నేయి చెడి నూనె చెడి పొగ మాత్రం మిగిలింది

neyi chedi nune chedi poga matram migilindi

Translation

Ghee is lost, oil is lost, only the smoke remains.

Meaning

This expression is used to describe a situation where one invests significant resources, time, or effort into a task, but the end result is a total loss or failure with nothing to show for it but trouble. It refers to a failed 'Homam' (ritual) where expensive offerings were consumed without achieving the desired spiritual outcome, leaving behind only annoying smoke.

Related Phrases

The pig likes mud - the lady likes rose-water

This proverb highlights how different individuals have different tastes and standards based on their nature or upbringing. It is used to explain that what is delightful to one person might be repulsive or trivial to another, emphasizing that everyone has their own unique preferences.

The path many walk is the road, the principle many speak is the ethics.

This proverb suggests that collective wisdom and common practice define what is right or acceptable in a society. It is used to emphasize following established traditions or conforming to the consensus of the community rather than acting in isolation.

The one who bites is the sugarcane, the one who catches it is Hanuman.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone performs a difficult task but the credit or the consequence goes to someone else, or when expectations are mismatched with reality. It is often a humorous take on misattribution or the peculiar nature of a task.

The daughter-in-law flaunts herself, while the mother-in-law shouts.

This proverb describes a domestic dynamic where one person (often the daughter-in-law) enjoys a relaxed or stylish lifestyle, while another person (the mother-in-law) is left with the stress, frustration, or the burden of managing things, often leading to constant complaining or yelling. It is used to highlight situations where one person's comfort causes another's irritation.

Fallen walls do not remain fallen, and a ruined family does not remain ruined forever.

This proverb offers hope and encouragement during difficult times. Just as fallen walls can be rebuilt or cleared for new construction, a family's misfortune or financial ruin is not permanent; through effort and time, prosperity can be restored. It emphasizes the cyclical nature of life and the possibility of a comeback.

If a man gives, he will not be ruined ; when a man dies, he carries nothing with him. Give and spend, and God will send. The charitable give out at the door, and God puts in at the window. " When he dieth he shall carry nothing away." · Psalm xlix. 17.

This proverb emphasizes the importance of charity and generosity. It suggests that one does not become poor by helping others, and since we cannot take our wealth with us after death, it is better to use it for good while alive.

* Giv Skalken et Spand, han tager vel heel Alen. † Con una cautela otra se quiebra. ‡ A celui qui a son paté au four on peut donner de son gâteau.

After shaving, all that is left is the top-lock. To sponge on another until he has nothing left. After shaving there is nothing to shear, (Italian.)

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone has lost almost everything, and what remains is trivial or insignificant. It highlights a state of near-total loss or failure where the little that is left is not of much value.

You must not desert the leavings of chunam or a deposed king. The chunam will be wanted again to eat with betel leaf . The king, if restored to power, will reward those who were faithful to him in adversity.

This proverb emphasizes the importance of completely finishing a task or treatment. Just as a small amount of leftover lime (used in betel leaves) can dry up and become useless, or a partially cured disease can relapse and become fatal, one should never leave problems or responsibilities half-done. It is used to advise someone to be thorough and ensure complete resolution of an issue.

The only goat remaining unsold. A wretched fate.

This expression refers to a situation where someone is spared or survives a calamity while others perish, or more commonly, it describes a goat that is kept for breeding/milk rather than being slaughtered for meat. In a metaphorical sense, it signifies a survivor who carries the responsibility of nurturing or continuing a legacy.

* Der Eine schlägt den Nagel ein, der Andere hängt den Hut daran. 3 ( 17 )

The scriptures might be false, but death is a certainty.

This proverb is used to highlight an undeniable truth or an inevitable outcome. While theories, predictions, or traditional rules (Shastras) might sometimes fail or be debated, certain physical realities like death are absolute. It is often used to remind someone to focus on practical, undeniable facts rather than getting lost in theoretical arguments.