వచ్చేటప్పుడు తీసుకురారు, పోయేటప్పుడు తీసుకుపోరు.

vachchetappudu tisukuraru, poyetappudu tisukuporu.

Translation

They don't bring anything when they arrive, and they don't take anything when they leave.

Meaning

This proverb is a philosophical reflection on human life and materialism. It signifies that humans enter the world empty-handed at birth and depart without any worldly possessions at death. It is used to advise people against greed, over-attachment to wealth, and to encourage living a righteous life focused on good deeds rather than amassing riches.

Related Phrases

When money is leaving or when a physical blow hits, one's senses do not function.

This proverb highlights human nature's lack of foresight or awareness during critical moments. It suggests that people often fail to be careful or sensible when they are in the process of losing their wealth or when they are about to face a misfortune/accident. It is used to remark on how hindsight is always clearer than foresight.

A twilight prayer while dying?

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone attempts to perform a task or follow a ritual at the very last moment when it is no longer useful or relevant. It highlights the irony of worrying about trivial procedures or formalities when facing a major crisis or life-ending situation.

The thought of repaying should exist at the very moment the loan is taken.

This expression emphasizes financial integrity and responsibility. It suggests that one should only borrow money if they have a clear intention and plan to repay it, rather than worrying about repayment only when the deadline approaches. It is used to advise people to be cautious and honest in their financial dealings.

The giver is undervalued by the receiver.

This proverb describes a situation where a person's generosity or kindness is taken for granted. It implies that when someone gives or helps continuously, the recipient loses respect for them or begins to treat them as inferior/subservient rather than being grateful. It is used to caution against being over-generous to those who do not appreciate the value of the gesture.

The one who digs a ditch to harm someone falls into it oneself.

If one plans to harm others, he will be harmed himself. It is therefore advisable to wish the welfare of all.

If the dancer puts on horizontal marks, the singer puts on vertical marks.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where two people are competing in their eccentricities, mistakes, or exaggerations. It implies that if one person goes to one extreme, the other goes even further to outdo them, usually in a negative or ridiculous way.

Presenting gifts/offerings at the time of death

This expression is used to describe a situation where help, resources, or gifts are provided too late to be of any use. It highlights the irony of offering something valuable when the person can no longer benefit from it.

Horse gram while coming, sesame seeds while going.

This proverb refers to a person who is extremely clever and self-serving. It describes someone who demands nutritious food like horse gram when arriving as a guest, but demands valuable sesame seeds to take away when leaving. It is used to mock people who look for personal profit in every interaction or those who are never satisfied with what they receive.

When asked, 'Shiva, go bring some dried dung cakes,' he replies, 'Grandma, my calves are aching.'

This proverb describes a person who makes excuses to avoid work or displays laziness when a task is assigned. It is used to mock someone who suddenly comes up with a physical ailment or a reason to stay idle exactly when they are asked to help.

Giving is like Kāma's festival, taking is like the feast of Dīpāvali.

This proverb describes a person's hypocritical attitude towards money or favors. They are extremely enthusiastic and happy when receiving something (like the bright celebration of Diwali), but they become miserable, reluctant, or delay indefinitely when it is time to give back or pay a debt (referring to the bonfire/mourning aspect of Kamuni Pandaga/Holi).

Kāmadāhana is the mournful commemoration of the burning of Kandarpa or Kāmadeva ( the god of love ) by the fire from Śiva's eye, when he in- terrupted the god in his devotions. Dīpāvali or Dīpāḷi is a joyous festival with nocturnal illuminations in honour of Kārtikeya. The name signifies " a row of lamps."