పెడితే శాపం, ఇస్తే వరం

pedite shapam, iste varam

Translation

If kept, it's a curse; if given, it's a blessing.

Meaning

This proverb is most commonly used in the context of food or charity. It suggests that keeping something (like excess food) until it spoils is a waste and a 'curse', whereas giving it to someone in need turns it into a 'blessing'. It encourages generosity and the timely sharing of resources.

Related Phrases

Friday for sowing, Thursday for harvesting.

This is a traditional agricultural proverb highlighting the cultural and astrological significance of specific days for farming activities. It suggests that Friday is auspicious for planting seeds, while Thursday is considered the best day to begin the harvest for prosperity and success.

If the crow builds a nest, it's the final rain.

This is a traditional agricultural observation or weather-lore. It suggests that when a crow begins building its nest, it signifies the end of the rainy season or the arrival of the final rains for that cycle. It is used to predict seasonal shifts based on animal behavior.

If the paddy field is ready to be harvested, the rain is great (ironic)

This expression is used to describe an event that happens at the most inconvenient or destructive time possible. Just as rain ruins a crop that is ready for harvest, it refers to a situation where a positive occurrence becomes a disaster due to its timing.

If it's not Sunday it's Monday. If to-day will not, to-morrow may.

This expression is used to describe someone who is indecisive or a situation that lacks a firm commitment. It implies that a task will be done eventually, but without a specific or reliable timeline, often suggesting procrastination or a casual attitude toward deadlines.

If given, a boon; if kept/placed, a curse.

This expression is used to describe a volatile or eccentric person whose behavior is unpredictable. If they are happy or pleased, they are extremely generous and helpful (giving a boon), but if they are offended or in a bad mood, they can be extremely destructive or hurtful (giving a curse). It highlights the risk involved in dealing with such individuals.

If the right foot is placed, the clan is destroyed; if the left foot is placed, the lineage is destroyed.

This is a sarcastic or satirical expression used to describe a person who is perceived as extremely unlucky or bringing misfortune regardless of what they do. It is often used to mock superstitious beliefs or to highlight a 'no-win' situation where every action of a particular person is blamed for a disaster.

Apply the brand only after identifying the joint.

This proverb emphasizes that any action or corrective measure should be taken only after thoroughly understanding the root cause of a problem. In ancient medicine, 'vatha' (branding/cauterization) was a treatment, but it was effective only if applied precisely on the affected joint. It is used to advise someone to act with precision and knowledge rather than blindly.

If I invite him and he is too proud to come, it will be all right; but if he does come, how shall I manage it? Said by a poor man who was obliged to show hospitality which he could ill afford.

This expression is used to describe a person who is hesitant or reluctant to start something (often due to pride or shyness), but once they begin or arrive at a place (especially for a meal or a favor), they indulge uncontrollably and are impossible to stop. It highlights the irony of someone being difficult to invite but impossible to manage once they accept.

If an emperor does it, it is romance; if a washerman does it, it is adultery.

This proverb highlights the double standards and hypocrisy in society regarding social status. It suggests that the same action is judged differently based on the power, wealth, or status of the person performing it. Actions of the powerful are often glamorized or excused, while the same actions by common people are condemned as immoral or illegal.

If given, it's a marriage; if not, it's shattered pieces.

This proverb describes a fickle or opportunistic person who is pleasant and supportive only as long as they receive favors or benefits. If their demands are met, everything is celebrated (like a wedding); if not, they turn hostile and create trouble (represented by the sound of crackers or destruction).