వేగీవేగని పెసరపప్పు, వెనుకవచ్చిన పెండ్లాము రుచి.

vegivegani pesarapappu, venukavachchina pendlamu ruchi.

Translation

The taste of half-roasted moong dal is like the taste of a second wife.

Meaning

This proverb is used to describe things that are new or incomplete yet seem very attractive or desirable at the beginning. Just as moong dal that isn't fully roasted still has a distinct (though raw) flavor, a second wife or a new person entering a situation might seem better than the old, often masking underlying complications.

Related Phrases

The one who arrived first has three husbands, while the one who arrived later has pregnancy cravings.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where an experienced person or someone who arrived early is neglected or treated with indifference, while a newcomer or a later arrival receives excessive attention, special treatment, or pampered care. It highlights the irony of human nature where novelty is often valued over experience or seniority.

The reputation gained will not leave even after death

This expression emphasizes that once a person earns a certain reputation—whether good or bad—it stays with them for life and remains even after they pass away. It is often used to remind someone that their actions have long-lasting consequences on their legacy.

What does the pan know about the taste of the Pesarattu (moong dal crepe)?

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone performs a task or facilitates a process but does not personally experience its benefits or understand the value of the outcome. Similar to the English proverb 'The ladle doesn't know the taste of the soup,' it highlights that mechanical participation does not equate to appreciation or enjoyment.

What does the pan know about the taste of the pesarattu?

This expression is used to describe someone who facilitates or is involved in a process but cannot enjoy or understand the final result or its value. Similar to the English proverb 'The ladle doesn't know the taste of the soup,' it highlights how being physically close to something great doesn't mean one possesses the sensibility to appreciate it.

If it's that way, it's pigeon pea; if it's this way, it's mung bean.

This expression describes a person who is opportunistic or lacks a firm stance. It refers to someone who changes their opinion or allegiance depending on the situation or person they are talking to, ensuring they benefit regardless of the outcome.

After becoming poor, observe your wife's attitude.

This proverb suggests that the true character and loyalty of a spouse are tested during difficult financial times. It implies that while everyone is supportive during prosperity, only a truly devoted partner remains respectful and supportive when wealth is lost.

All shame is gone, junior wife; shall we at least go to the wedding, senior wife?

This expression is used to describe a person who lacks self-respect or has already lost their reputation and continues to act shamelessly without concern for social standing. It highlights a situation where someone, having already suffered a major embarrassment or failure, behaves as if nothing happened or tries to seek further social engagement despite their loss of dignity.

In the one case Kandi, in the other Pesara.

This expression describes a situation where a person is guaranteed to benefit regardless of the outcome. It is used to refer to 'win-win' scenarios or when someone is playing both sides to ensure they don't lose anything either way.

Kandi is the Cajanus Indicus; Pesara is the Phaseolus Mungo. Said by a Brahman quack referring to the recovery or death of his patient. In either case he is feasted.

When asked to just go and see, he came back married.

This proverb describes a situation where someone exceeds their brief or instructions in an impulsive or extreme way, often causing unintended consequences. It is used when a person is sent for a simple task but ends up making a major, permanent decision without permission.

Any quantity of presents must suffice at a dead man's marriage. When a marriage takes place, presents of cloths are sent to the bride and bridegroom by their relations. Return gifts of about equal value are made shortly after the marriage. Should the bridegroom, however, die during the ceremonies, no presents are returned, and no complaints are therefore made regarding the value of those received.

This expression is used to describe a situation where one should be content with whatever little benefit or payment they receive in a hopeless or lost situation. Since a dead man cannot marry, any dowry received is an unexpected bonus from a failed endeavor.