వెన్న కొద్దీ నెయ్యి

venna koddi neyyi

Translation

Ghee is proportional to the butter.

Meaning

This proverb means that the quality or quantity of the final output depends entirely on the input or the effort invested. Just as the amount of clarified butter (ghee) produced depends on how much butter you start with, the results of a task are determined by the resources or merit available.

Related Phrases

A husband is obtained based on one's merit (punyam), and a child is obtained based on one's charity (danam).

This proverb suggests that the quality of one's life partners and children is a result of their past good deeds and character. It is often used to imply that one's fortune in family life is reflections of their own virtues or to counsel patience and acceptance of one's destiny.

Husband according to past virtuous deeds and children according to one’s charity.

The advice is that one should lead a virtuous life, so that in the next life, a lady will be blessed with a noble (good) husband. And if she performs acts of charity, she will be blessed additionally with well-behaved (good) children. It calls upon women to lead a life of virtue. By extension, what applies to women applies equally to men.

If you take away little by little, even a mountain will disappear.

This proverb emphasizes the impact of gradual depletion or persistent effort. It is used in two contexts: as a warning that constant small spending can exhaust even large wealth, or as an encouragement that consistent small steps can complete even the most daunting tasks.

Wisdom according to the lineage, tradition according to the community.

This expression suggests that a person's behavior, intellect, and habits are often shaped by their upbringing, heritage, and the social environment or community they belong to. It is used to describe how inherent traits and cultural practices are passed down through generations.

Dung proportional to the fodder.

The output or result is always proportional to the input or effort invested. Just as an animal produces waste based on how much it eats, success or results depend on the resources or hard work put in.

Grandeur according to wealth, humility according to education.

This proverb suggests that one's lifestyle and display of status should be proportional to their financial resources, and similarly, as a person gains more knowledge and education, they should naturally become more humble and modest.

As you walk you widen the path, as you put [earth] you raise the ledge.

This proverb suggests that tasks or complications can expand as you engage with them, but stability and progress come from consistent effort and arrangement. It is used to describe how journeys or projects feel longer as you go, yet gain structure as you manage them.

Donka is a path between two fields. Kuduru is a ledge made with earth round a mortar in which grain is pounded.

Like stretching more when being corrected or adjusted.

This expression describes a person who becomes more stubborn, arrogant, or defiant as you try to correct their behavior or humble them. Instead of improving or listening, they react by showing even more ego or pride.

A husband according to the worship [ of the wife ], a son according to the good works [ of the father ].

This proverb suggests that the quality of one's life partners and children is a result of one's past deeds, character, and spiritual merit. It is used to imply that the rewards or the caliber of people in one's life are proportionate to the effort and virtue one has cultivated.

In proportion to the wealth there will be enjoyment, in pro- portion to the learning there will be humility.

This proverb highlights proportionality in life. It suggests that one's lifestyle or display of grandeur depends on their financial status, while true education should be reflected through one's level of humility. It is used to remind people that as they grow in knowledge, they should become more modest and grounded.