ఆబోతు కండలకు పెడతారా?

abotu kandalaku pedatara?

Translation

Will they feed the bull for its muscles?

Meaning

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone is working hard or performing a duty, but the benefits or rewards are not meant for them personally. It implies that just as a bull is fed to work in the fields and not for its own growth or meat, some efforts are purely functional and don't result in personal gain for the individual doing the work.

Related Phrases

Like enquiring the flavour of the vegetables when on the point of eating them. Want of patience.

This expression is used to describe someone's unnecessary impatience or redundant inquiries about a result that they are just moments away from experiencing firsthand anyway. It highlights the pointlessness of seeking an opinion or a preview when the reality is already at hand.

A breeding bull seeks the fame of the poor.

This proverb describes a situation where an influential or powerful person tries to take credit for the achievements of the poor or lowly. It is also used when someone powerful unnecessarily exerts their dominance over those who have nothing, or when someone expects recognition from a source that cannot provide it.

Like rain falling on a male buffalo

This expression is used to describe a person who is completely indifferent, thick-skinned, or unresponsive to criticism, advice, or warnings. Just as a buffalo remains unbothered and stands still even when it rains heavily, the person remains unaffected by what is being said to them.

When the big bulls of 'mine' and 'more' fight, the young calf in the middle suffers.

This proverb describes a situation where an innocent bystander or a minor entity is harmed or caught in the crossfire of a conflict between two powerful, egoistic forces. It is often used to refer to common people suffering during political power struggles or children being affected by a fight between parents.

If the eyes are large, will the pupils also be large?

This proverb is used to explain that greatness or the size of a whole does not necessarily mean its core parts or subordinates will be equally large. It highlights that everything has its own natural limit and scale, and one should not expect the impossible or a direct proportionality in all matters.

At God's wedding, everyone is an elder/leader.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where there is no clear authority, hierarchy, or organization because everyone involved considers themselves to be in charge. It is often applied to chaotic events where everyone is giving orders but no one is following them.

Like asking for the taste of the curry just as one is about to eat.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone asks for feedback or information right at the moment they are about to experience the result firsthand. It highlights the pointlessness or impatience of questioning something that will be self-evident in a matter of seconds.

The cow that gives no milk is the first one to eat the fodder.

This proverb describes a person who is lazy or unproductive when it comes to work, yet is the most demanding and ahead of everyone else when it comes to benefits, food, or rewards. It is used to criticize someone who contributes nothing but consumes a lot.

Don't serve the elders, but wear a fancy turban of disputes.

This proverb is used to criticize someone who neglects their basic duties or responsibilities—such as taking care of elders or family—but spends their time and energy on vanity, creating unnecessary arguments, or maintaining a false sense of prestige.

The eldest son of quarrels (or troubles).

Used to describe a person who is extremely troublesome, argumentative, or someone who always finds a reason to pick a fight or create a dispute. It implies that the person is a 'pioneer' or a 'master' at creating unnecessary complications.