పంతులకు కట్నాలు, మాకు పట్నాలు

pantulaku katnalu, maku patnalu

Translation

Gifts for the teacher, and cities for us.

Meaning

This expression is used to describe a situation where one person receives a small, immediate reward (like a ritual fee) while the other person gains something vast and significant (like territory or knowledge). It highlights a disparity in gains or results between two parties involved in the same activity.

Related Phrases

Gifts for the puberty ceremony when half of life's age is already passed.

This expression is used to describe actions that are taken too late or are no longer relevant to the situation. It mocks the irony of performing a ritual or giving a gift when the appropriate time for it has long passed, similar to 'locking the stable door after the horse has bolted'.

A field of stones yields diamonds

This expression is used to describe a situation where hard work and perseverance in seemingly barren or difficult circumstances lead to great rewards. It signifies that appearances can be deceptive, and with proper effort, even the most challenging land or situation can become highly productive.

Puberty gifts at the time of death.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone receives or attempts something useless or inappropriate for their current stage or condition. It refers to gifts given during a girl's puberty ceremony (samarta), which are completely meaningless or ill-timed when one is facing death or an end of an era.

Rocks exist only in the mine that contains gems.

This expression is used to convey that greatness or value often comes with imperfections or obstacles. Just as one must sift through many rocks to find a precious gem, one must accept minor flaws or challenges in a person or situation that is otherwise excellent.

Even in a field of stones, gems can grow.

This expression is used to describe a situation where great success or high-quality results are achieved despite extremely difficult, harsh, or unfavorable conditions. It emphasizes that with hard work and determination, prosperity can be found even in a place that looks barren or challenging.

The bird that eats stones will eat stones, and the bird that eats gems will eat gems.

This expression refers to the inherent nature and destiny of individuals based on their character and surroundings. It signifies that people will gravitate towards things that match their worth, status, or habits. Just as birds follow their natural diet, humans pursue what they are accustomed to or what they truly deserve.

Gifts for a puberty ceremony during a time of death.

This expression is used to describe an extremely inappropriate or ill-timed action. It highlights the absurdity of celebrating a joyful milestone or worrying about trivial formalities when a major tragedy or crisis is occurring. It is used when someone brings up irrelevant or festive matters at a somber and critical moment.

To the bird that lives on gems, gems; to the bird that lives on stones, stones.

This proverb highlights the concept of merit and individual capacity. It suggests that people receive rewards or outcomes based on their worth, habits, or capabilities. Just as a bird is fed according to its nature, individuals get what they deserve or what they are accustomed to seeking.

God provides all his creatures with that which they need.

A city that is not ours is a great city.

This proverb is used to describe how things often seem more impressive, grand, or attractive when we have no personal connection or responsibility towards them. It highlights the tendency to over-praise foreign places or unfamiliar situations while disregarding their flaws, simply because we don't have to deal with the daily realities or consequences of living there.

Like saying gems should fall, but only if you chant mantras.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone expects extraordinary results or high rewards without putting in the necessary hard work or realistic effort. It highlights the irony of demanding a miracle while performing a trivial or mismatched action.