వెంట వెళ్ళైనా చూడాలి, ఇంట ఉండియైనా చూడాలి

venta vellaina chudali, inta undiyaina chudali

Translation

One must see by traveling along or by living together in the same house.

Meaning

This proverb suggests that to truly understand someone's character, personality, or habits, you must either travel with them for a long distance or live under the same roof. It emphasizes that superficial acquaintance is not enough to judge a person.

Related Phrases

Even a handful of harvest from one's own field is enough.

This expression emphasizes the value of self-reliance and the satisfaction derived from one's own honest labor. It suggests that a small amount earned or produced through one's own effort is more gratifying and honorable than a large amount obtained through other means or dependency.

Should I look at the milk or the vessel?

This expression describes a dilemma where one has to choose between preserving the quality of the contents (the goal) and the integrity of the container (the means/tool). It is used when a person is confused between two equally important or conflicting priorities, or when trying to handle a situation where fixing one thing might damage another.

One must live to see the city and die to see heaven

This proverb emphasizes that experiencing the world (represented by the city) and achieving spiritual salvation (represented by heaven) are the two ultimate goals of human existence. It is often used to encourage someone to travel, experience prosperity, or enjoy life's opportunities while they are still alive.

Either a medicine is needed, or a push is needed

This expression refers to a situation where a result can only be achieved through two specific means: either by treating the root cause (medicine) or by applying external pressure/motivation (a push). It is often used when someone is being stubborn or a task is stalled, suggesting that either a logical solution or a forceful nudge is required to get things moving.

Look in my neighbour's house, and see how openhanded I am! When I distribute his alms.

This proverb is used to describe a person who is very generous or charitable with other people's resources or money, but stingy with their own. It satirizes the hypocrisy of someone showing off their 'greatness' at the expense of others.

It is easy to be generous out of another man's purse. (Danish.)* Broad thongs are cut from other men's leather. (Latin.)!

One should see a son-in-law at his mother-in-law's house and a bull in a castor field.

This proverb highlights situations where an individual feels overly comfortable and entitled. Just as a bull thrives and roams freely in a field of castor plants (which are difficult to clear), a son-in-law is often pampered, prioritized, and treated with excessive hospitality at his in-laws' place. It is used to describe someone enjoying a position of prestige or being the center of attention.

One should either have authority in the village or land on the village outskirts.

This proverb highlights the importance of social status and economic convenience. It suggests that to live comfortably and successfully in a community, one should either possess political/social power (authority) or own fertile land close to the village (utility/wealth) to ensure easy management and prosperity.

Should I look at the milk or the vessel?

This expression is used to describe a dilemma where one must choose between the quality of the content and the appearance of the container. It is often applied to situations where someone is stuck between focusing on the value of a person or object versus their external flaws or surroundings.

Whether it is a feast or a medicine, it is for three days only.

This proverb is used to convey that both happiness (represented by a feast) and hardship (represented by taking medicine) are temporary. It suggests that any situation, good or bad, will typically lose its intensity or reach its conclusion in a short period. It is often used to advise someone not to overstay their welcome as a guest or to encourage someone enduring a difficult phase that it will soon pass.

Are we to look at milk or at the pot? The pot is only valued for the milk in it. The jewel is not to be valued for the cabinet.

This expression is used when someone is in a dilemma or a state of confusion between two tasks or priorities, implying that they cannot focus on one thing without worrying about the other. It describes a situation where a person is overwhelmed by multiple responsibilities.