దూడ పొదుగును కుమ్మితేగాని ఆవు చేపదు.

duda podugunu kummitegani avu chepadu.

Translation

The cow will not let the milk flow unless the calf nudges the udder.

Meaning

This proverb implies that people often do not perform their duties or provide what is needed until they are nudged, urged, or pressured. It is used to describe situations where a desired outcome requires some initial effort, prodding, or a catalyst to initiate the process.

Related Phrases

It will not sprout unless watered, and it will not cover unless wet.

This proverb is often used to describe items or situations that require specific conditions to become functional. In a literal sense, it refers to a rough wool blanket (gongali) which is stiff when dry but becomes flexible and usable only when damp. Figuratively, it describes people who only work or cooperate under specific pressure or when their basic needs are met.

While a cow without an udder was giving milk, a cat without a tongue licked it up.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone is telling a blatant lie or a completely impossible story. It highlights the absurdity of a claim by pairing two impossible scenarios: a cow giving milk without an udder and a tongueless cat licking it. It is typically used to mock someone who is boasting about things that could never have happened.

Just because your hands are long, will you poke someone's face?

This proverb is used to criticize people who misuse their power, influence, or status to harass or insult others. It implies that having the capability or strength to do something does not give one the right to act unfairly or cross boundaries.

Like appointing a crane to guard the fish in one's own pond

This proverb is used to describe an extremely foolish or self-destructive decision. Since a crane's natural instinct is to eat fish, appointing it as a guard guarantees the loss of the fish. It refers to entrusting something valuable to someone who is most likely to steal or exploit it.

Unless the calf sucks, the cow will not let milk into her udder.

This proverb is used to illustrate that certain outcomes or actions can only be triggered by a specific, natural catalyst. It often implies that one must offer a small incentive or initiate a process to get the desired result, or that a mother's affection/cooperation is invoked by the presence or needs of her child.

Short and strong, tall and weak. A short man needs no stool to give a great lubber a box on the car.

This proverb suggests that physical stature does not necessarily determine strength or capability. It implies that short people are often sturdy and resilient (tough), while tall people might be clumsy or lacking in stamina (hollow). It is used to caution against judging someone's ability based solely on their height.

A thorn does not leave without causing a burning sensation.

This expression means that certain painful experiences or mistakes inevitably leave a lingering sting or consequence even after the problem is addressed. It is often used to describe how a sharp insult or a bad deed continues to hurt long after the event has passed, implying that relief is never instantaneous.

A cow whose legs are not tied will not refrain from kicking

This proverb emphasizes the importance of taking necessary precautions or setting boundaries. Just as a cow might kick during milking if its legs aren't secured, a person or situation without proper discipline, control, or safeguards will inevitably cause trouble or failure.

Without eating you can't tell the taste; without going down [ into the water ] you can't know the depth. The proof of a pudding is in the eating.

This proverb emphasizes that practical experience is essential to truly understand or judge something. Just as you cannot judge a dish without tasting it or know the depth of a pond without stepping into it, you cannot understand the complexities or difficulties of a situation or task until you are personally involved in it.

A cow stays quiet if its own calf butts its udder to drink milk, but will it stay quiet if another calf tries to drink?

This proverb highlights the natural human tendency toward nepotism or favoritism. It means that people are willing to tolerate mistakes, burdens, or losses caused by their own children or relatives, but will not show the same patience or forgiveness toward strangers for the same actions.