వెట్టి మూటకీ, పంక్తి భోజనానికి ముందుగా వెళ్ళాలి.
vetti mutaki, pankti bhojananiki munduga vellali.
One should go early for forced labor loads and for communal row dining.
This proverb highlights a practical, if cynical, wisdom regarding social obligations and survival. In the olden days, 'vetti' (forced labor) required people to carry heavy loads; being first allowed one to pick the lightest load. In 'pankthi bhojanam' (communal dining in rows), arriving early ensured a good spot and that food wouldn't run out. It is used to advise someone to be proactive and punctual to secure the best possible outcome in both difficult tasks and rewarding opportunities.
Related Phrases
గాజులబేరం భోజనానికే సరి
gajulaberam bhojananike sari
The bangle business is just enough for the meal.
This proverb is used to describe a business or activity that yields very little profit, barely covering the basic sustenance or operational costs of the person doing it. It signifies a hand-to-mouth existence where there is no surplus or savings despite the effort put in.
అన్నానికి ఆధారం లేదు కానీ, అందలం ఎక్కి పంక్తి భోజనం అన్నట్టు
annaniki adharam ledu kani, andalam ekki pankti bhojanam annattu
No means for basic rice, yet demanding a seat in the royal feast line.
This proverb describes a person who lacks the basic necessities of life or is in a poor state, yet behaves with extreme pretension, pride, or demands high luxury and status that they cannot afford. It is used to critique someone whose ego or demands are far beyond their actual means.
తెలివికి తల లేకపోయినా, భోజనానికి పొట్ట ఉంది.
teliviki tala lekapoyina, bhojananiki potta undi.
Even if there is no head for intelligence, there is a stomach for food.
This sarcastic expression is used to describe someone who lacks common sense, wisdom, or the desire to work, yet is always ready and eager to eat. It highlights the irony of a person being mentally inactive but physically demanding.
గాజుల బేరము భోజనానికి సరి.
gajula beramu bhojananiki sari.
The sale proceeds of bangles are just enough to buy food.
For a petty businessman, the profit from his business would hardly meet his basic needs. This refers to an unprofitable enterprise.
భోజనానికి వద్దంటే, పట్టుచీర కట్టుకొని వస్తానన్నట్లు
bhojananiki vaddante, pattuchira kattukoni vastanannatlu
When told not to come for the meal, she said she would come wearing a silk saree.
This proverb is used to describe a person who lacks self-respect or fails to take a hint. It refers to someone who insists on attending an event or staying in a situation where they are clearly not welcome or have been explicitly disinvited, often by trying to justify their presence with superficial excuses.
భోజనానికి వచ్చి, పొయ్యి త్రవ్వినట్లు
bhojananiki vachchi, poyyi travvinatlu
Like coming for a meal and then digging up the stove.
This proverb describes extreme ingratitude or malicious behavior. It refers to a person who accepts someone's hospitality (coming for a meal) but then proceeds to cause harm or ruin the source of that kindness (digging up/destroying the stove). It is used to criticize those who betray their benefactors.
భోజనానికి ముందు, స్నానానికి వెనక.
bhojananiki mundu, snananiki venaka.
First to dinner, last to bathe. The first at dinner gets the best of the fare, the last to bathe gets the best supply of warm water.
This expression is used to describe a person who is very eager and first to arrive when it is time to eat, but very lazy or hesitant when it comes to hygiene, work, or taking a bath. It highlights a character that prioritizes pleasure over duty or cleanliness.
భోజనానికి ముందు, స్నానానికి వెనుక
bhojananiki mundu, snananiki venuka
Before the meal, after the bath
This expression refers to the sequence of daily routines or the priority of tasks. It is often used to describe someone who is very punctual or eager for food (being first at the table) but perhaps less enthusiastic about chores or preparation (being last to bathe). In a broader sense, it highlights a tendency to prioritize personal comfort or enjoyment over effort.
పూటలు మూడు, భోజనం ఒకటి.
putalu mudu, bhojanam okati.
Three sessions, but only one meal.
This expression is used to describe a state of extreme poverty or scarcity. It refers to a situation where despite the day having three natural meal times (morning, afternoon, and night), a person can only afford or find enough food to eat once.
పప్పుకూటికి ముందు, వెట్టిమూటకు వెనక ఉండాలి
pappukutiki mundu, vettimutaku venaka undali
Be first for the dal meal and last for the forced labor bundle.
This proverb highlights human nature regarding self-interest and survival. It suggests that one should be quick to participate in rewarding or beneficial situations (like a meal) but should be slow or hesitant to volunteer for difficult, unpaid, or heavy manual labor (vetti).