పిల్లల కోసం గడ్డి తింటారు

pillala kosam gaddi tintaru

Translation

They make themselves fools for a child. Lit. They eat grass. Foolish vows are made and silly ceremonies performed to propitiate the gods and obtain children.

Meaning

This expression is used to describe the extent to which parents are willing to endure extreme hardships, humiliation, or do anything—even something undignified—to ensure the well-being and future of their children.

Related Phrases

Though the tiger be hungry will it eat grass ?

This expression is used to describe a person's inherent nature or integrity. It suggests that a person of high principles or specific traits will not compromise their character or stoop to low levels even when faced with extreme hardship or desperate situations.

A household as grand as Kanchi becoming like prickly shrubs.

This expression is used to describe a situation where a prosperous, large, or stable family/business falls into complete ruin or gets scattered due to internal conflicts or misfortune. It highlights the drastic downfall from extreme wealth to total destruction.

The dog in the manger won't eat the grass, and won't let others eat it.

This expression is used to describe a person who prevents others from enjoying or using something that they themselves have no use for. It highlights a spiteful or dog-in-the-manger attitude where one's selfishness results in waste or unnecessary deprivation for others.

Like cutting the udder for milk

This expression describes the actions of someone who, out of greed or impatience for an immediate small gain, destroys the very source of their long-term benefit. It is used when a person's short-sightedness leads to a permanent loss.

Bargaining for an extra is fine where you purchase, but can you bargain where you begged?

This proverb highlights that one has the right to demand more (kosaru) only when they are paying for a service or product. It is used to point out the lack of modesty or manners in someone who is receiving a favor or gift for free yet continues to demand more or specific preferences.

Seeing the Boore (sweet) is only for the sake of food.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone visits or shows interest in something not out of genuine care, but because they have an underlying motive or are looking for a personal benefit (usually food or basic needs). It implies that the 'formal' visit is just a pretext for the 'actual' necessity.

If one is wealthy, do they eat gold?

This proverb highlights the essential nature of basic necessities over luxury. It implies that no matter how rich a person is, they still need food to survive just like anyone else. It is used to humble those who are arrogant about their wealth or to remind people that money cannot satisfy every human need.

The child is like the mother, and the porridge is like the vessel.

This proverb is used to say that a child's character and traits are usually a reflection of their parents, especially the mother. Just as the quality or remnants of food (sakku) depend on the pot (daka) it was cooked in, a child's upbringing and nature are shaped by their origin.

If the person serving the food is one of our own, it doesn't matter where we sit.

This proverb highlights that if the person in power or authority is your well-wisher or relative, you will receive benefits regardless of your position or status. It is often used to describe nepotism or the advantage of having influential connections.

When [the guest] was asked whether he would take biscuits, or cold breakfast, he replied that he would take both, and hot breakfast too with the good man of the house. Applied to an ill mannered glutton. The first cut, and all the loaf besides.

This proverb describes a person who is extremely greedy or opportunistic. It is used to mock someone who refuses to choose between options and instead demands everything available, plus extra. It highlights a lack of hesitation in asking for more than what is offered.