నేను మందు తింటాను, నీవు పత్యం ఉండు అన్నట్టు

nenu mandu tintanu, nivu patyam undu annattu

Translation

Like saying 'I will take the medicine, you follow the dietary restrictions'

Meaning

This proverb is used to describe a situation where one person seeks the benefits of an action while expecting someone else to undergo the necessary discipline, hardship, or sacrifice required for it. It highlights a lack of personal responsibility and the absurdity of expecting results without putting in the individual effort.

Related Phrases

Fire above, fire below, fire in the belly, and if the foot stops, the master causes trouble.

This proverb describes the plight of a hardworking laborer or farmer. 'Fire above' refers to the scorching sun, 'fire below' refers to the hot earth, and 'fire in the belly' refers to hunger. It signifies that despite physical suffering and hunger, they cannot stop working because they are afraid of the master's wrath or the loss of their livelihood.

If so many masters/rich people haven't died, why would I die? I am in no hurry either, he said.

This proverb is used to mock someone who foolishly procrastinates or avoids responsibility by observing that others haven't done it yet. It highlights a false sense of security or laziness where a person justifies their inaction or lack of urgency by pointing at others who are equally stagnant, even when the task or situation is inevitable.

Dietary discipline should not be spoiled, truth should not be failed.

This proverb emphasizes the importance of discipline in health and integrity in character. It suggests that just as one must strictly follow a prescribed diet (Pathyam) for physical recovery, one must strictly adhere to the truth for moral well-being. Both are essential for a healthy life.

Diet for medicine, truth for words

This expression emphasizes that just as dietary restrictions (pathyam) are essential for medicine to be effective, honesty and truthfulness are essential for words to have value and credibility. It is used to highlight the importance of integrity in communication.

Even if the wound heals, the scar (stiffness) remains.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where, although a primary problem or conflict has been resolved, the emotional damage, psychological impact, or physical trace of that event persists. It highlights that certain experiences leave lasting marks that do not disappear even after the initial 'pain' is gone.

For feasting or for medicine, three times. A man will not be treated as a guest for more than three meals and he is not expected to stay longer.—The effect of medicine should be tried by three doses after which, if it fail, it should be given up.

This proverb suggests that both hospitality (visiting/hosting) and medicinal treatments have a limit to their effectiveness and welcome. Just as one should not overstay their welcome as a guest, one should not overindulge or rely on medicine for too long. It is used to emphasize that some things are only good in moderation and for a short duration.

Whether you deviate from the truth or deviate from a prescribed diet, troubles are inevitable.

This proverb highlights the importance of integrity and discipline. It suggests that just as ignoring medical dietary restrictions leads to physical suffering, abandoning truth and honesty leads to moral and social consequences. In both cases, the person must face the resulting hardships.

Like saying " Take the gun and shoot" when there is no powder and no ball.

This expression describes a situation where someone is asked to perform a task or achieve a result without being provided with the necessary tools, resources, or basic requirements. It highlights the absurdity of expecting an outcome when the fundamental means to achieve it are missing.

Like saying 'I will take the medicine, you follow the dietary restrictions'

This proverb is used to describe a situation where one person expects another to bear the burden or follow the rules for a benefit they themselves seek. It highlights the absurdity of expecting results without personal effort or sacrifice, or shifting one's responsibilities onto others.

Diet for medicine, truth for speech

Just as a medicine is only effective when a strict diet (pathyam) is followed, speech only gains value and effectiveness when it is truthful. It emphasizes that integrity is as essential to character as discipline is to health.