దూడలేని పాడి దుఃఖపు పాడి
dudaleni padi duhkhapu padi
Where there is no calf, the milk is got with pain.
This proverb refers to the traditional practice where a cow only gives milk when its calf is present. Metaphorically, it describes any endeavor, wealth, or success that is incomplete, joyless, or unsustainable because the essential core or the 'future' (represented by the calf) is missing.
Related Phrases
కాని కాలం కోటి దుఃఖం
kani kalam koti duhkham
One sixty-fourth part of folly will bring ten millions of sorrows. A little neglect may breed great mischief.
This expression is used to describe a period of misfortune where everything seems to go wrong. It implies that when luck is not on your side (bad timing/adversity), one problem leads to another, resulting in immense suffering.
ఇంటికి చుట్టం వస్తే, పొట్టగంజి వాడికి దుఃఖం
intiki chuttam vaste, pottaganji vadiki duhkham
When a guest arrives at the house, it is a cause of sorrow for the one living on gruel.
This proverb describes a state of extreme poverty where a person barely has enough to feed themselves (potta ganji). When a guest arrives, the host feels distressed or sorrowful because they lack the resources to offer hospitality or even share their meager meal. It is used to illustrate situations where one's own survival is so precarious that any additional social obligation becomes an unbearable burden.
జన్మ దుఃఖం, జరా దుఃఖం, వ్యాధి దుఃఖం, సర్వం దుఃఖం
janma duhkham, jara duhkham, vyadhi duhkham, sarvam duhkham
Birth is suffering, old age is suffering, disease is suffering, everything is suffering.
Derived from Buddhist philosophy, this expression highlights the fundamental truth of human existence: that life is inherently filled with various forms of pain and hardship. It is used to describe the cycle of life and the inevitability of suffering across different stages—from birth to old age and illness.
దూడ అంత దుఃఖము, పాడి అంత సుఖము లేదు.
duda anta duhkhamu, padi anta sukhamu ledu.
There is no sorrow like losing a calf, and no happiness like the yield of milk.
This proverb is used to describe the highs and lows of a livelihood or profession. Just as a farmer feels deep grief when a calf dies (a loss of future potential) but feels immense satisfaction when the cow gives milk (immediate reward), it signifies that every gain comes with its own set of risks and emotional burdens.
భారంలేని బావ చస్తే, దూలం పడ్డా దుఃఖం లేదు
bharamleni bava chaste, dulam padda duhkham ledu
If a brother-in-law who doesn't share the burden dies, there is no grief even if the roof beam falls.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where a person is so useless or unhelpful to the family or group that their absence or demise is not felt as a loss. It suggests that when someone contributes nothing and bears no responsibility, their presence is immaterial to the household's stability.
అతిశయ దుఃఖం ఆరునెలలు, కడుపుదుఃఖం కలకాలం
atishaya duhkham arunelalu, kadupuduhkham kalakalam
Excessive grief lasts six months, but the grief of losing a child lasts forever.
This proverb contrasts different types of sorrows. While general intense grief or social mourning might fade over a period (metaphorically six months), the pain a parent feels over the loss of their own child (kadupu duhkham) is permanent and remains for a lifetime.
చావు తప్పి కన్ను లొట్టబోయింది
chavu tappi kannu lottaboyindi
Death was avoided, but the eye was hollowed out.
This expression is used to describe a situation where one narrowly escapes a major disaster or death, but still suffers a significant, though non-fatal, loss or damage. It is similar to the English saying 'to have a close shave' or 'escaping by the skin of one's teeth' but with an emphasis on the minor damage incurred during the escape.
చచ్చిననాటి దుఃఖం మరునాడు ఉంటుందా
chachchinanati duhkham marunadu untunda
Does the grief of the day of death stay the same the next day?
This proverb highlights the transient nature of human emotions, particularly sorrow. It suggests that time heals all wounds and that the intensity of grief or anger naturally diminishes as time passes. It is used to console someone or to point out that life goes on despite great losses.
అర్తి దుఃఖం ఆరునెలలు, కడుపు దుఃఖం కలకాలం
arti duhkham arunelalu, kadupu duhkham kalakalam
The grief of the neck [lasts] six months; the grief of the womb, for ever. The " grief of the neck " signifies widowhood, when the marriage cord is broken. The " grief of the womb" signifies the loss of a child.
This proverb highlights the depth of emotional loss. It suggests that while the sorrow of losing a partner (arti) might fade or heal with time, the pain of losing one's own child (kadupu) is an eternal wound that never truly heals. It is used to describe the incomparable bond between a parent and child.
* Can ch'abbala non morde.
దూడలేని పాడి దుఃఖపు పొడి
dudaleni padi duhkhapu podi
Dairy without a calf is like a pinch of grief.
This proverb highlights that milking a cow without its calf is difficult and joyless. Metaphorically, it describes any endeavor or situation that lacks its essential core or foundation, leading only to sorrow and dissatisfaction instead of prosperity.