రాగిడబ్బు సంపాదనలేదు, వెండిరూపాయి అప్పు.

ragidabbu sampadanaledu, vendirupayi appu.

Translation

Zero copper coin earnings, but a silver rupee debt.

Meaning

This expression is used to describe a person who has absolutely no income or savings, yet indulges in extravagant spending through heavy borrowing. It highlights the recklessness of living beyond one's means and the irony of having high debts without any financial foundation.

Related Phrases

One person's earnings are shared by ten people.

This proverb refers to a situation where a single individual is the sole breadwinner for a large extended family or a group of dependents. It describes the burden of one person's hard work sustaining many others, often used when discussing family responsibilities or collective dependency on one source of income.

The monkey jumps, while the master earns.

This proverb refers to a situation where one person does all the hard work or performative labor, while someone else reaps all the financial benefits or rewards. It originates from street performers who use monkeys to entertain crowds and collect money for themselves.

Not even half a minute of free time, yet not even half a cent of earnings.

This proverb is used to describe a person who is constantly busy and overworked but has nothing to show for it financially. It highlights a situation where one's efforts are unproductive or unrewarding, often used to mock someone's inefficient busyness or lack of success despite hard work.

A person without courage is of no use even with money.

This proverb highlights that courage and self-confidence are more valuable than material wealth. It is used to describe a situation where a person, despite having financial resources, cannot achieve anything or defend themselves because they lack the necessary boldness or character.

Unjust earnings will be lost through waste or misuse

This proverb implies that money or wealth acquired through dishonest or unfair means will not last long and will eventually be squandered or lost in useless ways. It is often used as a moral warning that ill-gotten gains do not bring true prosperity.

Prayers in times of danger, forgetting as soon as wealth arrives.

This proverb describes a fickle human tendency: people pray fervently and make many vows to God or seek help when they are in trouble, but as soon as they become prosperous or their problems are solved, they completely forget their promises and the help they received. It is used to critique ingratitude or situational devotion.

Not a moment of leisure, not a penny of earnings

This expression describes a situation where a person is extremely busy and constantly working, yet their hard work yields no financial gain or significant results. It is used to mock someone's unproductive busyness or to lament a period of fruitless labor.

The master's earnings are just enough for the lady's earrings.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where a person's entire income or earnings are completely consumed by small, everyday expenses or personal luxuries, leaving no room for savings or significant investments. It highlights a hand-to-mouth existence where expenses always rise to meet the level of income.

If you have money, it doesn't matter which tin box you play.

This expression suggests that if a person is wealthy, their actions—no matter how silly, mediocre, or unconventional—will be accepted or even praised by society. It highlights how financial status can shield someone from criticism and grant them the freedom to behave as they wish.

As much wealth, so much danger.

This proverb suggests that the more wealth or possessions one acquires, the greater the associated risks, worries, or dangers. It is used to caution that prosperity often brings its own set of problems and vulnerabilities.