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.
Related Phrases
మనిషి కాటుకు మందు లేదు.
manishi katuku mandu ledu.
There is no medicine for the bite of a man. The bite of an enraged man is said to be fatally poisonous.
This proverb refers to the malicious nature of human behavior, specifically betrayal, gossip, or cruelty. While there are remedies for snake bites or animal wounds, the damage caused by a person's words or actions can be irreparable and impossible to heal with physical medicine.
విందులేని కూడు మందు.
vinduleni kudu mandu.
Food without a feast is medicine. To dine alone is disagreeable.
This expression suggests that eating food without enjoyment, company, or variety feels like a chore or a necessity for survival, similar to taking medicine, rather than being a pleasurable experience. It emphasizes the importance of hospitality and the social aspect of dining.
రోకలి మూడు మాడలు
rokali mudu madalu
Three half-pagodas for a rice pounder. Said of any thing purchased at an exorbitant price.
This expression is used to describe a situation where the cost of a basic, inexpensive item or its maintenance is disproportionately high. It highlights irony or absurdity when something simple ends up being unnecessarily expensive or overvalued.
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.)*
ఒకనాడు విందు ఒకనాడు మందు
okanadu vindu okanadu mandu
One day a feast, one day medicine
This expression warns about the consequences of overindulgence. It implies that if you feast excessively today, you will have to take medicine for health issues tomorrow. It is used to advise moderation in eating and lifestyle habits.
పుండు మానినా బెండు మానదు
pundu manina bendu manadu
Even if the wound heals, the scar (stiffness) remains.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where, although a primary problem or conflict has been resolved, the emotional damage, psychological impact, or physical trace of that event persists. It highlights that certain experiences leave lasting marks that do not disappear even after the initial 'pain' is gone.
ఒక పూట తినేవాడు యోగి, రెండు పూటలు తినేవాడు భోగి, మూడు పూటలా తినేవాడు రోగి
oka puta tinevadu yogi, rendu putalu tinevadu bhogi, mudu putala tinevadu rogi
One who eats once a day is a Yogi, one who eats twice a day is a Bhogi, one who eats thrice a day is a Rogi
This traditional Telugu proverb highlights the health benefits of moderation in eating. It suggests that eating once a day leads to spiritual and physical discipline (Yogi), eating twice a day is for those enjoying a worldly life (Bhogi), while eating three or more times a day leads to sickness or a diseased state (Rogi).
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.
ఒకనాడు విందు, ఒకనాడు మందు
okanadu vindu, okanadu mandu
One day a feast, one day medicine.
This expression highlights the consequence of overindulgence. It suggests that if you indulge in a lavish feast or overeat today, you will likely end up taking medicine for health issues tomorrow. It serves as a warning for moderation in eating habits.
One day favor, one day disfavor. To-day in finery, to-morrow in filth. (German.)
పుండు మానినా మచ్చ మానదు
pundu manina machcha manadu
Even if the wound heals, the scar remains.
This proverb is used to describe situations where a conflict or injury might be resolved, but the emotional pain, memory, or damage to a reputation persists. It emphasizes that while physical or immediate problems can be fixed, the lasting impact or 'scar' stays forever.