ఆవుపాడి ఎన్నాళ్ళు ఐశ్వర్యమెన్నాళ్ళు? బర్రెపాడి ఎన్నాళ్ళు భాగ్యమెన్నాళ్ళు?

avupadi ennallu aishvaryamennallu? barrepadi ennallu bhagyamennallu?

Translation

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?

Meaning

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.

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.

When asked 'Oh Lord, how much longer?', he replied 'Haven't you seen the priest?'

This proverb is used to describe a situation where a solution or an end to a struggle depends on a middleman or an intermediary rather than the primary authority. It implies that while God (the higher power) might be willing to grant a wish, the priest (the person in charge of the process) is the one causing the delay or expecting something in return. It highlights bureaucratic hurdles or the greed of subordinates.

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.

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.

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 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.