రొట్ట కట్టె దేశంలో పుట్టగోచివాడే భాగ్యవంతుడు.

rotta katte deshamlo puttagochivade bhagyavantudu.

Translation

In a land of dry sticks and bread, the one wearing a simple loincloth is the wealthy man.

Meaning

This proverb highlights the concept of relative wealth and survival. In a place where resources are extremely scarce and poverty is widespread, even the person with the most basic necessities is considered fortunate or rich. It is used to describe situations where standards are so low that minimal sustenance is seen as a luxury.

Related Phrases

Better to be a wife to a beggar than to be a slave to a wealthy man.

This proverb emphasizes the value of self-respect and status within a relationship over material wealth. It suggests that it is better to live in poverty but with dignity as a life partner (spouse) rather than living in luxury but being treated as a subordinate or servant.

If you are industrious, you will become rich.

This proverb emphasizes the importance of hard work and diligence. It means that success, prosperity, and good fortune are the direct results of one's efforts and labor. It is used to encourage someone to persevere in their tasks to achieve a better life.

A worm born in poison lives only in poison.

This proverb describes people who are accustomed to bad environments or negative habits. Just as a creature born in venom becomes immune to it and knows no other life, people raised in corruption or negativity may find it difficult to adapt to a virtuous or healthy lifestyle. It is often used to imply that someone's nature or behavior is a result of their deep-rooted environment.

A stubborn person is more powerful than a king.

This proverb highlights that sheer persistence or obstinacy can sometimes overcome even the highest authority or power. It is used to describe situations where a person's refusal to back down eventually forces others (even those in power) to give in.

It is better to be a slave to a rich man than to be the wife of a beggar.

This expression suggests that security and basic comforts provided by a wealthy household are preferable to the extreme hardships and instability of poverty. It is used to describe a pragmatic choice where one prioritizes material survival over status or perceived freedom in destitute conditions.

If one becomes wealthy by stealing, he cannot enjoy it for long.

This proverb emphasizes that wealth acquired through dishonest or illegal means like theft is temporary and will not bring lasting happiness or security. It suggests that ill-gotten gains eventually lead to downfall or are lost quickly, highlighting the importance of honesty and hard work for sustainable prosperity.

The poor man desires death, while the wealthy man desires wealth.

This expression highlights the extreme difference in perspectives and priorities based on one's life circumstances. It suggests that while those in suffering or poverty might see death as an escape from their miseries, those with resources are driven by the ambition to accumulate even more success and prosperity. It is often used to describe the contrasting mindsets of the 'haves' and the 'have-nots'.

A camel can pass through the eye of a needle, but a rich man cannot enter heaven.

This is a biblical proverb suggesting that excessive attachment to wealth and material possessions can be a significant spiritual hindrance. It emphasizes that humility and detachment from worldly riches are often necessary for spiritual salvation.

There are no lives that are not under the control of destiny/fortune.

This expression conveys the philosophical idea that every human life is governed by fate or luck (Bhagyam). It suggests that one's status, successes, or failures are ultimately determined by destiny rather than individual effort alone. It is often used in literary contexts or during philosophical discussions about the role of karma and fortune in human existence.

A stubborn person is stronger than a king.

This proverb highlights that a person who is extremely persistent or stubborn is harder to manage or defeat than even a powerful ruler. It is used to describe situations where logic and authority fail against someone's sheer obstinacy.