పెద్దల మాట చద్ది మూట

peddala mata chaddi muta

Translation

The words of elders are like a bundle of curd rice.

Meaning

This proverb (often corrected from 'పెటుగుకూటి' to 'చద్ది మూట') implies that the advice given by elders may seem cold or unappealing at first, but it is nourishing and beneficial in the long run. Just as curd rice kept overnight becomes tasty and healthy, the wisdom of experienced people provides strength and guidance when needed.

Related Phrases

Husks on the terrace, pride on the mustache.

This proverb is used to describe a person who maintains a false sense of pride or prestige (symbolized by the mustache) despite being extremely poor or having nothing of value (symbolized by having only useless husks on their roof). It refers to people who prioritize outward appearances over their actual dire situation.

The words of elders are like a bundle of curd rice.

This proverb (often cited as 'Peddala mata saddi moota') means that the advice given by elders may seem cold or unappealing at first, just like curd rice packed for a journey, but it proves to be nourishing and beneficial in the long run. It emphasizes that following the wisdom of experienced people leads to safety and success.

Big words for a small mouth

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone (often a younger person or someone in a subordinate position) speaks in a manner that is overly ambitious, arrogant, or beyond their age and status. It is often used as a mild rebuke or a way to highlight that someone is talking beyond their experience or authority.

Like a struggle between curd and the water used to wash fermented rice.

This expression describes a situation where two people are arguing or fighting over something extremely trivial, or when a conflict arises between two things that are essentially the same or of very similar nature. It highlights the absurdity of intense disputes over insignificant differences.

The words of elders are like a bundle of cooked rice.

This proverb suggests that the advice of elders is as nourishing and essential as a bundle of food packed for a long journey. Just as 'Chaddiannam' (fermented/preserved rice) provides energy and sustenance later in the day, the wisdom and guidance of experienced people will eventually prove to be beneficial and protective for one's future.

God knows the truth, just as water knows the slope.

This proverb expresses that truth is inevitable and self-evident to a higher power or the natural order, just as it is the natural property of water to flow towards lower ground. It is used to assert one's honesty or to imply that the truth will eventually find its way out regardless of attempts to hide it.

Like mixing curd and paddy (unhusked rice)

This expression describes an incompatible or mismatched combination. Just as mixing curd with unhusked rice makes it impossible to eat or separate effectively, it is used to characterize situations where two things that don't belong together are joined, or when a task is done in a messy, disorganized, and unusable manner.

Don't serve the elders, but wear a fancy turban of disputes.

This proverb is used to criticize someone who neglects their basic duties or responsibilities—such as taking care of elders or family—but spends their time and energy on vanity, creating unnecessary arguments, or maintaining a false sense of prestige.

Will the one who gave the mouth not provide the fodder?

This is a popular Telugu proverb used to express faith in divine providence or nature. It implies that the creator who gave life to a creature will also provide the necessary means for its sustenance. It is often said to reassure someone who is worried about their future or survival, suggesting that basic needs will inevitably be met.

A courtesan's word is like a bundle found in a dream.

This proverb implies that promises or words spoken by someone who is primarily driven by self-interest or monetary gain (historically referring to courtesans) are unreliable and illusory. Just as a bundle of wealth found in a dream disappears upon waking, such promises have no value in reality.