వంతు పెట్టుకున్నా వాత వేసుకొనేదానికిచ్చి పెట్టుకోవాల
vantu pettukunna vata vesukonedanikichchi pettukovala
Even if you compete, compete for something that is worth getting branded for.
This proverb suggests that if one chooses to compete or strive for something, it should be for a prize or goal that is truly valuable and worth the sacrifice or effort involved. It discourages wasting energy on trivial competitions.
Related Phrases
పులిని చూసి నక్క వాత పెట్టుకున్నట్లు
pulini chusi nakka vata pettukunnatlu
Like a fox branding itself with scars after seeing a tiger's stripes.
This proverb is used to describe someone who foolishly tries to imitate others who are naturally superior or more capable, often causing harm to themselves in the process. It highlights the vanity of blind imitation without having the inherent strength or qualities of the person being mimicked.
అల్లుడికి పెట్టిన పెట్టు కొడుకు పెట్టి కోలుపోయిందట
alludiki pettina pettu koduku petti kolupoyindata
Investing in the son-in-law led to the loss of the investment intended for the son.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone prioritizes an outsider or a distant relative over their own family, only to end up losing everything. It highlights the folly of misplaced priorities and the resulting regret when a primary responsibility is neglected for a secondary one.
కట్టుకున్న వాడి మీదకంటే పెట్టుకున్న వాడి మీదనే ప్రేమ
kattukunna vadi midakante pettukunna vadi midane prema
There is more love for the one who provides ornaments than for the one who provides the wedding knot.
This proverb is used to criticize people who value material wealth, gifts, or superficial displays of affection over the person who actually provides stability, commitment, and true companionship (like a husband). It highlights human greed or the tendency to favor those who offer temporary luxuries over those who fulfill lifelong responsibilities.
పులిని చూసి నక్క వాత పెట్టుకున్నట్టు
pulini chusi nakka vata pettukunnattu
The jackal branded himself with spots like a tiger. Vulgar display. Apeing one's superiors.
This proverb is used to describe a person who foolishly tries to imitate someone superior or more capable than themselves, often resulting in self-harm or ridicule. It highlights the folly of blind imitation without having the inherent nature or strength of the person being copied.
కట్టుకున్న మొగుడు, పెట్టుకున్న నగలు.
kattukunna mogudu, pettukunna nagalu.
The husband one is married to, the jewelry one is wearing.
This expression highlights the items or people that truly belong to a person and provide real security or status. It is used to emphasize that only what is legally yours or physically in your possession can be relied upon in times of need or social standing.
ఎత్తుకున్న బిడ్డ మొత్తుకున్నా ఆగదు
ettukunna bidda mottukunna agadu
A child in arms won't stop crying even if you hit it.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where one is forced to endure a burden or responsibility they have voluntarily taken up. Once you have committed to helping someone or taking on a task (lifting the child), you must bear the consequences and difficulties (the crying/trouble) that come with it until the end.
పులిని చూచి నక్క వాతలు పెట్టుకొన్నట్లు
pulini chuchi nakka vatalu pettukonnatlu
Like a fox branding itself with stripes after seeing a tiger.
This proverb is used to describe someone who foolishly tries to imitate others who are naturally superior or more capable, often causing harm to themselves in the process. It highlights the vanity and folly of blind imitation without having the inherent strength or status of the person being mimicked.
ఎత్తుక తిన్నవాణ్ణి పొత్తులో పెట్టుకుంటే, అంతా తీసి బొంతలో పెట్టుకున్నాడట
ettuka tinnavanni pottulo pettukunte, anta tisi bontalo pettukunnadata
When a thief who steals and eats was taken as a partner, he stole everything and hid it in his bundle.
This proverb warns against trusting a person with a known history of dishonesty or theft. It implies that if you enter into a partnership or trust someone who is habitually untrustworthy, you shouldn't be surprised when they eventually betray you or steal your belongings. It is used to describe situations where someone suffers a loss due to their own poor judgment in choosing associates.
ఒక కంటికి సున్నం ఒక కంటికి వెన్న పెట్టినట్టు
oka kantiki sunnam oka kantiki venna pettinattu
Like applying lime to one eye and butter to the other
This expression is used to describe showing partiality or unfair discrimination. It refers to a situation where two people or things are treated differently despite being equal, with one receiving harsh treatment (lime/caustic) and the other receiving soft, preferential treatment (butter).
అరచేత వెన్న పెట్టుకొని, నేతికి ఏడ్చినట్లు
aracheta venna pettukoni, netiki edchinatlu
Holding butter in the palm, yet crying for ghee.
This expression describes a situation where someone overlooks a solution or resource they already possess while desperately searching for it elsewhere. It is used to point out the foolishness of not realizing that the goal is already within reach, as butter is the source of ghee.