the case of the latter's death she becomes mistress of the estab- lishment. The youngest son's daughter, though generally petted, is allowed no voice in the management of the household affairs.
This proverb highlights the importance of status, responsibility, and respect over mere material wealth. In traditional households, the eldest daughter-in-law (Pedda Kodalu) holds significant authority and decision-making power, even if the family is poor. Conversely, the youngest (Kadagottu Kodalu) in a rich family may have luxuries but often lacks a voice or status in family matters. It is used to suggest that it is better to lead in humble circumstances than to be a subordinate in affluent ones.