తాటోటుగానికి దధ్యన్నము, విశ్వాసము కలవానికి వేళ్లీకళ్ళు అన్నము.

tatotuganiki dadhyannamu, vishvasamu kalavaniki vellikallu annamu.

Translation

Curd rice for the trickster, and thin gruel for the faithful one.

Meaning

This proverb reflects a cynical observation of social injustice where deceitful or manipulative people (Taatotugadu) often enjoy luxuries and comforts, while honest and loyal people (Vishwasamu kalavadu) suffer in poverty or receive the bare minimum. It is used to describe situations where merit and loyalty are overlooked in favor of flattery or cunningness.

Related Phrases

The faith of a Kômaṭi. Faithlessness.

This expression refers to a double-edged or unreliable trust. It is used to describe a situation where someone's loyalty or commitment is solely dependent on their own profit or benefit, suggesting that their allegiance may shift as soon as the circumstances are no longer advantageous to them.

A tankam for arranging the match, and a pagani for the actual union.

This proverb refers to commission-based dealings or middleman fees. It describes a situation where a person demands payment at every stage of a process—once for making the introduction or arrangement (Tankam), and another for the successful completion of the task (Pagani). It is often used to critique people who are excessively greedy or those who demand multiple bribes/fees for a single outcome.

The trust of a delicate woman is like friendship with snakes.

This traditional expression suggests that some people's loyalty or trust can be unpredictable and dangerous. It is used to caution someone about placing complete faith in individuals who might be fickle or potentially harmful, drawing a comparison to the inherent danger of befriending venomous snakes.

Curd rice for the deceiver, gruel for the loyal one.

This proverb highlights a social injustice or irony where dishonest or manipulative people enjoy luxuries while honest, loyal, and hardworking individuals struggle for basic necessities. It is used to describe situations where merit and loyalty are overlooked in favor of flattery or deceit.

Curd rice for the deceiver, stale rice for the faithful one.

This expression highlights social irony and injustice where cunning or deceitful people often enjoy luxuries and rewards (curd rice), while loyal and honest people are neglected or given the bare minimum (stale rice). It is used to describe situations where merit and loyalty are undervalued compared to flattery or manipulation.

The knave gets rice and curds, the honest man gets rice and warm water. The more rogue the more luck. The devil's children have the devil's luck.

This proverb highlights the unfair irony often found in society where cunning or dishonest people (tātōtugāni) manage to enjoy luxuries like curd rice, while honest and loyal people (viśwāsamukalavāni) end up with the barest of necessities like plain rice and hot water. It is used to describe situations where merit and loyalty are undervalued compared to trickery.

A fowl has no happiness and a Kômaṭi has no feeling. The Kômaṭis are a class of shopkeepers.

This proverb describes the inherent nature of certain entities. It suggests that a hen is always busy scratching the ground for food (never resting), and traditionally implies that in business, a merchant prioritizes profit over personal loyalty or trust. It is used to describe situations where constant restlessness or self-interest is expected.

Curd rice for the flatterer, stale rice for the loyal one.

This expression is used to describe a situation where an undeserving person who uses flattery or deceit receives high rewards and luxuries, while a loyal, hardworking, and honest person is neglected or given the bare minimum. It highlights the unfairness in how some leaders or masters treat their subordinates.

Do not believe everything you hear, and do not express everything you believe.

This proverb advises caution in both processing information and sharing it. It suggests that one should exercise skepticism toward rumors or hearsay, and even when one holds a firm belief or knows a truth, it is often wise to remain silent rather than speaking out indiscriminately.

Wealth requires secrecy, farming requires publicity.

This proverb advises that financial matters and wealth should be kept private or hidden to avoid envy or theft, whereas agricultural activities and farming techniques should be shared openly and discussed with others to gain knowledge, help, and ensure a better yield.