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

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

Translation

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

Meaning

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.

Related Phrases

How long does a king's intimacy last?

This expression warns that the favor or friendship of powerful people is often fickle and temporary. It is used to suggest that one should not overly rely on the patronage of superiors, as their affection can change in an instant.

Moonlight for a few days, darkness for a few days

This expression is used to signify that life is a cycle of ups and downs. Just as the lunar cycle alternates between bright moonlight and darkness, human life consists of periods of joy and sorrow, success and failure. It is used to encourage resilience during tough times or to advise humility during prosperous times.

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.

The mother-in-law's time lasts for a while, and the daughter-in-law's time lasts for a while.

This proverb signifies that power and circumstances are never permanent. Just as a daughter-in-law eventually becomes the mother-in-law in charge, everyone gets their turn to lead or dominate. It is used to remind people to be humble during their time of power, as the tables will eventually turn.

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.

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?

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.

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

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.

Darkness for some days, moonlight for some days.

This proverb signifies the cyclical nature of life, suggesting that both bad times (darkness) and good times (moonlight) are temporary. It is used to offer comfort during hardships or as a reminder to stay humble during success, as neither phase lasts forever.

Joy and sorrow are equally divided.

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.