పంచినవాళ్ళకు పళ్ళు నోరు

panchinavallaku pallu noru

Translation

To those who distribute, the teeth and mouth.

Meaning

This proverb describes a situation where a person in charge of distributing resources or food manages to take a portion for themselves first, or benefits the most from the distribution process. It is often used to refer to minor perks or 'leakages' that occur when someone handles wealth or goods.

Related Phrases

Everyone is a relative, but one doesn't even get drinking water.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where despite being surrounded by family, relatives, or many known people, no one actually steps up to help in a time of need. It highlights the irony of having a large social circle or family that offers no practical support.

Opening the mouth for boiled grains, but closing it for the threshing floor.

This proverb describes a person who is eager and greedy for small, immediate benefits (represented by a handful of boiled snacks/guggillu) but remains silent or fails to act when there is an opportunity for a much larger gain (represented by the entire harvest at the threshing floor/kallam). It is used to mock someone who lacks a sense of proportion or fails to recognize where the real profit lies.

Like a good mouth swallowing bitterness.

This expression is used when a person of good character or noble nature is forced to endure insults, harsh words, or an unpleasant situation. It highlights the contrast between the person's inherent goodness and the bitterness they are currently experiencing.

When the husbands of Mopuru people died, the people of Talamanchi broke their wedding threads.

This proverb describes a situation where someone reacts unnecessarily or excessively to a situation that does not involve them or doesn't affect them directly. It is used to mock people who mimic others' grief or actions without any logical reason or personal connection.

Like opening the mouth for feed and closing it for the bridle.

This expression is used to describe someone who is very eager to receive benefits, rewards, or food, but becomes uncooperative or resistant when it comes to work, discipline, or control. It highlights a hypocritical or opportunistic attitude where a person wants the gains without the responsibilities.

Why should those who come for a single meal care about the price of large grain measures?

This proverb is used to describe a situation where a person is only a temporary guest or has a limited, immediate interest in something, and therefore should not worry about long-term or large-scale complexities that do not affect them. It is often a retort to someone who is interfering in matters beyond their scope or stay.

The one who plows the lowlands will ride the palanquin.

This proverb emphasizes that hard work and perseverance lead to prosperity and high status. Lowlands are often the most fertile but difficult areas to cultivate; therefore, the person who puts in the effort to farm them will eventually earn enough wealth and respect to afford a luxury like a palanquin (an ancient symbol of status and comfort).

Pushing away your own people and holding the feet of strangers.

This proverb describes a person who neglects or mistreats their loyal family members and friends while seeking favors or trying to please strangers and outsiders who do not truly care for them. It is used to criticize someone's poor judgment in prioritizing relationships.

Mouth-pots for those who go first, and licks for those who follow.

This proverb highlights the disadvantage of procrastination or being late. Those who arrive early get the full portion of a meal (served in pots), while those who arrive late are left with only the leftovers to lick from the vessels. It is used to encourage punctuality and promptness.

Serving loved ones on leaves and strangers on plates.

This proverb describes unfair partiality or double standards. Paradoxically, the 'outsiders' or those one wants to impress are given better treatment (plates), while one's own family or close associates are neglected or given lower priority (leaves), despite their loyalty.