పొట్టకిచ్చినా బట్టకిచ్చినా భూదేవే

pottakichchina battakichchina bhudeve

Translation

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

Meaning

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.

Related Phrases

The reputation gained will not leave even after death

This expression emphasizes that once a person earns a certain reputation—whether good or bad—it stays with them for life and remains even after they pass away. It is often used to remind someone that their actions have long-lasting consequences on their legacy.

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

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.

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.

Like giving the milk of a barren cow to the child of a barren woman.

This expression is used to describe a situation where something completely non-existent or impossible is promised to someone who cannot benefit from it anyway. It highlights the absurdity of offering an imaginary solution to an impossible problem, often used to mock false promises or futile efforts.

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.

A nose ring given to a person with no nose, a seed sown that will not sprout.

This proverb is used to describe wasted effort or useless gifts. Just as a nose ring is pointless for someone who has lost their nose, and a dead seed will never grow regardless of how much it is tended to, some actions are fundamentally futile or given to those who cannot benefit from them.

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.

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.