పుట్టుకతో ఒక గుణం, పుట్టికతో ఒక బుద్ధి

puttukato oka gunam, puttikato oka buddhi

Translation

One trait with birth, one intellect with birth.

Meaning

This expression suggests that certain character traits, habits, and innate intelligence are inherent from birth and are difficult, if not impossible, to change. It is used to describe someone's natural temperament or deep-seated behavioral patterns that persist throughout their life.

Related Phrases

You must be born a Balije to toss off Batavia arrack.

This is a rhyming colloquial expression traditionally used to describe a life of leisure, enjoyment, or indulgence. Historically, it refers to the Balija community's association with trade and social gatherings, implying that one should live life comfortably and enjoy the simple pleasures, like drinking a soda (goli soda) after a good meal.

Balije is a caste.

A debt and a wound are the same.

This proverb suggests that having financial debt is as painful and dangerous as having a physical wound. Both need to be treated or cleared as quickly as possible, otherwise they will fester and cause greater trouble over time. It is used to emphasize the importance of being debt-free.

Even to a fool, wisdom arises beforehand.

This is a sarcastic or ironical proverb used when someone who is known for making mistakes or being stubborn suddenly gives advice or claims to have known the outcome after a disaster has already occurred. It highlights the irony of 'hindsight bias' in people who usually lack common sense.

Even if there are grains in the lap or a wife by the side, one cannot stay still.

This proverb describes a state of restless energy or extreme enthusiasm. It implies that when a person has resources (grains/wealth) or companionship/comfort, they are often driven by an uncontrollable urge to act, move, or do something rather than remaining idle or calm.

No matter how many times it is refined/processed, the innate nature does not go away.

This proverb is used to describe a person's inherent character or basic nature, suggesting that it is permanent and cannot be changed despite external efforts, education, or purification processes. It is often used when someone repeatedly exhibits the same flaws despite repeated attempts to correct them.

Wealth and life are under the Guru's control; the key and the body are under my control.

This proverb satirically describes a person who pretends to surrender everything to a teacher or mentor but remains deeply attached to their physical comforts and material possessions. It is used to mock hypocritical devotion or someone who talks about sacrifice but keeps the most important resources for themselves.

Can food be expected in a village where chunam is refused ? A small quantity of fine chunam ( lime ) is eaten with betel leaf.

This proverb highlights the historical and cultural importance of lime (chunam) in rural India, where it was traditionally consumed with betel leaves after a meal. It implies that if a village is so impoverished or lacks basic amenities that even simple lime (for betel nut) is unavailable, it is unlikely that one can find a proper meal there. It is used to describe a place of extreme scarcity or poverty.

A dog has a character (loyalty) that even a person of high birth or status may lack.

This expression is used to highlight the loyalty and gratitude of a dog, often comparing it to humans who may lack these virtues despite their social status or education. It emphasizes that loyalty is a noble trait that transcends species and status.

Debt and war are the same.

This proverb highlights the destructive nature of financial debt, comparing it to a battlefield. Just as war brings anxiety, struggle, and potential ruin, being in debt creates constant stress and can destroy one's peace of mind and livelihood.

A different taste for every tongue, a different thought for every skull.

This proverb highlights the diversity of human nature. Just as every person has their own unique sense of taste, every individual has their own way of thinking, opinions, and intelligence. It is used to explain why people behave differently or have conflicting perspectives.