దుడ్డుకట్టా, దుడ్డుకట్టా ఎవరి మాట వింటావే అంటే - ఎవరి చేతిలో ఉంటే వారి మాట అన్నదట.

duddukatta, duddukatta evari mata vintave ante - evari chetilo unte vari mata annadata.

Translation

When asked, 'O thick stick, O thick stick, whose words do you obey?' - it replied, 'I obey the words of whoever holds me.'

Meaning

This proverb describes a situation where power or control is entirely dependent on whoever currently possesses it, regardless of loyalty or principles. It is similar to the expression 'Like a child in the hands of whoever picks them up.' It is used to describe people or tools that lack independent will and simply serve the person currently in charge.

Related Phrases

A mirror in a woman's hand and a child in a man's hand do not survive.

This is a traditional proverb highlighting gender-stereotypical roles from the past. It suggests that a mirror in a woman's hand will break because she uses it too frequently, and a baby in a man's hand will not thrive because he lacks the natural nurturing patience or skill required for childcare. In modern usage, it is often cited to remark on the lack of care or the inherent risk of mishandling something when it is not in the hands of an 'expert' or 'natural' caretaker.

Every man's life is sweet to himself. Life is sweet.

This proverb conveys that every living being values their own life above all else. It is used to explain that self-preservation is a natural instinct and that no one wants to suffer or die, regardless of their status or situation.

* Chacun porte sa croix.

If in hand, it is wealth; if nearby, she is the wife.

This proverb highlights the transient nature of value based on possession and proximity. It implies that money is only useful when you actually hold it (liquid/available), and a wife is a companion only when she is present with you. It is often used to emphasize the importance of having resources or loved ones physically accessible rather than just 'on paper' or far away.

The village's turmeric, the village's vermilion; what does anyone lose?

This proverb describes a situation where someone is being overly generous or charitable with resources that do not belong to them. It is used to criticize people who act like big spenders or philanthropists using others' money or public property without feeling any personal loss or responsibility.

One's own child is beautiful to them

This proverb is used to express that people always find their own possessions, family members, or creations to be the best and most beautiful, regardless of their objective quality. It is similar to the English expression 'Every potter praises his own pot' or 'Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.'

If it is in hand, it is money; if she is nearby, she is a wife.

This expression highlights that things only serve their purpose or provide value when they are accessible or present. 'Artham' (money/wealth) is only useful if you have it in your possession, and a relationship (like a spouse) only provides companionship and support when the person is physically near or available.

Whose flesh is cut, it is they who feel the pain.

This proverb is used to emphasize that only the person who is actually experiencing a hardship or loss truly understands the pain of it. It is often said to people who offer superficial sympathy or advice without understanding the depth of another's struggle.

A child in the hands of whoever lifts them up.

This expression is used to describe a person who lacks a strong individual will or firm stance, and is easily influenced or manipulated by whoever is currently in control of them. It suggests a state of dependency or vulnerability where one's actions are directed by others rather than their own judgment.

Every man's folly is pleasure to himself. Fools are pleased with their own blunders.

This proverb suggests that people find satisfaction or happiness in their own peculiar habits, eccentricities, or obsessions, even if others find them foolish or irrational. It is used to express that what might seem like 'madness' to an observer is actually a source of personal pleasure for the individual.

If you say 'wet land', they say 'paddy'.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone makes a very obvious or redundant statement. Since paddy is the primary crop grown on wet lands (tari), saying 'paddy' when 'wet land' is mentioned is an unnecessary clarification of the obvious.