దున్నపోతులాగా కష్టపడి, దొరలాగా తినాలి.

dunnapotulaga kashtapadi, doralaga tinali.

Translation

One must work like a buffalo, and eat like a gentleman.

Meaning

This proverb emphasizes the value of hard work and its rewards. It suggests that one should toil rigorously and tirelessly (like a buffalo in the fields) during their working years or phase so that they can eventually enjoy a life of luxury, comfort, and dignity (like a lord or nobleman).

Related Phrases

Can onion stalks ever become pillars?

This expression is used to convey that someone's inherent nature or lack of capability cannot be changed through superficial means. Just as a soft onion stalk can never provide the structural support of a sturdy wooden pillar, a person without the necessary character or skill cannot handle great responsibilities.

Can castor seeds ever become precious pearls?

This proverb is used to suggest that the inherent nature or quality of a person or object cannot be changed through external efforts. It implies that someone of low character or a low-quality item cannot suddenly transform into something of high value or nobility, similar to the English expression 'You can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear.'

Endowed with every grace. Said ironically.

This expression is used to describe a person who possesses all good qualities, virtues, and a charming personality. It is most commonly used as an epithet for Lord Rama, but in a modern context, it can be used to praise someone who is well-rounded, virtuous, and highly respected.

He sprang up like a serpent when its tail is trodden on. Applied to a sudden burst of anger in any one on his evil ways being exposed.

This expression is used to describe someone who reacts with sudden, intense, and fierce anger. Just as a snake strikes back instantly and aggressively when its tail is stepped on, this phrase characterizes a person who becomes extremely provoked or defensive due to an insult or an injury.

Work hard and then enjoy the happiness.

This expression emphasizes the importance of hard work as a prerequisite for success or comfort. It is used to advise someone that genuine satisfaction and prosperity come only after putting in dedicated effort and struggle.

One must work like a slut and eat like a gentleman.

This proverb emphasizes the dignity of labor and the reward of hard work. It suggests that one should work with extreme humility and diligence (like a servant) in order to eventually enjoy a life of luxury and comfort (like a master/lord). It is used to encourage someone to put in hard effort now for a better future.

The food in the pot should remain as it is, and the children should remain like logs.

This expression is used to describe an impossible or highly selfish desire where someone wants to enjoy the benefits of something without any of the associated costs or natural consequences. In this context, it refers to wanting children to be healthy and grow (like sturdy logs) while simultaneously wishing that they never consume the food in the house. It highlights a paradoxical or stingy mindset.

She said the troubles caused by her mother-in-law were better than these hardships

This expression is used to describe a situation where current new difficulties are so overwhelming that previous hardships, which were once considered unbearable, now seem preferable or mild by comparison. It highlights a 'from the frying pan into the fire' scenario.

Work hard like an ox and eat like a lord.

This proverb emphasizes the value of hard work and self-sufficiency. It suggests that one should exert maximum effort in their labor (like a bullock/ox) so that they can eventually enjoy a luxurious and dignified life (like a lord or master) with the rewards of their toil.

They said to work hard and then enjoy the happiness

This expression emphasizes the value of hard work as a prerequisite for success and comfort. It is used to motivate someone to put in effort now so they can reap the rewards and live peacefully later in life. It reflects the philosophy that true happiness is earned through diligence.