వ్యాపారివిత్తంబు వారకాంతల పాలు, కల్లువిత్తము రుంజకాని పాలు
vyaparivittambu varakantala palu, kalluvittamu runjakani palu
The merchant's wealth goes to the courtesans; the liquor seller's wealth goes to the percussionist.
This traditional Telugu proverb suggests that wealth earned through specific means often ends up being spent in specific, sometimes wasteful, ways. It implies that money gained through trade or business might be squandered on luxuries and pleasure, while money earned from selling intoxicants is often lost to those who provide entertainment or associated vices. It serves as a commentary on the transient and cyclical nature of wealth depending on its source.
Related Phrases
అగడు మగడి పాలు, ఆనందం ఊరి పాలు
agadu magadi palu, anandam uri palu
The hardship is for the husband, while the joy is for the village.
This proverb describes a situation where one person does all the hard work or bears the suffering, while the benefits or celebrations are enjoyed by others who didn't contribute. It is used to highlight unfair distribution of labor and rewards.
నిష్ఠ నీళ్ల పాలు, మంత్రము మాలల పాలు
nishtha nilla palu, mantramu malala palu
His religious rites go to the water, and his Mantras to the Pariahs. Said of a great formalist. Most of the religious rites of the Brahmans are performed with water. The sacred formulas ( Mantras ) ought according to the Śāstras to be pronounced in a low voice, inaudible to the people.
This expression describes a situation where all the hard work, discipline, or ritualistic effort put into a task goes to waste due to a small mistake or lack of focus. It is used when someone meticulously follows a process but fails at the final stage, rendering the entire effort useless.
నరకానికి నవద్వారాలు, నాకానికి ఒకటే.
narakaniki navadvaralu, nakaniki okate.
Hell has nine gates, but Heaven has only one.
This proverb suggests that there are many ways to fall into vice or make mistakes (symbolized by the nine openings of the human body and worldly distractions), whereas the path to virtue or liberation is singular and requires disciplined focus. It is used to caution someone that it is easy to go astray but difficult to find the right path.
పలుకులు బంగారము, గుణము పాలకన్నా పలుచదనము
palukulu bangaramu, gunamu palakanna paluchadanamu
Words are gold, but character is thinner than milk.
This expression describes a hypocritical person who speaks very sweet, valuable, or virtuous words (like gold) but possesses a weak, watery, or poor character (thinner than milk). It is used to warn others about individuals whose actions and true nature do not match their eloquent speech.
రాజుల సొమ్మ రాళ్ల పాలూ, లంజల పాలూ
rajula somma ralla palu, lanjala palu
The wealth of kings goes to stones and harlots. Kings addicted to debauchery spent their wealth in constructing houses, temples, &c. and also lavished much on their concubines instead of spend- ing their Revenue for the good of people they governed.
This proverb highlights how ill-managed or excessive wealth is often squandered on unproductive vanity projects (like grand stone monuments/forts) or hedonistic pleasures. It is used to caution against the misuse of resources and the inevitable waste that occurs when power and money are not directed toward the welfare of the people.
జంగాలపాలు, దేవాంగుల విత్తము, కాపువిత్తం పంజుగానిపాలు.
jangalapalu, devangula vittamu, kapuvittam panjuganipalu.
Wealth of Jangalas, wealth of Devangas, and wealth of Kapus all go to Panjugani.
This proverb describes how hard-earned wealth or resources can be lost or taken away by intermediaries or through wasteful habits. It suggests that regardless of who earns the money (different castes/professions mentioned as examples), it ultimately ends up being squandered or taken by those who exploit others' labor or lack of foresight.
పాపమని పాలుపోస్తే, పలుచనని పారబోసినాడట.
papamani paluposte, paluchanani parabosinadata.
When milk was given out of pity, he poured it out saying it was too thin.
This proverb describes someone who is ungrateful or overly critical of an act of kindness. It is used when a person receives help or a gift but instead of being thankful, they find minor faults in it and reject or complain about it.
అయ్య ఊరోళ్ళ పాలు, అమ్మ మాలోళ్ళ పాలు
ayya urolla palu, amma malolla palu
The father belongs to the villagers, and the mother belongs to the farmworkers.
This proverb describes a situation where both parents are constantly busy with outside work or social obligations, leaving no time for their own family or household. It is used to critique parents who neglect their responsibilities at home while being overly active in community affairs.
విత్తనంబు మొదటి వృక్షంబునకు నెంత
vittanambu modati vrikshambunaku nenta
How small is the seed compared to the first tree?
This expression refers to the humble beginnings of something that eventually becomes grand or vast. It is used to signify that great results often arise from very small origins, emphasizing that size at the start does not determine final potential.
వారకాంత జనంబులకు వావి గలదె?
varakanta janambulaku vavi galade?
Do those who are public women (prostitutes) have any sense of family relationship or kinship?
This classical expression or proverb is used to suggest that individuals who lack character or those who treat relationships purely as transactions do not respect or recognize moral boundaries or family ties. It is often used to criticize someone's lack of integrity or their disregard for social and moral decorum.