యజమాని చూడని చేను ఎంత పెరిగినా నష్టమే.

yajamani chudani chenu enta perigina nashtame.

Translation

A field not watched by the owner is a loss no matter how much it grows.

Meaning

This proverb emphasizes the importance of personal supervision in business or any undertaking. It implies that without the owner's direct oversight, resources are likely to be wasted, mismanaged, or stolen, leading to failure despite apparent growth or potential.

Related Phrases

O Jackal! Jackal! look at my Nāmam, if you look again see my Tirumani. —Tirumani ( lit. sacred earth ) is the name given to the outer lines, made with white clay, of the Nāmam.

This expression is used to describe a cunning or deceptive person who tries to distract others with religious or righteous appearances while hiding their true intentions. It refers to someone who uses superficial symbols of piety to cover up their deceitful nature, often used when someone is being hypocritically holy.

If the young girl gets thin it's a problem, if she grows too fat it's also a problem.

This proverb is used to describe a delicate or troublesome situation where there is no perfect outcome. No matter which way things turn out, there will be difficulties or complaints. It is often used to refer to people who are never satisfied or situations that are inherently problematic regardless of the change in state.

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.

No matter how much it grows, a sheep's tail is only a span long.

This proverb is used to describe limitations that remain constant despite growth or progress. It highlights that certain inherent traits or shortcomings do not change even if someone gains power, wealth, or age. It is often used to humble someone who is acting overly important or to point out that some things have a natural, fixed limit.

A field not watched by its owner goes to ruin.

This proverb emphasizes the importance of personal supervision. It suggests that if a person does not personally oversee their own business, property, or affairs, they are bound to fail or suffer loss due to neglect or mismanagement by others.

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.)!

No matter how much it grows, a sheep's tail is only a span long.

This proverb is used to describe people or situations that have inherent limitations regardless of progress, time, or growth. It suggests that some things have a natural, fixed limit that cannot be exceeded, or it can be used to mock someone who, despite their achievements or status, remains small-minded or limited in their capacity.

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.

If you ask what the best fertilizer is, it is the owner's footprint.

This proverb emphasizes that personal supervision and direct involvement are the most critical factors for success in any endeavor, especially in farming or business. It suggests that no amount of resources can replace the watchful eye and presence of the person in charge.

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.