వడ్డీకి చేటు, అసలుకు మోసం

vaddiki chetu, asaluku mosam

Translation

Loss of interest and a threat to the principal amount.

Meaning

This proverb describes a situation where an attempt to gain extra profit (interest) leads to the loss of the original investment (principal). It is used when a risky move backfires so badly that one loses everything they started with, rather than just failing to make a profit.

Related Phrases

Borrowed ornaments cause inconvenience by their weight, pain by taking them off and putting them on, and debt if one of them is lost. He that goes a borrowing goes a sorrowing.

This proverb warns against the risks and anxieties of borrowing expensive items from others. It explains that while borrowed ornaments might make one look wealthy, they bring physical discomfort (burden), constant worry about their safety (hassle of handling), and a massive financial liability if something happens to them.

Borrowed wealth is a burden, eating sweets brings harm, and if any of it is lost, it leads to debt.

This proverb warns about the dangers of borrowing and the consequences of careless living. It highlights that borrowed money or items are never truly yours and create a psychological or financial burden. Similarly, overindulgence (sweets) leads to health issues. Ultimately, it emphasizes that if borrowed assets are lost or wasted, it results in a cycle of debt and ruin.

A daughter is a harm to the house, a thatched eave is a harm to a terraced building.

This is a traditional proverb reflecting old societal anxieties. It suggests that just as a dry thatched roof poses a fire hazard to a solid building, a daughter's presence was historically viewed as a liability due to the heavy financial burdens (like dowry) and social responsibilities associated with her marriage and well-being. It is used to describe things that are perceived as inherent risks or burdens to an establishment.

Interest is dearer than the principal amount

This proverb is used to describe the sentiment where people (especially grandparents) often show more affection towards their grandchildren than their own children. In a literal sense, it refers to a moneylender preferring the recurring interest over the initial investment, but in a social context, it highlights how the second generation of offspring is often more cherished.

Good intelligence has no harm, lack of intelligence has no control.

This proverb highlights that a person with good character and wisdom will never face downfall or ruin because of their choices. Conversely, a person without wisdom or sense has no restraint, leading to uncontrolled behavior and inevitable trouble. It is used to emphasize the importance of cultivating good judgment.

The interest is dearer than the principal.

This expression is used to describe the phenomenon where people (especially grandparents) often show more affection and love toward their grandchildren than they did toward their own children. In this metaphor, the children are the 'principal amount' and the grandchildren are the 'interest' which is enjoyed more.

The parrot of a street speaks the language of that street.

This expression is used to describe a person who lacks a firm stance or individual principles, instead adapting their speech and behavior to please the people they are currently with. It can also refer to how someone's environment or upbringing heavily influences their dialect and opinions.

Talking in the day time spoils one's business ; talking in the night time spoils one's sleep.

This proverb emphasizes the importance of time management and focus. It suggests that gossiping or talking excessively during the day hinders productivity, while doing the same at night disturbs necessary rest. It is used to advise someone to stop talking and get back to their responsibilities or to sleep.

Like making someone climb a tree and then letting go of the support.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone encourages or forces another person to take on a difficult or risky task and then abandons them without any support when they need it most. It signifies betrayal or leaving someone in the lurch after getting them involved.

Tall is vulnerable to wind, short is vulnerable to water

This proverb highlights that every physical trait has its own disadvantage depending on the situation. Just as a tall tree or person is more likely to be affected by strong winds (or storms), a short person or object is more likely to be submerged or affected by rising waters (or floods). It is used to suggest that no one is perfectly safe or superior in all circumstances.