Stubbornness

This expression refers to a situation where a result can only be achieved through two specific means: either by treating the root cause (medicine) or by applying external pressure/motivation (a push). It is often used when someone is being stubborn or a task is stalled, suggesting that either a logical solution or a forceful nudge is required to get things moving.

This expression is used to describe a person who is highly individualistic, stubborn, or unwilling to share or cooperate with others. It signifies a 'my way or the highway' attitude, where the person insists on handling their own affairs entirely by themselves, often rejecting help or input from others.

This expression is used to describe a stubborn or foolish person who lacks common sense and refuses to take advice. It highlights a person who is both incapable of independent thought and unwilling to accept guidance from others, making them impossible to help or work with.

This proverb is used to comment on a person's intelligence or lack of willingness to learn. It suggests that even animals (like oxen) can be trained to follow instructions within a year, but a stubborn or foolish person (moddu) may never learn even after decades. It is often used to express frustration at someone who repeats the same mistakes despite being taught many times.

This expression describes someone who is extremely lazy, stubborn, or settled comfortably in a place they refuse to leave, even if they are in the way. A 'Daligunta' is a pit used for warming or slow-cooking with husks; a dog lying there enjoys the warmth and becomes very reluctant to move.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone is being intentionally stubborn, contrary, or uncooperative. It refers to a person who gives an irrelevant or opposite response to whatever is said, making it impossible to have a productive conversation or reach an agreement.

This expression highlights the inherent difficulty of changing a person's fundamental nature, thoughts, or stubborn will. It is used to convey that while one can offer advice or guidance, the ultimate control over a person's mind lies with themselves, and external attempts to 'correct' it are often futile.

This expression is used to describe someone who is extremely argumentative, contrary, or perverse. When one person suggests a basic starting point or a cause (root), the other person immediately suggests destroying it or going to the opposite extreme just to be difficult.

This proverb mocks people who let their ego or anger get in the way of their own basic needs. It refers to a man who, after a domestic quarrel, refuses to eat out of spite, only to suffer the hunger himself while trying to make a point. It is used to describe someone who acts self-destructively to satisfy their pride.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where a dispute or competition results in a complete loss for all involved parties. It signifies a 'lose-lose' scenario where instead of one person gaining something, the resource or opportunity is wasted entirely, often due to stubbornness or spite.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone refuses to acknowledge the truth or a problem even when it is hidden or subtly suggested. It highlights a person's stubbornness or lack of intuition in understanding a situation despite efforts to be discreet.

This expression is used to describe an extremely stubborn, persistent, or shameless person who refuses to let go or give up. Even when someone tries to remove them or bring them down, they find another way to cling to their position or stay involved.

A man of no delicacy of feeling, not to be got rid of easily. A toady.

This expression describes a state of stagnation or lack of progress. It is used to mock someone who is unable to adapt to new changes or learn new skills, while also failing to move on from or effectively use their existing knowledge. It highlights a situation where someone is stuck in limbo, making no advancement.

This expression is used to describe a person who is stubbornly contrarian or non-conformist. It refers to a situation where everyone agrees on a particular path or opinion, but one specific individual (metaphorically the brother-in-law) insists on taking a completely different or opposite stance, often causing a deadlock or isolation.

This proverb is used to describe individuals who are so small-minded, stingy, or stubborn that they do not benefit from great opportunities or the generosity surrounding them. Just as the dense foliage of a specific small shrub might prevent rain from reaching its own base, some people remain unaffected or unhelped even during times of abundance.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone makes a poor choice against the advice of well-wishers and then tries to justify the unfortunate consequences as if they were intended or deserved. It highlights the irony of stubbornly sticking to a bad decision even when it results in hardship.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where two people who are equally stubborn, incompetent, or flawed are paired together. It suggests that for every difficult or peculiar person, there is an equally matching counterpart, often implying that they deserve each other or that their flaws cancel each other out in a humorous or cynical way.

This expression describes a situation where two entities or individuals are perfectly matched in terms of strength, stubbornness, or toughness. Just as a stone pot is durable enough to withstand an iron ladle without breaking, this is used to refer to a conflict or partnership between two equally formidable or unyielding parties.

This expression is used to describe an ignorant or stubborn person who argues loudly and excessively despite having no knowledge of the subject. A 'Moppedu' refers to an obstinate or foolish person, and 'Mooredu Nooru' suggests that their talkativeness/shouting is disproportionate to their wisdom.

This expression refers to people who have a compulsive habit of speaking ill of others or complaining. It suggests that such behavior is so deeply ingrained that no amount of punishment or warning will stop them from expressing their negativity.