ఆవు పాడి ఎన్నాళ్లు ఐశ్వర్యం ఎన్నాళ్లు, బర్రె పాడి ఎన్నాళ్లు భాగ్యం ఎన్నాళ్లు.

avu padi ennallu aishvaryam ennallu, barre padi ennallu bhagyam ennallu.

Translation

How long will you have the cow's milk, and how long will you have your fortune? How long will your buffaloe's milk last, and how long will your riches endure?

Meaning

This proverb highlights the transient nature of wealth and resources. Just as a cow or buffalo gives milk only for a certain period and then goes dry, material riches and good fortune are also temporary and subject to change. It serves as a reminder to be humble and prepared for the cycles of life.

Notes

Said to a man proud of his good fortune. Riches have wings.

Related Phrases

How long will a nose last if it falls off just by sneezing?

This proverb is used to describe something that is extremely fragile, temporary, or unstable. It suggests that if a foundation or a situation is so weak that a minor, natural occurrence (like a sneeze) can destroy it, then it wasn't meant to last long anyway. It is often applied to weak arguments, fragile relationships, or unstable jobs.

Some days of darkness, some days of moonlight.

This expression is used to describe the inevitable cycles of life. Just as nature transitions between dark nights and bright moonlit nights, human life alternates between periods of hardship and periods of happiness. It serves as a reminder to remain resilient during tough times and humble during good times, as neither state is permanent.

How long will the thorns last, how long will the riches last?

This proverb is used to reflect on the impermanence of life's circumstances. Just as thorny bushes (hardships) do not last forever, worldly riches and prosperity are also transient. It serves as a reminder to remain humble during good times and resilient during bad times, as neither phase is permanent.

How long does the cow's milk last, so does the wealth. How long does the buffalo's milk last, so does the fortune.

This proverb is used to describe the temporary and fleeting nature of wealth and prosperity. Just as a cow or buffalo gives milk only for a certain period and then goes dry, human fortune and riches are not permanent and can disappear at any time.

To him who has fallen into a river how many thoughts [ do not arise ? ] Said of one in utter despair.

This proverb refers to a person in a desperate or critical situation who starts thinking of numerous solutions or regrets all at once. It is used to describe how someone's mind races with many possibilities or worries only when they are already in deep trouble, rather than planning beforehand.

How long will life last, and how long will fortunes last?

This expression is used to highlight the impermanence and transient nature of life and wealth. It serves as a reminder that both human existence and material success are temporary, often encouraging people to be humble, kind, or content rather than obsessed with accumulating riches or pride.

If your nose won't stand sneezing how long will it last ?

This proverb refers to things that are extremely fragile, temporary, or unstable. It is used to describe a situation or a relationship that is so weak that it could collapse at the slightest provocation or minor issue. It highlights the futility of relying on something that lacks durability.

How long will the puffed rice last, and how long will the job last?

This proverb is used to describe jobs or situations that are temporary, unstable, or lacking long-term security. Just as eating 'puffed rice' (a light snack) doesn't keep one full for long, some occupations are fleeting and won't provide a permanent livelihood.

How long does cow's milk last, and how long does wealth last? How long does buffalo's milk last, and how long does fortune last?

This proverb highlights the transient and unpredictable nature of wealth and prosperity. Just as the milk production of cattle (cows or buffaloes) is seasonal and eventually stops, human wealth and good fortune are also not permanent. It is used to advise humility during good times and to remind one that circumstances can change unexpectedly.

How long will the Úda food last? How long will your em- ployment continue?

This proverb is used to describe the insecurity and temporary nature of a job or a livelihood. It suggests that just as puffed rice (which is light and fills the mouth but not the stomach for long) doesn't sustain a person for long, some jobs are also transient and lack permanence or long-term security.