ఎద్దయినా ఏడాదికి నేర్చును, మొద్దు ముప్పై ఏళ్లయినా నేర్వడు.
eddayina edadiki nerchunu, moddu muppai ellayina nervadu.
An ox can learn within a year, but a blockhead (dullard) won't learn even in thirty years.
This proverb is used to comment on a person's intelligence or stubbornness. It implies that even a beast of burden like an ox can be trained and disciplined within a year, but a person who lacks the will or the mental capacity to learn will remain ignorant regardless of how much time passes.
Related Phrases
ఎద్దయినా ఏడాదికి నేర్చును, మొద్దు ముప్పై ఏళ్ళకయినా నేర్వడు
eddayina edadiki nerchunu, moddu muppai ellakayina nervadu
Even an ox will learn within a year, but a dullard won't learn even in thirty years.
This proverb is used to comment on a person's intelligence or lack of willingness to learn. It suggests that even animals (like oxen) can be trained to follow instructions within a year, but a stubborn or foolish person (moddu) may never learn even after decades. It is often used to express frustration at someone who repeats the same mistakes despite being taught many times.
నేర్చి చెప్పిన మాట నెరవాది మాట
nerchi cheppina mata neravadi mata
The word spoken with learning is the word of an expert.
This expression emphasizes that knowledge and skill bring weight to one's words. It suggests that when someone speaks after truly learning or mastering a subject, their words carry authority and wisdom, distinguishing them as a capable or clever person (Neravaadi).
నేర్చి బ్రతికినవాడూ నేర్వక చెడ్డవాడూ లేడు
nerchi bratikinavadu nervaka cheddavadu ledu
There is no one who lived by learning and no one who was ruined by not learning.
This expression is often used sarcastically or in a cynical context to imply that practical survival or success doesn't always depend on formal education or 'learning'. It can also suggest that innate nature or luck plays a larger role than acquired knowledge.
రంకునేర్చిన దానికి బొంకు నేర్చింది తోడు
rankunerchina daniki bonku nerchindi todu
For the one who learned to have an illicit affair, the one who learned to lie is a companion.
This proverb describes how one bad habit or vice often leads to another. Specifically, it implies that to hide a significant misdeed, one must inevitably resort to lying. It is used to suggest that moral failings or deceptive behaviors usually go hand in hand.
నేర్చి బ్రతికిన వాడు, నేర్వక చెడ్డవాడు లేడు
nerchi bratikina vadu, nervaka cheddavadu ledu
There is no one who lived by learning, and no one who was ruined by not learning.
This expression emphasizes that real-life success or failure is often determined by luck, fate, or circumstances rather than just formal education or skill. It is used to console someone who failed despite their knowledge, or to point out that even those without skills sometimes thrive.
ఆలు ఒల్లక అరవై ఏళ్ళు, మొగుడు ఒల్లక ముప్పై ఏళ్ళు, బాలప్రాయం పదేళ్ళు.
alu ollaka aravai ellu, mogudu ollaka muppai ellu, balaprayam padellu.
Sixty years passed as the wife was unwilling, thirty years passed as the husband was unwilling, and ten years passed as childhood.
This proverb describes a wasted life or a failed relationship where time is squandered on mutual dislikes, disagreements, and hesitation. It is used to mock people who spend their entire lives complaining or avoiding responsibilities until it is too late.
బొంక నేర్చి, బొంకు అంకు నేర్వాలి
bonka nerchi, bonku anku nervali
Learn to lie, then learn to support that lie.
This expression suggests that if one chooses to tell a lie, they must also have the cleverness and consistency to maintain it without getting caught. It is used to remark on the complexity of deception and the need for a 'logical cover' when being dishonest.
నేలమీద ఈత నేర్చుకున్నట్లు
nelamida ita nerchukunnatlu
Like learning how to swim on the ground
This expression is used to describe someone who tries to gain practical skills or experience through theoretical study alone, without ever entering the actual field of action. Just as one cannot learn to swim without getting into the water, certain tasks cannot be mastered without real-world practice.
పండు పండిన చెట్టు పట్టంగ నేర్చునా
pandu pandina chettu pattanga nerchuna
Will a tree with ripened fruit learn to bend?
This proverb is used to describe a situation where a person is set in their ways or too old/experienced to change their habits or character. Just as a tree that has already yielded ripe fruit is firm and cannot be easily molded or bent like a young sapling, an elderly or established person may find it difficult to adopt new behaviors or unlearn old ones.
తిన నేర్చినమ్మ పెట్ట నేరుస్తుంది
tina nerchinamma petta nerustundi
A woman who knows how to eat also knows how to serve.
This proverb implies that someone who enjoys or appreciates the value of something will also know how to provide it to others. In a broader sense, it means that a person who understands their own needs and comforts is better equipped to care for the needs of others. It is often used to describe someone's hospitality or their proficiency in managing resources.