అట్టు కడిగి వదిలివేసిన ఎద్దు

attu kadigi vadilivesina eddu

Translation

An ox that has been washed and let loose.

Meaning

This expression is used to describe a person who is free from all responsibilities, wanders around aimlessly without any worries, or is completely idle. Just as an ox is washed and set free to graze when it has no work, it refers to someone who is living a carefree life without any burdens.

Related Phrases

The ox on the other side

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone is ignored or their presence is completely disregarded, similar to 'talking to a wall.' It often implies that the person being spoken to is as unresponsive or indifferent as an ox standing far away.

When told that a squint is a flaw in her caste, she replied she had left it behind in her childhood.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone tries to brush off a significant inherent flaw or a permanent mistake as a minor thing of the past. It highlights the absurdity of making excuses for something that is obvious and unchangeable.

When the creeper was pulled the whole bush shook. Injury to the head of the house reaches to all the members.

This expression is used when a small action or a single lead reveals a much larger hidden connection or a whole network of information. Similar to 'tugging at a thread,' it implies that investigating one small part of a situation can expose the entire hidden reality or involve everyone associated with it.

A washed mouth and a child who asks.

This proverb highlights two things that are always ready or desirable. A 'washed mouth' refers to a clean mouth ready to eat, and an 'asking child' refers to a child who is curious, expressive, or communicative about their needs, which is considered a sign of healthy development and clarity.

Water in a field that is naturally seeping or springing.

This expression refers to a situation or resource that is constant and self-replenishing. Just as a field with a natural spring (oota) never runs dry, it describes someone with inexhaustible talent, wealth, or a continuous flow of ideas.

Like a tiny quail stopping a team of seven pairs of oxen.

This proverb describes a situation where a very small or seemingly insignificant person or thing manages to obstruct or halt the progress of something much larger, powerful, or numerous. It is used to highlight how a minor obstacle can sometimes cause a major standstill.

No matter what is done, the left-hand bracelet remains in pawn.

This expression is used to describe a situation of chronic poverty or financial struggle. Despite working hard or earning money, if one's basic debts remain unpaid or if they never manage to save anything, this phrase is used to highlight the futility of their efforts against their overwhelming circumstances.

If a bull with a broken leg can climb the bank, won't a bull with a broken horn climb it too?

This proverb is used to highlight that if someone with a severe handicap or a major problem can succeed, then someone with a minor flaw or less significant hurdle can surely succeed as well. It encourages resilience by putting problems into perspective.

A knot soaked in water, turmeric applied to a brand.

This expression is used to describe something that is fixed, permanent, or impossible to undo. Just as a wet knot becomes tighter and harder to untie, and turmeric applied to a cauterized wound stays fixed to the skin, this phrase refers to a decision or situation that is finalized and unchangeable.

If you give exactly what is asked for, it will disappear as if washed away.

This proverb is used to warn against being overly generous or yielding to every demand. It suggests that if you fulfill every request without discretion, the resources or wealth will be depleted quickly and without leaving a trace, often implying that the recipient will not value it or will waste it.