ప్రసాదానికి ముందు, పనికి వెనుక
prasadaniki mundu, paniki venuka
First for the offering, last for the work.
This expression describes a lazy person who is always the first to show up when food or rewards are being distributed, but the last to volunteer or show up when there is actual work to be done. It is used to mock opportunistic laziness.
Related Phrases
ముందు వచ్చినదానికి ముగ్గురు మొగుళ్ళు, వెనుక వచ్చినదానికి వేగుళ్ళు.
mundu vachchinadaniki mugguru mogullu, venuka vachchinadaniki vegullu.
The one who arrived first has three husbands, while the one who arrived later has pregnancy cravings.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where an experienced person or someone who arrived early is neglected or treated with indifference, while a newcomer or a later arrival receives excessive attention, special treatment, or pampered care. It highlights the irony of human nature where novelty is often valued over experience or seniority.
తిండికి ముందెత్తు, పనికి వెనకెత్తు
tindiki mundettu, paniki venakettu
First in line for food, last in line for work.
This proverb is used to describe a person who is lazy and irresponsible. It characterizes someone who shows great enthusiasm and haste when it is time to eat, but avoids or lags behind when there is work to be done.
స్నానానికి ముందు, సంభావనకు వెనుక ఉండకూడదు
snananiki mundu, sambhavanaku venuka undakudadu
One should not be first for a bath or last for a reward.
This proverb advises on social etiquette and common sense. Being the first to bathe (in a public or shared ritual setting) might mean dealing with cold water or unpreparedness, while being last for a 'Sambhavana' (a traditional monetary gift or honorarium) might mean the funds or gifts run out before your turn. It is often used to suggest that one should time their actions wisely to avoid inconvenience or loss.
అసూయ ముందు, ఆడది వెనుక
asuya mundu, adadi venuka
Jealousy in front, woman behind
This proverb is used to describe a person who is driven primarily by jealousy. It suggests that such a person's envy is so prominent that it precedes them, while their actual identity or other characteristics follow behind. It is often used to criticize someone whose actions are entirely motivated by spite or the inability to see others prosper.
తిండికి ముందు, పనికి వెనుక.
tindiki mundu, paniki venuka.
First for food, last for work.
This expression is used to describe a lazy person who is always eager and the first to arrive when it's time to eat, but avoids responsibility or lags behind when there is work to be done. It highlights a lack of work ethic and selfishness.
తిండికి ముందు, దండుకు వెనుక.
tindiki mundu, danduku venuka.
First for food, last for the army (war).
This expression is used to describe a lazy or opportunistic person who is always the first to appear when there is a meal or benefit, but the first to hide or stay behind when there is hard work, danger, or a responsibility to fulfill.
భోజనానికి ముందు, స్నానానికి వెనక.
bhojananiki mundu, snananiki venaka.
First to dinner, last to bathe. The first at dinner gets the best of the fare, the last to bathe gets the best supply of warm water.
This expression is used to describe a person who is very eager and first to arrive when it is time to eat, but very lazy or hesitant when it comes to hygiene, work, or taking a bath. It highlights a character that prioritizes pleasure over duty or cleanliness.
ప్రసాదానికి బలిష్టం, పనికి మీ అదృష్టం
prasadaniki balishtam, paniki mi adrishtam
Strong for the offering, luck for the work.
This proverb is used to describe someone who is very enthusiastic and first in line when it comes to eating or receiving benefits, but makes excuses or relies on 'luck' and laziness when it is time to work. It highlights the hypocrisy of a person who consumes resources greedily but contributes nothing.
తాగడానికి ముందు, వ్రాతకు వెనుక ఉండాలి
tagadaniki mundu, vrataku venuka undali
One should be at the front for drinking, and at the back for writing.
This proverb highlights human nature regarding pleasure versus responsibility. It implies that people are usually eager and first in line when it comes to enjoying treats or drinks, but they are hesitant and stay in the background when it comes to work, documentation, or taking official responsibility.
భోజనానికి ముందు, స్నానానికి వెనుక
bhojananiki mundu, snananiki venuka
Before the meal, after the bath
This expression refers to the sequence of daily routines or the priority of tasks. It is often used to describe someone who is very punctual or eager for food (being first at the table) but perhaps less enthusiastic about chores or preparation (being last to bathe). In a broader sense, it highlights a tendency to prioritize personal comfort or enjoyment over effort.