ఎద్దులా కష్టపడినా ఎంగిలి గంజే గతి.
eddula kashtapadina engili ganje gati.
Even after working hard like an ox, the fate is only leftover gruel.
This expression describes a situation where despite immense hard work and physical labor, one's rewards or results remain meager and insufficient for a decent living. It is used to highlight poverty, lack of growth, or exploitation in a workplace.
Related Phrases
బుడ్డది చిక్కినా కష్టమే, బలిసినా కష్టమే
buddadi chikkina kashtame, balisina kashtame
If the young girl gets thin it's a problem, if she grows too fat it's also a problem.
This proverb is used to describe a delicate or troublesome situation where there is no perfect outcome. No matter which way things turn out, there will be difficulties or complaints. It is often used to refer to people who are never satisfied or situations that are inherently problematic regardless of the change in state.
దున్నపోతులాగా కష్టపడి, దొరలాగా తినాలి.
dunnapotulaga kashtapadi, doralaga tinali.
One must work like a buffalo, and eat like a gentleman.
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).
నష్టపోయినా భ్రష్టుకాకూడదు
nashtapoyina bhrashtukakudadu
Even if you suffer a loss, you should not lose your character.
This expression emphasizes that maintaining one's integrity and moral standards is more important than financial or material success. It suggests that while losing money or property is a temporary setback, losing one's reputation or character (becoming 'bhrashtu') is a permanent failure. It is used to encourage ethical behavior even in difficult times.
ఆకలిగొన్నమ్మ ఎంగిలికి రోయదు
akaligonnamma engiliki royadu
A hungry woman does not loathe leftovers (or food touched by others).
This proverb implies that when a person is in dire need or desperate straits, they cannot afford to be picky or concern themselves with minor flaws or social taboos. Necessity overrides luxury and fastidiousness.
కష్టపడి సుఖపడమన్నాడు.
kashtapadi sukhapadamannadu.
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.
నోటికీ చేతికీ ఎంగిలిలేదు
notiki chetiki engililedu
There is no saliva/leftover between the mouth and the hand.
This expression is used to describe a person who is extremely generous or charitable. It implies that as soon as they have something, they give it away to others without hesitation, leaving nothing 'soiled' or 'lingering' for themselves.
పూటకూళ్లమ్మకు పాత్ర ఎంగిలి లేదు
putakullammaku patra engili ledu
The innkeeper's cooking pot is never considered defiled.
This proverb refers to someone who is constantly busy with work or a business where certain strict rules or taboos (like ritual purity in a kitchen) are practically impossible to follow. It is used to suggest that for those who serve the public or perform labor-intensive tasks, utility and necessity take precedence over minor formalities.
గతిలేనమ్మకు గంజే పానకము.
gatilenammaku ganje panakamu.
Rice water is a rich drink to a poor lady. Pânakam is a rich beverage made of expensive materials.
This proverb describes a situation where someone in extreme poverty or with no alternatives considers even the most basic or low-quality thing as a great luxury. It is used to highlight how necessity and lack of choice change one's perspective on value.
దున్నలా కష్టపడి, దొరలా తినాలి
dunnala kashtapadi, dorala tinali
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.
కష్టపడి సుఖపడమన్నారు
kashtapadi sukhapadamannaru
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.