పేగు చుట్టమా, పెట్టు చుట్టమా?

pegu chuttama, pettu chuttama?

Translation

Is he a blood relation, or a dinner relation ?

Meaning

This proverb is used to question the nature of a relationship. It asks whether a person is a genuine blood relative (pegu chuttam) who cares out of love, or a 'fair-weather friend' (pettu chuttam) who is only around for financial gain, gifts, or personal benefit. It is often used when someone shows sudden interest in a person's life only when they become wealthy or influential.

Notes

A table friend is changeable. (French.)‡ * Vache de loin a lait asses. † Geluk en glas brekt even ras. ‡ Ami de table est variable.

Related Phrases

Why wrap the cloth after the gold is lost?

This proverb is used to describe an act of being cautious or taking measures when it is already too late. It highlights the pointlessness of guarding an empty container or vessel after the valuable contents have already been stolen or lost. It is similar to the English expression 'locking the stable door after the horse has bolted.'

Even for God, the one who offers is the relative.

This proverb highlights human nature and social dynamics, suggesting that people—and metaphorically even deities—favor those who provide or give. It is used to describe situations where material generosity or offerings create closer bonds than actual kinship, implying that the world revolves around those who are charitable or provide benefits.

Feeding makes a relative, and praise brings wealth.

This proverb highlights human nature regarding social relationships and ego. It suggests that a person becomes a relative or close friend as long as they are being fed or provided for, and wealth or status is often maintained or gained through flattery and praise. It is used to describe materialistic relationships or the power of adulation.

A snake's grudge, a tail's kinship

This proverb is used to describe deep-seated, long-lasting enmity. It implies that just as a snake is believed to carry a grudge for a long time, some rivalries are permanent and cannot be easily resolved. It is often used to warn someone about an unforgiving enemy who waits for the right moment to strike.

Everyone is a relative to a wealthy person.

This proverb highlights the social reality that people flock towards those who are rich or successful. It suggests that when a person has wealth, even strangers or distant acquaintances try to claim a relationship with them, whereas a poor person is often ignored by their own kin.

When told that circumambulations result in children, she checked her belly after every single round

This proverb mocks extreme impatience or the expectation of immediate results for a long-term process. It describes a person who expects an instant reward the moment they start a task, failing to understand that certain goals require time, patience, and consistent effort.

The snake is your relation, and it's hood your enemy. Being on friendly terms with members of a family though on bad terms with the head of the house.

This proverb describes a paradoxical situation where a person might be close to you or appear friendly, but their inherent nature or specific actions are dangerous and hostile. It is used to warn someone about a treacherous person who cannot be fully trusted despite a formal relationship or acquaintance.

Entertainments [ bring ] relations, flattery [ brings ] fortune.

This proverb suggests that people become your relatives or show affection as long as you provide for them (serve food/gifts), and fortune or success is often gained through flattering others. It is used to describe the superficial nature of certain social bonds and worldly success.

While the pot boils friendship blooms. (GERMAN.)*

He is nothing to me but my sister's husband ; the millstone is only valued for the grain it grinds. Átṭu is the plural of Áruga ( Passalum Scrobiculatum ).

This proverb describes people who pretend to be relatives or close friends only when they want something or have a selfish motive. It mocks those who establish connections based on greed or immediate material gain rather than genuine affection.

A relative in words, but not a relative at mealtime.

This expression describes people who offer verbal sympathy or make grand promises but disappear when actual help or hospitality (like providing a meal) is required. It refers to someone who is friendly only on the surface and avoids the responsibility of true friendship or kinship.