అసలు కన్నా వడ్డీ ముద్దు

asalu kanna vaddi muddu

Translation

The interest is dearer than the principal.

Meaning

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.

Related Phrases

Interest is sweeter than the principal; a grandson is dearer than a son.

This proverb highlights the human tendency to cherish secondary outcomes or subsequent generations more than the original source. Just as a moneylender might value the accumulating interest over the original capital, grandparents often feel a deeper, more indulgent affection for their grandchildren than they did for their own children.

An old man is fond of a young widow

This proverb describes a situation where an elderly person becomes overly attached to or obsessed with someone or something unsuitable or inappropriate for their age. It is often used to criticize elderly men who pursue younger women, or more broadly, to point out the irony of developing new, intense cravings at a late stage in life when they should be focused on other matters.

The principal is three parts, but the interest is six parts.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where the secondary costs or side effects of a situation far exceed the primary cost or the original intent. It is often applied when the maintenance of an item costs more than the item itself, or when the complications of a task outweigh the task's actual value.

Loss of interest and a threat to the principal amount.

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.

One's own child is beautiful to them

This proverb is used to express that people always find their own possessions, family members, or creations to be the best and most beautiful, regardless of their objective quality. It is similar to the English expression 'Every potter praises his own pot' or 'Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.'

An old man is fond of women.

This proverb highlights how people's preferences or attachments change with age or vulnerability. It suggests that someone in a weak or advanced stage of life finds comfort or affection in things that others might overlook or find plain, often implying that simplicity or basic companionship becomes more valuable than vanity in one's later years.

* On ne saurait faire boire un âne s'il n'a pas soif. † Man kan nœde en Mand till at blunde, men ikke til at sove.

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.

No kicking fights and no punching fights.

This expression is used to advise against physical brawls or intense conflicts. It is often said to settle disputes amicably or to tell people to stop fighting and maintain peace. It emphasizes avoiding violence and unnecessary confrontation.

Like a single thread of cotton for a hundred gold coins.

This expression is used to describe a token contribution or a small gesture made towards a large cause or expense. It signifies that even a tiny contribution (the thread) counts as a symbolic participation or 'blessing' when a massive task or expense (the hundred gold coins) is being undertaken. It is often used when one gives a small gift during a grand event to show their presence and goodwill.

A squint eye is better than a blind eye.

This proverb is used to convey that having something imperfect or partial is better than having nothing at all. It is similar to the English expression 'Half a loaf is better than no bread' or 'Something is better than nothing.'

Of two evils choose the least.