పూటలు మూడు, భోజనం ఒకటి.
putalu mudu, bhojanam okati.
Three sessions, but only one meal.
This expression is used to describe a state of extreme poverty or scarcity. It refers to a situation where despite the day having three natural meal times (morning, afternoon, and night), a person can only afford or find enough food to eat once.
Related Phrases
మాటలు తేటలు మా యింటను, మాపటి భోజనము మీ యింటను.
matalu tetalu ma yintanu, mapati bhojanamu mi yintanu.
Let us have a talk in my house, and dinner in your's. A regular screw. He is no friend that eats his own by himself and mine with me. (Portuguese.)* 'Tis good feasting in other men's houses. (Italiana.)
This proverb describes a hypocritical or selfish person who offers plenty of pleasant conversation and empty hospitality at their own home, but expects others to provide the actual resources or meals. It is used to mock people who are generous with words but stingy with actions, always looking for a free ride while pretending to be friendly.
విస్తళ్లు ఎత్తమంటే, భోజనం చేసినవారు ఎంతమంది అని అడిగినట్లు.
vistallu ettamante, bhojanam chesinavaru entamandi ani adiginatlu.
When told to remove the leaves, he asked how many people had dined. An impertinent question.
This proverb describes a person who tries to avoid work or a simple task by asking unnecessary, irrelevant questions to delay or shirk their responsibility. It is used when someone makes a simple job seem complicated to get out of doing it.
పెద్ద కొడుకు పెండ్లి, అసుర భోజనం
pedda koduku pendli, asura bhojanam
The eldest son's marriage, and the giant's dinner.
This proverb is used to describe a situation that is chaotic, unorganized, or characterized by excessive haste and lack of discipline. It refers to an event where, due to mismanagement or overwhelming crowds, the food is consumed greedily or served in a disorderly fashion, much like a feast of demons.
A giant had to be supplied with a man daily by the villagers in turn. ( See Vikramârka Tales in Telugu Selections Page 41. ) A happy event and a great misfortune coming together.
తెలివికి తల లేకపోయినా, భోజనానికి పొట్ట ఉంది.
teliviki tala lekapoyina, bhojananiki potta undi.
Even if there is no head for intelligence, there is a stomach for food.
This sarcastic expression is used to describe someone who lacks common sense, wisdom, or the desire to work, yet is always ready and eager to eat. It highlights the irony of a person being mentally inactive but physically demanding.
గాజుల బేరము భోజనానికి సరి.
gajula beramu bhojananiki sari.
The sale proceeds of bangles are just enough to buy food.
For a petty businessman, the profit from his business would hardly meet his basic needs. This refers to an unprofitable enterprise.
గాజుల బేరము భోజనానకు సరి
gajula beramu bhojananaku sari
By trading in glass bracelets a bare subsistence only can be obtained. Because so many break. Applied to any business which is attended with heavy losses.
This proverb is used to describe a business or activity that yields very little profit, barely covering one's basic needs or daily expenses. It suggests that despite the hard work involved, the returns are only sufficient for survival and not for saving or growth.
విందూ మందూ మూడు పూటలు.
vindu mandu mudu putalu.
For feasting or for medicine, three times. A man will not be treated as a guest for more than three meals and he is not expected to stay longer.—The effect of medicine should be tried by three doses after which, if it fail, it should be given up.
This proverb suggests that both hospitality (visiting/hosting) and medicinal treatments have a limit to their effectiveness and welcome. Just as one should not overstay their welcome as a guest, one should not overindulge or rely on medicine for too long. It is used to emphasize that some things are only good in moderation and for a short duration.
మూలుగులు మునుపటిలాగే, భోజనాలు మాత్రం ఎప్పటిలాగే.
mulugulu munupatilage, bhojanalu matram eppatilage.
Groans are just as before, but meals are just as usual.
This expression is used to describe someone who constantly complains about their health, problems, or poverty (the 'groans') while continuing to enjoy their comforts or luxuries (the 'meals') without any real change. It highlights hypocrisy or exaggeration in one's suffering.
సత్రం భోజనం - మఠం నిద్ర
satram bhojanam - matham nidra
Choultry food - Monastery sleep
This expression refers to a lifestyle where one relies entirely on charity or public institutions for basic needs like food and shelter. It is used to describe someone who lives a carefree, nomadic, or irresponsible life without personal assets or a permanent home, often implying they have no familial or financial burdens.
మాటలు తేటలు మా యింట, మాపటి భోజనం మీ ఇంట
matalu tetalu ma yinta, mapati bhojanam mi inta
Clear and sweet words at my house, but the evening meal at your house.
This proverb is used to describe a hypocritical or stingy person who talks a lot and offers great hospitality in words, but avoids the actual expense or effort by expecting others to provide the food or resources. It refers to someone who is generous with talk but dependent on others for substance.