పొట్టకిచ్చినా, బట్టకిచ్చినా భూదేవే

pottakichchina, battakichchina bhudeve

Translation

Whether it is for food or for clothing, it is Mother Earth who provides.

Meaning

This expression highlights the fundamental importance of the earth (land) as the source of all basic necessities. 'Potta' (stomach/food) refers to agriculture and crops, while 'Batta' (cloth) refers to natural fibers like cotton. It is used to emphasize that everything we need to survive ultimately comes from the soil and to express gratitude or respect for nature and agriculture.

Related Phrases

Whether given to the stomach or given for clothes, it is Mother Earth.

This expression highlights that everything essential for human survival—be it food (stomach) or fiber for clothing (clothes)—originates from the Earth. It is used to emphasize our dependence on nature and the importance of agriculture and the land.

Giving what was given and taking back what was taken

This expression is used to describe a situation where an exchange or transaction results in no net gain or change, essentially returning to the original state. It is often used to describe futile efforts or circular logic where one ends up exactly where they started.

I have given both the fruit and the sickle into your hands; do as you please.

This expression signifies granting someone complete autonomy or authority over a situation. It is used when you provide someone with all the necessary tools or resources and leave the final decision or outcome entirely to their discretion.

Like handing over the house parrot to a hunter.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone hands over a beloved or vulnerable person/thing to someone who is naturally their enemy or someone who will cause them harm. It signifies an act of betrayal or extreme foolishness where one fails to protect what is dear.

Like guarding the clothes that have already been washed and spread out to dry.

This expression describes a situation where someone is performing a redundant or unnecessary task. It refers to a person watching over something that is already safe or in a state where guarding it serves no practical purpose, similar to 'locking the stable door after the horse has bolted' or performing a futile, over-protective action.

The one who gives is liked, the one who dies is free of debt.

This proverb reflects a pragmatic and somewhat cynical view of human nature. It suggests that people only like those who provide them with something or give them money. The second part implies that a person's debts are effectively canceled or their accounts are settled only when they pass away, often used to comment on the difficulty of recovering debts or the fleeting nature of social approval based on transactions.

Giving a daughter in marriage to kings is like giving her to stones.

This proverb highlights that being associated with powerful or busy people often means a lack of emotional warmth or personal attention. Just as a stone has no feelings, a ruler consumed by power or state affairs may have no time or empathy for family bonds, leaving the bride neglected.

Calumny is not removed even by death.

This expression is used to describe a deeply ingrained habit, trait, or skill that stays with a person throughout their lifetime. It suggests that once something is learned or becomes part of a person's nature, it is nearly impossible to change or get rid of it.

Slander leaves a slur. Give a dog an ill name, and you may as well hang him.

The over liberal man is ruined ; when a man dies, his debts go with him.

This proverb highlights two harsh realities of life: people only appreciate those who are generous or provide help, and once a person dies, their debts and obligations often perish with them, making it impossible to recover what was owed. It is used to describe the nature of gratitude and the finality of death regarding liabilities.

Giving me back my own money will be giving me glebe land. Said by a creditor.

This expression is used sarcastically to describe a situation where someone returns something that already belongs to you, but acts as if they are doing you a massive favor or giving you a grand gift. It highlights the irony of being treated like a beneficiary for receiving what is rightfully yours.