విందు అయినా మూడు నాళ్ళు, మందు అయినా మూడు నాళ్ళు
vindu ayina mudu nallu, mandu ayina mudu nallu
Whether it is a feast or medicine, it should only last for three days.
This proverb emphasizes that anything in life should be done in moderation and within a specific timeframe. Just as a guest or a feast becomes burdensome after three days, or medicine loses its purpose or becomes harmful if taken too long, everything has an optimal duration. It is used to advise someone not to overstay their welcome or overdo a particular activity.
Related Phrases
చుట్టూ అయినా మెట్టదారి మేలు
chuttu ayina mettadari melu
Even if it is a detour, a dry path is better.
This proverb suggests that it is better to take a longer, safer, and more reliable route (or method) rather than a shortcut that is dangerous or difficult. It emphasizes choosing safety and certainty over speed.
ముడివేశాక ముండయినా ముతకయినా తప్పదు
mudiveshaka mundayina mutakayina tappadu
Once the knot is tied, whether it is a widow or a coarse person, one must bear it.
This proverb signifies that once a commitment or marriage is finalized, one must accept the consequences and the person involved, regardless of their flaws or the difficulties that arise. It is used to describe situations where a decision is irreversible and one must fulfill their responsibility despite dissatisfaction.
ఏరు అయినా మూడు నేరములు కాస్తుంది.
eru ayina mudu neramulu kastundi.
Even a river will forgive three offences. Referring to the three times which a man is said to sink before drowning. The duty of forgiveness.
This expression is used to signify patience and tolerance. Just as a river might not overflow or cause destruction immediately upon the first few disturbances, a wise or powerful person often overlooks a few mistakes before taking action or reacting. It suggests that one should have a certain level of endurance and give others a chance to rectify their behavior before passing judgment or retaliating.
విందు మర్నాడు మందు
vindu marnadu mandu
The day after a feast a dose.
This expression highlights the consequences of overindulgence. It implies that if you enjoy a heavy, lavish feast today, you will likely need medicine for indigestion or health issues the following day. It is used as a cautionary saying about moderation.
After a feast a man scratches his head. (French.)*
విందూ మందూ మూడు పూటలు.
vindu mandu mudu putalu.
For feasting or for medicine, three times. A man will not be treated as a guest for more than three meals and he is not expected to stay longer.—The effect of medicine should be tried by three doses after which, if it fail, it should be given up.
This proverb suggests that both hospitality (visiting/hosting) and medicinal treatments have a limit to their effectiveness and welcome. Just as one should not overstay their welcome as a guest, one should not overindulge or rely on medicine for too long. It is used to emphasize that some things are only good in moderation and for a short duration.
బారెడు చుట్టు అయినా బాటన పొమ్మన్నారు
baredu chuttu ayina batana pommannaru
Even if it is a fathom's length extra, go only by the established path.
This proverb emphasizes the importance of safety and reliability over shortcuts. It suggests that it is better to take a slightly longer, familiar, and safe route or method rather than taking a shorter but risky or unknown path. It is used to advise someone to follow conventions and proven ways to avoid unnecessary danger.
మానుపిల్లి అయినా మట్టిపిల్లి అయినా ఎలుకను పట్టిందే పిల్లి
manupilli ayina mattipilli ayina elukanu pattinde pilli
Whether it is a wooden cat or a clay cat, the one that catches the mouse is the real cat.
This expression emphasizes pragmatism and results over appearance or origin. It suggests that the effectiveness or utility of a person or a tool is more important than its form, cost, or status. It is used to convey that the end result is what truly matters in evaluating a solution.
జీతగాణ్ని తెచ్చుకొంటే, ఇంటికి కావలివాడు కాక యజమాని అయ్యాడు
jitaganni techchukonte, intiki kavalivadu kaka yajamani ayyadu
The hireling has become the master of the house. Applied to a forward person, who does not know his place.
This proverb describes a situation where someone hired or brought in to help eventually takes over or dominates the person who helped them. It is used when an assistant or subordinate oversteps their boundaries to the point of controlling the superior.
పాడైపోయిన కూరలు బాపడికి
padaipoyina kuralu bapadiki
The rotten vegetables to the Brahman.
This proverb is used to describe a hypocritical or stingy person who offers useless or spoiled items to others as a form of charity or gift, rather than giving something of value. It highlights the tendency of some people to 'donate' only what they were going to throw away anyway.
Spurious benevolence. When Tom's pitcher is broken I shall get the sherds.
విందైనా మందైనా మూన్నాళ్ళు.
vindaina mandaina munnallu.
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.