దున్నపోతు తన వీపు తోముకోలేదు, వాడు తోముకోగలడు అంతే భేదం.

dunnapotu tana vipu tomukoledu, vadu tomukogaladu ante bhedam.

Translation

A male buffalo cannot scrub its own back, but he can; that is the only difference.

Meaning

This biting sarcasm is used to describe an extremely lazy or dirty person. It suggests that the only thing separating such a person from a beast (buffalo) is the physical ability to clean themselves, implying they possess no other superior human qualities or hygiene habits.

Related Phrases

Even a male buffalo will not be born if one sleeps with the head towards the East.

This is a traditional Telugu superstition or 'nammanakam' related to Vastu and sleeping directions. It suggests that sleeping with one's head towards the East (Thoorupu) is considered so inauspicious or contrary to nature in specific contexts that even a strong animal like a male buffalo wouldn't result from it, though it is primarily used as a humorous or strict warning to follow traditional sleeping orientations.

Though the stab of the sword may fail, the stab of the pen will not fail.

This expression highlights the power of the written word over physical force. While a physical injury from a weapon might heal, the consequences of written documentation, laws, or press reports are permanent and far-reaching. It is used to caution people about the lasting impact of administrative decisions or journalism.

Like saying if it is not enough, it is useless

This expression describes a dismissive attitude where someone devalues or discards something simply because it isn't sufficient for their specific needs, even if it has inherent value. It is often used to criticize people who make excuses or pretend that things they cannot fully attain are worthless.

When asked to scrub the back, he said, "Hey, there is a hole here!"

This proverb is used to describe someone who finds unnecessary excuses or points out obvious flaws to avoid doing the work they were asked to do. It highlights the behavior of people who focus on trivial details or 'fault-finding' to escape responsibility.

He is brushing the teeth of a blind horse.

This expression describes someone performing a completely useless, futile, or unproductive task. Just as brushing the teeth of a blind horse doesn't improve its sight or overall utility, it refers to wasting effort on something that yields no benefit or value.

One might escape a sword strike, but one cannot escape the strike of a pen.

This expression highlights that written words have a more permanent and devastating impact than physical violence. While physical wounds may heal or be avoided, the consequences of what is written—such as laws, journalism, or literature—are enduring and inescapable. It is often used to emphasize the power of the media or the written record in holding people accountable.

One who can suppress their joy is greater than one who can suppress their sorrow.

While most people struggle to hide their grief, it is considered a sign of true character and maturity to remain humble and composed during times of great success or happiness without boasting. It emphasizes the importance of equanimity (Sthitapragyata).

We can hide our hand, but can we hide our caste?

This proverb suggests that while physical actions or temporary secrets can be concealed, one's fundamental identity, heritage, or true nature will eventually become apparent to society. It is often used to imply that some truths are too deeply rooted to remain hidden forever.

If Tâtâchâri's brand misses your shoulder, you'll catch it on the back. Tâtâchâri was a wandering priest who branded his converts. If a man slipped away his shoulder, the seal caught him in the back. Not being able to evade something disagreeable.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where an outcome or a consequence is inevitable. No matter how much one tries to dodge or avoid a certain trouble, person, or responsibility, it will eventually catch up to them in one way or another.

He is cleaning the teeth of a blind horse. Unprofitable employment. He is teaching a pig to play on a flute.

This expression describes performing a completely futile, useless, or unrewarding task. Just as brushing the teeth of a horse that cannot see (and thus cannot be used effectively) is a waste of effort, this phrase is used to mock someone who is wasting their energy on something that will never yield a beneficial result.