ఎద్దు ఉన్నవాడికి బుద్ధి ఉండదు, బుద్ధి ఉన్నవాడికి ఎద్దు ఉండదు.
eddu unnavadiki buddhi undadu, buddhi unnavadiki eddu undadu.
The one who has an ox lacks intelligence, and the one who has intelligence lacks an ox.
This proverb describes a situational irony where one person possesses the physical resources or tools but lacks the wisdom to use them, while another person has the knowledge but lacks the necessary resources. It is used to highlight the mismatch between ability and opportunity.
Related Phrases
జాతి బుద్ధి జాతిది - కులం బుద్ధి కులానిది
jati buddhi jatidi - kulam buddhi kulanidi
Species trait stays with the species - Clan trait stays with the clan
This expression suggests that inherent characteristics or basic instincts associated with one's origin, upbringing, or lineage are difficult to change. It is often used to point out that a person's fundamental behavior inevitably reflects their roots or true nature, regardless of external changes.
పొట్టి వాడికి పుట్టెడు బుద్ధులు
potti vadiki puttedu buddhulu
A short man has a Putti of wisdom.
This is a popular Telugu saying used to imply that short-statured people are exceptionally clever, cunning, or resourceful. The term 'Puttadu' refers to a large traditional measuring unit, suggesting that their intelligence is disproportionately large compared to their height.
ఉన్నవాడు ఉన్నవాడికే పెట్టే, లేనివాడూ ఉన్నవాడికే పెట్టే
unnavadu unnavadike pette, lenivadu unnavadike pette
The rich give to the rich, and even the poor give to the rich.
This proverb highlights a social irony where resources and gifts often flow toward those who already have plenty, rather than those in need. It is used to describe situations where people prioritize pleasing influential or wealthy individuals while ignoring the underprivileged.
అత్త బుద్ధి, కోడలు బుద్ధి ఒకటవుతాయా?
atta buddhi, kodalu buddhi okatavutaya?
Will the mother-in-law's mindset and the daughter-in-law's mindset ever be the same?
This proverb highlights the inherent differences in perspectives, upbringing, and priorities between two people of different roles or generations. It is typically used to explain why conflicts or misunderstandings arise between people in a relationship, suggesting that their ways of thinking are naturally distinct and unlikely to perfectly align.
ఆడదాని బుద్ధి అపర బుద్ధి
adadani buddhi apara buddhi
A woman's sense is wrong sense.
This is a traditional Telugu proverb used to suggest that women think differently or more deeply than men, often implying that they come up with clever solutions later or have a unique perspective that isn't immediately obvious. While historically sometimes used dismissively, it is also used to acknowledge a woman's intuitive or strategic thinking.
Lit. in the back of the head.
ఎద్దు ఉన్నవాడి వ్యవసాయం చూడు, మంది ఉన్నవాడి మారుబలం చూడు
eddu unnavadi vyavasayam chudu, mandi unnavadi marubalam chudu
Look at the farming of the one who has oxen, look at the strength of the one who has people.
This proverb emphasizes that success depends on having the right resources. Just as a farmer needs oxen to cultivate effectively, a person's power or influence is determined by the number of people supporting them. It is used to highlight that individual capability is amplified by the strength of one's assets or community.
పొట్టివాడికి పుట్టెడు బుద్ధులు
pottivadiki puttedu buddhulu
A short person has a basketful of brains/wisdom.
This is a popular Telugu saying used to suggest that what a person lacks in physical stature, they make up for with extreme cleverness, wit, or cunning. It is often used playfully or as a cautionary remark about not underestimating someone based on their small height.
మాసి పెద్ద మాసివున్నావు, బుద్ధి గాడిద బుద్ధివున్నది.
masi pedda masivunnavu, buddhi gadida buddhivunnadi.
To look at you are a great man, but you are a mean fellow at heart. Lit. You have the sense of an ass.
This expression is used to criticize someone who is physically grown up or looks like an adult but lacks maturity, common sense, or intelligence. It highlights the contrast between physical growth ('Masi Pedda') and foolish behavior ('Gadidha Buddhi').
గజ్జి ఉన్నవాడికి లజ్జ ఉండదు
gajji unnavadiki lajja undadu
The one with the itch has no shame.
This proverb is used to describe a person who is so desperate or deeply in need of something that they abandon all self-respect or social etiquette to satisfy that need. Just as a person suffering from a severe skin itch cannot help but scratch in public despite social norms, a person driven by strong desire or necessity ignores embarrassment.
ఉన్నవాడు ఉన్నవాడికే పెట్టును, లేనివాడూ ఉన్నవాడికే పెట్టును.
unnavadu unnavadike pettunu, lenivadu unnavadike pettunu.
The one who has gives to the one who has; even the one who does not have gives to the one who has.
This proverb highlights a social irony where wealth continues to flow toward the wealthy. It describes a situation where both the rich and the poor tend to favor, gift, or serve those who are already influential and affluent, while those in actual need are often ignored.