ఆవతల ఎద్దు

This proverb is used to describe how long-term habits or specific training cannot be changed instantly. Just as an ox trained to walk in circles for an oil mill cannot immediately adapt to the linear, strenuous work of ploughing a field, a person accustomed to one way of life or job cannot suddenly switch to a completely different skill set or environment without proper transition and time.

This proverb highlights the unpredictable and cyclical nature of life and fortune. It signifies that someone who is wealthy or powerful today might face hardship tomorrow, and vice versa. It is used to advise humility during success and hope during failure, reminding us that time can change anyone's circumstances.

This is a traditional agricultural proverb used by farmers to identify healthy and productive cattle based on physical traits. It suggests that a cow with an 'attached' or 'joined' navel is auspicious, an ox with a high-held head is strong and hardworking, and a cow with a sagging navel and well-developed udder is likely to be a high milk producer. It is used when evaluating or purchasing livestock.

This proverb is used to describe a perfect match or a situation where everything is equally poor or matched in quality. It often implies that there is no difference between two options or entities, as they share the same characteristics (good or bad).

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.

This expression is used to describe a situation where one person passes a command or task to another, who then simply passes it to someone else without adding any value or doing any work themselves. It refers to a chain of command where responsibility is constantly shifted downward.

This is a traditional agricultural proverb implying that certain physical traits (like 'chappi' or downward-curving horns) are reliable indicators of a strong and hardworking animal. In a broader sense, it suggests that quality and value are sometimes self-evident to those with experience, and one should choose what is proven to be reliable.

This is a rhythmic phrase used by farmers or workers in rural Andhra Pradesh, particularly while performing labor-intensive tasks like lifting water or moving heavy loads. It is a 'Kappali' song lyric used to maintain tempo, coordinate team effort, and alleviate the physical strain of hard labor.

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.

This expression is used to describe tasks performed without interest, compensation, or quality because they are being done under compulsion. It implies that when work is forced or unpaid, one cannot expect excellence or a specific value in return.