పచ్చని వరహా కంటే పుచ్చిన గింజ మేలు
pachchani varaha kante puchchina ginja melu
A worm-eaten seed is better than a gold coin.
This proverb highlights the value of productivity and life over inanimate wealth. A gold coin, while valuable, remains static and cannot grow, whereas even a damaged seed has the potential to sprout, grow, and produce more seeds. It is often used to emphasize that something with the potential for growth and utility is superior to mere stagnant riches.
Related Phrases
వడ్ల గింజలోది బియ్యపు గింజ
vadla ginjalodi biyyapu ginja
That which is in the paddy is rice. Said to an inquisitive person.
This expression is used to highlight the obvious origin of something or to indicate that the core essence (the rice) is hidden within a shell (the husk). It serves as a metaphor for looking beyond the external covering to find the true value or substance inside.
పచ్చని పైకము గుట్టు చచ్చినదాకానే
pachchani paikamu guttu chachchinadakane
The secret of green wealth lasts only until death.
This expression refers to the transient nature of wealth and social status. It suggests that one's financial secrets, pride, or the prestige associated with money remain relevant only as long as the person is alive, emphasizing that material riches do not accompany a person beyond life.
తలకోసి ఇచ్చినా పుచ్చకాయ అనేవాడు.
talakosi ichchina puchchakaya anevadu.
Even if you cut off your head and give it, he will call it a watermelon.
This expression is used to describe a person who is incredibly ungrateful, cynical, or stubborn. It refers to someone who refuses to acknowledge a great sacrifice or a profound truth, instead dismissing it as something trivial or worthless.
ఇచ్చింది ఇచ్చి పుచ్చుకున్నట్లు
ichchindi ichchi puchchukunnatlu
Giving what was given and taking back what was taken
This expression is used to describe a situation where an exchange or transaction results in no net gain or change, essentially returning to the original state. It is often used to describe futile efforts or circular logic where one ends up exactly where they started.
పచ్చకామెర్లు వచ్చిన వాడికి లోకం అంతా పచ్చగ కనపడినట్లు
pachchakamerlu vachchina vadiki lokam anta pachchaga kanapadinatlu
A man with liver disease has yellow eyes. For the sick eyes everything looks yellow.
When people have some problem with their health or in their conduct, they find the same problems in everybody around.
డబ్బుకు వచ్చిన చెయ్యే వరహాకు వస్తుంది.
dabbuku vachchina cheyye varahaku vastundi.
The hand that comes for a small coin (dabbu) will also come for a gold coin (varaha).
This proverb is used to warn that a person who starts with small dishonest acts or petty thefts will eventually gain the audacity to commit much larger crimes. It highlights how bad habits or greed escalate over time if not checked early.
డబ్బుకు వచ్చిన చెయ్యి వరహాకు వస్తుంది
dabbuku vachchina cheyyi varahaku vastundi
The hand which touches a Dabb, will touch a pagoda. A man who is dishonest in trifles will not be scrupulous in greater matters. He that will steal an egg will steal an ox.
This expression means that if someone develops a habit of stealing or greedily taking small amounts of money, they will eventually progress to committing much larger thefts. It is used as a warning that bad habits or petty crimes, if left unchecked, will inevitably lead to more serious consequences and greater greed.
వెన్న పుచ్చుకొని వేసినవారిని రాయి పుచ్చుకొని వేతురా?
venna puchchukoni vesinavarini rayi puchchukoni vetura?
Will you throw stones on those that threw butter ? Returning evil for good.
This expression emphasizes the importance of responding to kindness with kindness, rather than with hostility or ingratitude. It is used to suggest that if someone treats you gently or does you a favor (symbolized by butter), it is morally wrong to respond with harshness or harm (symbolized by a stone).
వచ్చిన వాడు చచ్చినా పోదు.
vachchina vadu chachchina podu.
Calumny is not removed even by death.
This expression is used to describe a deeply ingrained habit, trait, or skill that stays with a person throughout their lifetime. It suggests that once something is learned or becomes part of a person's nature, it is nearly impossible to change or get rid of it.
Slander leaves a slur. Give a dog an ill name, and you may as well hang him.
ఉమ్మడి గొర్రె పుచ్చి చచ్చింది
ummadi gorre puchchi chachchindi
The sheep which was the joint property of two persons, was deserted and died.
This proverb highlights the lack of individual responsibility in shared tasks. When a sheep is owned by multiple people in partnership, everyone assumes someone else is looking after its health, leading to neglect and its eventual death. It is used to describe situations where communal property or joint projects fail because no one takes specific ownership or accountability.
The ass of many owners is eaten by wolves. (Spanish.)* Between two stools fall to the bottom.