తట్టలో కాపురం బుట్టలోకి వచ్చె, బుట్టలో కాపురం బూడిదలో కలిసె.

tattalo kapuram buttaloki vachche, buttalo kapuram budidalo kalise.

Translation

Living in a flat basket moved to a deep basket, and living in a deep basket ended up in the ashes.

Meaning

This proverb describes a gradual but certain downfall or the loss of one's livelihood and stability. It illustrates a step-by-step decline in prosperity where a person's situation goes from bad to worse, eventually ending in total ruin or nothingness (ashes). It is used to caution against mismanagement or to describe the unfortunate decay of a family's wealth.

Related Phrases

A kick landed one in a basket of garelu (cookies)

When some harm is intended to be inflicted on a person, sometimes the person gets benefited by that. Occasionally, evil intentions and actions of others may turn out to be beneficial.

Born in Chitta and died in Swati.

This expression refers to something that has an incredibly short lifespan or a project that ends almost as soon as it begins. It is based on the lunar mansions (Nakshatras) 'Chitta' and 'Swati' which occur consecutively; implying that something lasted only for a fleeting moment.

Like a dog lying in the warm ashes. Keeping quiet for a while, but soon returning to mischief.

This expression is used to describe a person who settles into a comfortable or lazy situation and refuses to move or take up responsibilities. Just as a dog finds warmth in a pit of warm ashes and remains there stubbornly, it refers to someone who is stagnant and indifferent to their surroundings or progress.

Clear your debts and then live in the marketplace.

This proverb emphasizes the importance of financial freedom and peace of mind. It suggests that once a person is free from debt, they can live fearlessly and confidently anywhere, even in a busy or public place like a market, without the shame or fear of facing creditors.

Staying together brings happiness; staying apart brings troubles.

This proverb emphasizes the strength and joy found in a joint family system or unity. It suggests that living together as a collective unit (Koodali) leads to a vibrant, bustling, and happy life, whereas living separately or divided (Veradi) leads to loneliness and hardships.

Thinking her brother-in-law was inside the gunny bag, she touched his feet in the middle of a busy market.

This proverb describes a situation where someone acts out of place or performs a private/respectful gesture in an inappropriate or public setting due to a misunderstanding or lack of common sense. It is used to mock people who do the right thing at the wrong time or place.

He sank down like a snake in a basket. i. e. his pride was humbled. A snake charmer's covered basket is here referred to.

This expression is used to describe someone who has become quiet, submissive, or suppressed, especially after being very aggressive or defiant previously. Just as a snake becomes still and contained when trapped in a charmer's basket, it refers to a person losing their sting or being forced into obedience.

Eye in Kaikaluru, living in Dokipattu

Used to describe a person who is physically present in one place but whose attention, thoughts, or desires are focused elsewhere. It highlights a lack of focus or someone who is constantly looking for opportunities away from their current situation.

Like a snake in a basket

This expression is used to describe a person who is feeling trapped, suppressed, or constrained by their circumstances. It signifies a state of being confined in a small space or situation where one lacks freedom of movement or action, yet remains potentially dangerous or restless.

A sword by the side [ on a bed ].

This expression refers to a hidden enemy or a traitor who is very close to you, posing a constant, immediate threat while pretending to be an ally. It is used to describe someone trustworthy who could betray you at any moment.