దున్నబోతే దూడలలోను, మేయబోతే పోతులలోను.

dunnabote dudalalonu, meyabote potulalonu.

Translation

Among calves when it's time to plow, among bulls when it's time to graze.

Meaning

This proverb describes a lazy person who makes excuses to avoid work. When asked to do hard labor (plowing), they claim to be as weak or immature as a young calf. However, when it is time to eat or enjoy benefits, they claim to be as strong and deserving as a full-grown bull. It is used to mock someone who shirk responsibilities but is always first in line for rewards.

Related Phrases

If you want to scold, it's your sister's child; if you want to hit, she is a pregnant woman.

This expression describes a dilemma where one is stuck in a 'Catch-22' situation. It refers to a state of indecision or helplessness where you cannot take action against someone because of a sentimental bond or a vulnerable condition, even if their behavior is provoking or wrong.

When he went to sell, his bargains were [as ruinous as] a jungle; when he went to buy [his purchases were as bad as] firebrands. Losing on both sides. Buy and sell and live by the loss.

This proverb describes a situation of extreme market volatility or an unfair economic predicament. It is used when a person finds that their goods have no value when they try to sell them (silent like a forest), but the same goods are exorbitantly expensive when they need to buy them (burns like a firebrand).

If you look at it, it's a silver bowl; if you try to drink from it, it's an empty bowl.

This expression describes something that looks grand, expensive, or promising on the outside but is actually empty, useless, or disappointing upon closer inspection or when put to use. It is used to mock pretentiousness or things that lack substance despite their attractive appearance.

Like trying to make a sage but ending up with a cat instead.

This proverb describes a situation where one attempts to create or achieve something noble, grand, or highly skillful, but due to lack of skill or an unfortunate turn of events, the end result turns out to be something trivial, inferior, or completely different. It is used to mock failed ambitious attempts.

Trying to make an idol of a teacher (or god), but it turned into a monkey.

This expression is used when a well-intentioned task or project goes completely wrong due to incompetence or unexpected errors, resulting in something unintended and often ridiculous. It describes a situation where an attempt to create something noble or superior ends up as a mess.

Doing one thing and it becoming another

This expression is used to describe a situation where one's actions lead to an unexpected or unintended outcome, often despite good intentions. It is similar to the English phrase 'Backfiring' or 'Best-laid plans gone awry.' It describes a result that is completely different from what was originally planned.

Among bulls when it is time to graze, among calves when it is time to plow.

This proverb describes an escapist or lazy person who avoids responsibility by making convenient excuses. When there is work to be done (plowing), they claim to be as inexperienced or weak as a calf. When it is time to enjoy benefits (grazing), they claim to be as mature and deserving as a bull.

When [wanted for] ploughing it goes among the calves; when grazing it goes with the cows.

This proverb describes a lazy or opportunistic person who makes excuses to avoid work. When hard labor is required (plowing), they claim to be as young and weak as a calf; but when it is time to enjoy benefits (grazing), they join the adults. It is used to mock someone who shirk responsibilities but is always present for the rewards.

The best at eating, the worst at working.

When trying to make a sage, it turned into a cat

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone attempts to do something great or noble, but due to lack of skill or bad luck, the end result is mediocre or a failure. It is similar to the English expression 'The best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry.' Note: The user provided 'Malli' (Jasmine) or 'Munni', but the standard proverb is 'Muni' (Sage/Ascetic).

Serving loved ones on leaves and strangers on plates.

This proverb describes unfair partiality or double standards. Paradoxically, the 'outsiders' or those one wants to impress are given better treatment (plates), while one's own family or close associates are neglected or given lower priority (leaves), despite their loyalty.