బండివాడు, బడ్డోడు, వెట్టోడు
bandivadu, baddodu, vettodu
The cart-driver, the lazy man, and the forced laborer
This expression describes people who work only under constant supervision or external pressure. Just as a bullock cart requires a driver to move, these individuals do not take initiative and only perform their duties when forced or strictly monitored by others.
Related Phrases
గాడితప్పిన బండివలె
gaditappina bandivale
Like a cart that has gone off track
This expression is used to describe a situation, system, or life that has lost its direction, order, or stability. It implies that things are no longer functioning correctly or are in a state of chaos, much like a bullock cart that has slipped out of its ruts or off the road.
దిక్కులేనివాడు బడిపంతులైనట్లు
dikkulenivadu badipantulainatlu
Like a helpless man becoming a school teacher.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone takes up a profession or a task not out of passion, but because they have no other options or means of livelihood. Historically, it reflects a time when teaching was considered a low-paying job of last resort for those with no other support. It is used to mock someone's lack of choice in their current occupation.
చేతిలో కర్ర చేదోడు వాదోడు.
chetilo karra chedodu vadodu.
A stick in the hand is a help in doing and a help in speaking.
This expression refers to a loyal companion or a reliable support system (like a walking stick) that assists a person in every situation, both physically and as a source of strength or advocacy.
వ్యాధి వచ్చినవాడు వెట్టి పట్టినవాడు ఒకటి.
vyadhi vachchinavadu vetti pattinavadu okati.
One who is diseased and one who is forced into labor are the same.
This proverb highlights that a person suffering from a disease and a person forced into unpaid manual labor (vetti) share a similar plight—both lose their freedom of will and are under a constant state of suffering or compulsion. It is used to describe situations where a person has no choice but to endure hardship.
ఇంటివాడు లేచేది, కుంటివాడి మీదికే
intivadu lechedi, kuntivadi midike
The householder's anger rises only against the crippled man.
This proverb describes a situation where a person in power or authority directs their frustration or anger only toward someone who is weaker, helpless, or unable to retaliate, rather than addressing the actual cause of the problem.
మొండివాడు రాజు కంటే బలవంతుడు
mondivadu raju kante balavantudu
A stubborn person is stronger than a king.
This expression is used to describe how a person with extreme persistence or irrational stubbornness can be more difficult to deal with than even someone in power. It suggests that while a king might follow rules or reason, a stubborn person (mondivadu) will not back down for anything, making them effectively 'stronger' in a conflict.
పిల్లవాడని పక్కలో వేసుకుంటే పెద్దోడు కొట్టినట్లు కొట్టాడని
pillavadani pakkalo vesukunte peddodu kottinatlu kottadani
When a child was taken into the bed out of affection, he kicked like an adult.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone is treated with kindness, leniency, or given a position of trust despite their lack of experience or status, only for them to cause significant trouble or harm in return. It highlights misplaced kindness or the unexpected audacity of someone who should have been grateful.
తొట్టోడు మెచ్చేది ఊరిబిండి
tottodu mechchedi uribindi
The person with skin sores (or a weak constitution) craves pickles.
This proverb describes a situation where someone likes or chooses things that are actually harmful to their condition. It is used to mock people who have poor taste or those who stubbornly pursue things that worsen their existing problems.
చేదోడు వాదోడు
chedodu vadodu
Help of the hand and help of the voice
This expression is used to describe someone who is a constant support system or a right-hand person. It refers to providing both physical assistance (hand) and moral or verbal support (voice) in someone's daily life or during difficult times.
రాజుకంటే మొండివాడు బలవంతుడు.
rajukante mondivadu balavantudu.
A stubborn person is stronger than a king.
This proverb highlights that sheer persistence or stubbornness can sometimes overcome even the highest authority or power. It is used to describe situations where a person's unyielding nature forces others, even those in superior positions, to eventually give in.