బోడెద్దుకు పోటు మప్పడము

bodedduku potu mappadamu

Translation

Training a hornless bullock to gore. Leading the innocent to vice.

Meaning

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone is trying to teach a skill or a task to a person who lacks the basic tools, capability, or inherent nature to perform it. It highlights the futility of an effort when the subject is fundamentally unsuited for the goal.

Related Phrases

Though the stab of the sword may fail, the stab of the pen will not fail.

This expression highlights the power of the written word over physical force. While a physical injury from a weapon might heal, the consequences of written documentation, laws, or press reports are permanent and far-reaching. It is used to caution people about the lasting impact of administrative decisions or journalism.

Does a ploughing ox want sugar and flattened rice?

This proverb is used to point out that one should be given what is appropriate for their role or situation rather than unnecessary luxuries. A hard-working ox needs fodder and strength, not delicacies. It is often applied to people who demand sophisticated or fancy things that do not suit their current needs or capacity.

If the grain of rice is lost, life is lost

This expression highlights the vital importance of food security and agriculture. It signifies that even a single grain of rice represents sustenance, and without food (the means of survival), one's very existence is at risk. It is often used to emphasize the value of hard work, the importance of not wasting food, or the critical nature of one's livelihood.

A mortar is a [ sure ] check to a runaway cow. When tied to its neck. Applied to measures which to check the progress of crime.

This proverb describes a situation where an uncontrollable or stubborn person meets an insurmountable obstacle or a matching force that stops them in their tracks. Just as a cow that habitually kicks is restrained by a heavy stone mortar placed behind it, this expression is used when a troublemaker finally faces a consequence or a person they cannot bully or bypass.

When about to go off herself, [ she ordered ] the white ox [ to be fed with ] rice washings. Applied to the absurdity of a person troubling himself with affairs in which he has no longer any interest.

This expression is used to describe a person who, while leaving a place or giving up a position, performs a superficial or unnecessary act of kindness or duty to maintain a good image, even though they no longer care about the outcome.

One might escape a sword strike, but one cannot escape the strike of a pen.

This expression highlights that written words have a more permanent and devastating impact than physical violence. While physical wounds may heal or be avoided, the consequences of what is written—such as laws, journalism, or literature—are enduring and inescapable. It is often used to emphasize the power of the media or the written record in holding people accountable.

Like a blind ox entering a crop field

This expression is used to describe someone who starts a task or enters a situation without any thought, direction, or awareness of the consequences. Just as a blind ox would aimlessly wander and ruin a field of crops because it cannot see where it is going, this phrase critiques reckless or mindless behavior.

Are you to ask the bullock before putting on the packsaddle?

This proverb is used to describe situations where a dominant person or authority figure takes action without consulting the subordinate party, especially when the action is mandatory or inevitable. It highlights that in certain power dynamics, consent is not sought because the outcome is already decided.

If a docile ox gets irritated, it will ruin the entire fence.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where a normally calm, patient, or quiet person loses their temper. It implies that when a gentle person finally gets angry, the resulting damage or outburst is significantly greater and more destructive than that of a naturally aggressive person.

A wound from a spear will heal, but a wound from a word will not.

Physical injuries or wounds caused by weapons heal over time, but the pain caused by harsh, cruel, or insulting words leaves a permanent scar on the mind. This proverb emphasizes the lasting impact of speech and warns people to be careful with their words, as emotional damage is much harder to repair than physical hurt.