దుక్కిటెద్దు చావు పక్కలో పెళ్లాం చావు వంటిది

dukkiteddu chavu pakkalo pellam chavu vantidi

Translation

The death of a plowing ox is like the death of the wife by your side.

Meaning

This proverb emphasizes the immense loss a farmer feels when his working ox dies. In an agrarian society, the ox is the primary source of livelihood and a constant companion in labor; therefore, its loss is compared to the personal tragedy of losing one's spouse, as both signify the loss of a life partner and essential support system.

Related Phrases

Can an oil-mill ox suddenly become a ploughing ox?

This proverb is used to describe how long-term habits or specific training cannot be changed instantly. Just as an ox trained to walk in circles for an oil mill cannot immediately adapt to the linear, strenuous work of ploughing a field, a person accustomed to one way of life or job cannot suddenly switch to a completely different skill set or environment without proper transition and time.

Does death have a death?

This expression is used to signify that something is eternal, inevitable, or that a particular cycle or entity cannot be destroyed. It often implies that a fundamental reality or a recurring problem cannot be ended or killed off simply.

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.

Does death come more than once ?

This expression is used to convey that once someone has reached the absolute bottom or has already faced the worst possible outcome, they no longer fear further risks or consequences. It signifies a state of fearlessness or resilience after an extreme loss or failure, implying that things cannot get any worse than they already are.

The death of ten people is equal to a wedding.

This proverb suggests that when a disaster or misfortune is shared by a large group, it becomes easier to bear than a personal tragedy. Similar to how people gather for a wedding, a collective struggle provides a sense of solidarity and reduces individual grief.

A crow's death, Kanakamma's death

This expression is used to describe a death or an event that goes unnoticed and unmourned by anyone. It highlights the insignificance of an individual's passing, suggesting that just as no one cries for a common crow, no one cares about the departure of a person who had no social standing or meaningful connections.

When a ploughing ox went to a foreign land, they caught it and made it plough there too.

This proverb describes the plight of a hardworking person whose burdens follow them wherever they go. It suggests that a person's reputation for work or their inherent destiny ensures that they will be given the same tasks regardless of the location. It is used when someone tries to escape their responsibilities or hardships only to find the same situation elsewhere.

Like the ox being away when wanted for the plough. Absent when most wanted.

This proverb refers to someone who cannot escape their hard work or nature, no matter where they go. Just as an ox trained for ploughing will be put to the same labor even in a new country, a person's habits or burdens follow them everywhere. It is used to describe situations where a change in location does not result in a change in one's toil or circumstances.

Can a ploughing ox be compared to a breeding bull?

This proverb is used to say that it is unfair or impossible to compare someone who works hard and follows rules with someone who is free, unruly, or enjoys special privileges. It highlights the vast difference in roles, lifestyle, or status between two individuals.

Like a ploughing ox migrating to a different country.

This proverb describes a situation where someone tries to escape hard work or a difficult situation only to find themselves in the same or worse conditions elsewhere. Just as a ploughing ox will be used for the same hard labor regardless of the country it moves to, a person's nature or their burden of work often follows them wherever they go.