ఎద్దు ఎక్కిన తీరుకాదు, సద్ది తిన్న నోరుకాదు.

eddu ekkina tirukadu, saddi tinna norukadu.

Translation

Neither like a person who has mounted an ox, nor like a mouth that has eaten curd rice.

Meaning

This proverb is used to describe someone who lacks discipline, grace, or consistency in their actions. It refers to a person whose behavior is neither dignified (like a proper rider) nor satisfied/content (like someone who has had a good meal), indicating a state of being unrefined or chaotic.

Related Phrases

The one who mounts the bull is Shiva, and the one who sits on the throne is the King.

This proverb highlights that power, position, or status is often defined by the seat or authority one occupies. It suggests that once a person reaches a position of power (the throne), they are automatically respected or recognized as the ruler, regardless of their prior identity. It is often used to describe how people's perception of an individual changes based on their newfound status or authority.

Manure is not permanent, and a stream is not a companion.

This proverb highlights the temporary nature of certain aids. Just as manure only enriches the soil for a short time and a seasonal stream cannot be relied upon as a permanent water source or a steady path, one should not depend on external or temporary help for long-term stability.

It is not a neighbor, it is not a surrounding person, and it is not a pot filled with curd.

This is a traditional Telugu riddle or a rhythmic expression used to describe something that seems familiar or close but is actually distinct. It is often used to refer to a mirror or a reflection, where the image looks like someone you know (a neighbor) or is contained in a vessel, but isn't actually that person or object.

The dog in the manger won't eat the grass, and won't let others eat it.

This expression is used to describe a person who prevents others from enjoying or using something that they themselves have no use for. It highlights a spiteful or dog-in-the-manger attitude where one's selfishness results in waste or unnecessary deprivation for others.

Not all greenery is a crop, and not every pregnancy results in a birth.

This proverb is used to convey that appearances can be deceptive and that potential does not always lead to a successful outcome. Just as a lush green field might just be weeds rather than a harvestable crop, every effort or beginning does not necessarily guarantee a final result.

The mouth that ate charcoal and the mouth that criticized others cannot stay quiet.

This proverb highlights that certain bad habits are hard to break. Just as someone who has eaten something messy (charcoal) cannot hide the evidence or stop the discomfort, a person habitual to gossiping or bad-mouthing others cannot restrain themselves from doing it again. It is used to describe people who are prone to constant criticism or spreading rumors.

A chicken eaten by a cat will not respond even if called.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone has suffered a loss or been exploited, and no matter how much you try to reach out or rectify it, the damage is irreversible. It is often applied to someone who has gone missing or something that has been stolen/consumed, implying it is futile to expect a response or return.

Not everything served is a feast, and not all who are born are true children.

This proverb highlights that quality and character matter more than mere existence or quantity. Just as every meal served isn't necessarily grand or nourishing, not every offspring fulfills the duties or brings honor to the family. It is used to express disappointment when someone or something fails to live up to the expected standard or moral value.

If the person serving the food is one of our own, it doesn't matter where we sit.

This proverb highlights that if the person in power or authority is your well-wisher or relative, you will receive benefits regardless of your position or status. It is often used to describe nepotism or the advantage of having influential connections.

A tumor is not strength, and worrying is not leisure.

This proverb is used to warn against mistaking harmful growth or busywork for something positive. Just as a swelling (tumor) on the body should not be mistaken for physical strength or muscle, being constantly preoccupied with worries or anxieties should not be confused with being productive or having a meaningful engagement. It highlights the difference between healthy progress and unhealthy accumulation.