బుద్ధి భూములేలాలంటే, కర్మ గాడిదలను కాస్తానంటుంది
buddhi bhumulelalante, karma gadidalanu kastanantundi
While the intellect wants to rule lands, destiny insists on herding donkeys.
This proverb describes the conflict between a person's ambitions and their actual circumstances or fate. It is used when someone has high aspirations or great intelligence, but due to bad luck or unfavorable situations, they end up doing menial or low-level jobs.
Related Phrases
పట్టణానికి పోయిన గాడిద, పల్లెకుపోయిన గాడిదను కరిచిందట
pattananiki poyina gadida, pallekupoyina gadidanu karichindata
The donkey that went to the city bit the donkey that went to the village.
This proverb is used to mock people who return from a big city or a prestigious position and act superior or arrogant toward those who stayed in their hometown or humble roots. It highlights the empty vanity of someone who feels elevated by their environment despite their basic nature remaining the same.
వరుసను దున్నితే వజ్రాలిస్తా నంటుంది భూమి.
varusanu dunnite vajralista nantundi bhumi.
If plowed in proper order, the earth says it will give diamonds.
This proverb emphasizes the importance of systematic hard work and proper agricultural practices. It suggests that if one treats the land with care and follows a disciplined routine, the soil will reward them with a harvest as precious as diamonds. It is used to highlight that success comes to those who are diligent and organized in their efforts.
గాదె నిండా బియ్యము ఉంటే, కరువు కాలాన నా భార్యనూ పిల్లలనూ నేనే రక్షిస్తానన్నాడట.
gade ninda biyyamu unte, karuvu kalana na bharyanu pillalanu nene rakshistanannadata.
He said that he himself would support his wife and family in dearth and in plenty, so long as the bin was full of corn.
This proverb mockingly refers to people who display false bravery or self-reliance only when they are already in a secure position. It highlights that anyone can boast about taking care of responsibilities when resources are abundant, but true character or capability is only tested in times of real scarcity.
నిప్పుకు చెదలంటునా?
nippuku chedalantuna?
Can termites infect fire?
This expression is used to state that a person of high integrity, purity, or strength cannot be corrupted or harmed by petty accusations or external evils. Just as termites can destroy wood but are instantly consumed by fire, true virtue remains untouched by malice.
వేములు కాస్తే భూములు పండుతాయట.
vemulu kaste bhumulu pandutayata.
If neem trees bear fruit, the lands will yield crops.
This is a traditional agricultural observation suggesting that a heavy yield of neem fruits (vemu) is a biological indicator of a good monsoon season ahead, leading to a prosperous harvest for the farmers.
బుద్ధి భూములేలుతుంటే, అదృష్టం అడుక్కతింటున్నది
buddhi bhumulelutunte, adrishtam adukkatintunnadi
While wisdom rules the lands, luck is out begging for food.
This expression is used to describe a situation where a person is highly intelligent, wise, and capable, yet suffers from extreme poverty or bad luck. It highlights the irony that intellectual merit does not always guarantee material success or prosperity.
గాడిదలకునేల గడ్డముల్ మీసముల్
gadidalakunela gaddamul misamul
Why do donkeys need beards and moustaches?
This expression is used to question the need or suitability of certain traits, behaviors, or adornments for someone who is incapable of appreciating or utilizing them. It highlights that certain status symbols or qualities are meaningless or wasted on those who lack the character or nature to carry them.
కళ్ళు కావాలంటాయి, కడుపు వద్దంటుంది
kallu kavalantayi, kadupu vaddantundi
The eyes say they want it, but the stomach says no.
This expression describes a situation where a person's greed or appetite exceeds their physical capacity. It is commonly used when someone serves themselves a large amount of food because it looks delicious, only to realize they are too full to finish it.
వేములు కాస్తే భూములు పండును.
vemulu kaste bhumulu pandunu.
If neem trees yield fruit, the lands will yield crops.
This is a traditional agricultural observation or proverb. It suggests that a heavy flowering or fruiting of neem trees (Azadirachta indica) is a natural indicator of a good monsoon or favorable weather conditions, which will eventually lead to a bumper harvest for farmers.
గంధపు పొడి పోసినా గాడిద గాడిదే
gandhapu podi posina gadida gadide
Even if you pour sandalwood powder on it, a donkey remains a donkey.
This proverb is used to describe a person who cannot change their inherent nature or lack of refinement, regardless of how much wealth, education, or luxury is bestowed upon them. It suggests that external appearances or decorations cannot hide one's true character or stupidity.