వాది నాశనం, ప్రతివాది ముదనష్టం, ప్లీడర్ల అదృష్టం, కోర్టు వారి ఇష్టం.

vadi nashanam, prativadi mudanashtam, plidarla adrishtam, kortu vari ishtam.

Translation

Plaintiff's destruction, defendant's total loss, lawyer's fortune, and the court's whim.

Meaning

This proverb satirizes the legal system. It implies that in a legal battle, both the plaintiff and the defendant end up losing their wealth and peace of mind, while only the lawyers benefit financially. The final outcome remains unpredictable as it depends entirely on the court's discretion. It is used to advise people to settle disputes outside of court.

Related Phrases

Do you like Pothuraju or do you like the ram?

This expression is used when someone is presented with two options that lead to the same result, or when someone is trying to act like they are giving a choice when they actually are not. In village rituals, Pothuraju is the deity to whom a ram (pottelu) is sacrificed. Whether one chooses the deity or the sacrifice, the ram's fate remains the same. It is used to describe a 'no-win' situation or a choice between two equally difficult or identical outcomes.

Hard-earned income, favorite food.

This proverb emphasizes that wealth earned through hard work brings true satisfaction and the right to enjoy one's favorite comforts. It suggests that when you work hard for your money, the pleasure derived from spending it, particularly on good food, is much more fulfilling and honorable.

One likes a dry curry, while another likes a tangy stew.

This proverb is used to express that tastes and preferences are subjective and vary from person to person. It is the Telugu equivalent of 'To each their own' or 'Different strokes for different folks.' It highlights that there is no single right choice when it comes to personal preference.

Asceticism is difficult at the end, family life is difficult in the middle

This proverb highlights the challenges of different stages of life. Being a monk or ascetic (Sanyasam) is difficult in old age due to loneliness and physical ailments, whereas family life (Samsaram) is hardest in the middle years when one is burdened with responsibilities, financial stress, and raising children.

One likes stir-fry curry, another likes stew curry.

This expression is used to highlight that tastes and preferences differ from person to person. It is the Telugu equivalent of 'To each their own' or 'Different strokes for different folks.' It suggests that one should respect individual choices because everyone has their own unique likes and dislikes.

Strong for the offering, luck for the work.

This proverb is used to describe someone who is very enthusiastic and first in line when it comes to eating or receiving benefits, but makes excuses or relies on 'luck' and laziness when it is time to work. It highlights the hypocrisy of a person who consumes resources greedily but contributes nothing.

Good luck doesn't come by informing, and bad luck doesn't leave by informing.

This expression highlights the unpredictability of life. It means that good fortune often arrives unexpectedly without prior notice, and similarly, a period of misfortune or bad luck doesn't end just because one wants it to; it follows its own course. It is used to describe the sudden turns of fate.

Loss and hardship

This expression is used to describe a situation involving significant trouble, loss, and suffering. It is often used when someone explains the various difficulties or 'trials and tribulations' they have endured to achieve something or during a bad phase in life.

If it rains during Ashwini (Karti), it results in total loss.

This is a traditional agricultural proverb referring to the 'Ashwini Karti' period (usually mid-April). It suggests that rainfall during this specific time is detrimental to crops that are ready for harvest or in specific growth stages, leading to significant financial loss for farmers.

Plaintiff's ruin, defendant's dead loss, lawyer's fortune, and court's whim.

This saying highlights the cynical reality of prolonged legal battles. It implies that while the plaintiff and defendant lose their wealth and peace of mind in litigation, the lawyers profit from the fees, and the final outcome remains at the discretion of the court. It is used to advise people to settle disputes amicably rather than approaching the court.