నాకిన్ని గంజిమెతుకులు పోస్తావా, నీకాకలికాకుండా మందిస్తానన్నాడట

nakinni ganjimetukulu postava, nikakalikakunda mandistanannadata

Translation

He asked, 'Will you give me some rice water (ganji)? I will give you a medicine so that you won't feel hungry anymore.'

Meaning

This proverb describes a situation where a person, instead of helping someone in need, offers a deceptive or ridiculous solution that only benefits themselves. It is used to mock someone who asks for a favor while pretending to offer a 'cure' for the very poverty or hunger they are supposed to be helping with.

Related Phrases

I'll give you medicine to keep away hunger, give me your cold breakfast. Said by a quack.

This proverb describes a situation involving a hypocrite or a fraud. It refers to someone who claims to have a solution for a problem they haven't even solved for themselves. It is used to mock people who offer expert advice or 'miracle cures' while clearly suffering from the very issue they claim to fix.

A man's life is a bowl full of grains; a woman's life is a grain in the gruel.

This traditional proverb reflects historical gender roles and social hierarchies. It suggests that a man's life or contribution is seen as substantial and central (a bowl full of food), while a woman's life is often perceived as supplementary or less significant (a single grain in liquid). It is used to describe the disparity in how society values the lives and roles of men and women.

Give me the leftovers (old rice) mother, and I will give you a medicine so you never feel hungry again, he said.

This proverb describes a deceptive or hypocritical person who asks for immediate favors while promising something impossible or impractical in return. It highlights the irony of someone who cannot even satisfy their own hunger (asking for food) claiming to have a cure for hunger itself. It is used to mock people who give grand, unrealistic advice or solutions while being unable to manage their own basic needs.

The gruel at one's parental home is better than the riches at the in-laws' house.

This proverb emphasizes that freedom, self-respect, and the unconditional love found in one's birth home are far more valuable than the material wealth and luxury in a place where one might feel restricted or secondary. It is used to highlight that comfort and peace of mind are superior to status or money.

Do not trust a woman who says she will come, nor a man who says he will give.

This traditional proverb suggests being cautious of empty promises. It highlights that intentions or verbal commitments regarding a woman's arrival or a man's generosity are often unreliable until they actually manifest. It is used as a cautionary advice against blind faith in words alone.

Do not believe the man who says he will give, nor the woman who says she will come.

This proverb warns against relying on verbal promises or superficial assurances regarding material gain or romantic interest. It suggests that people often make empty promises to please others or to get out of a situation, and one should only believe actions rather than words.

If you scatter cooked rice grains, will there be a shortage of crows?

This proverb is used to describe a situation where people flock to someone who has wealth, power, or resources. Just as crows gather wherever food is scattered, opportunistic people will always surround someone who is willing to spend money or offer favors. It implies that followers or sycophants are easy to find as long as there is a personal benefit involved.

People are like crows

This expression is used to convey that people will always find something to gossip about or criticize, regardless of what one does. Just as crows caw incessantly, society often engages in relentless talk or judgment. It is used to advise someone to ignore public opinion or gossip.

Like saying, 'I will tell you a medicine to stop your hunger, but first pour me some congee water.'

This expression is used to describe a hypocritical or ironic situation where a person who claims to have a solution for a problem is suffering from the exact same problem themselves. It highlights the absurdity of seeking or receiving advice from someone who cannot even help themselves.

If you scatter grains [ of boiled rice ] will there be any lack of crows ?

This expression is used to signify that when there are resources, opportunities, or money available, there will never be a shortage of people (often sycophants or opportunists) flocking to take advantage of them. It suggests that followers or takers are easily attracted by incentives.