ఎక్కిన వానికి ఏనుగే లొజ్జు.

ekkina vaniki enuge lojju.

Translation

The elephant is subject to the man who has mounted it.

Meaning

This proverb suggests that practical experience is the best teacher. Once you are actually performing a task or in a situation, you learn how to handle it through direct involvement rather than just theoretical knowledge. It is used to emphasize that one learns the nuances of a job only by doing it.

Related Phrases

If a musquito light on an elephant, what weight?

This expression is used to describe an insignificant or negligible impact. It refers to a situation where a small addition or minor loss makes no difference to a person or an entity that is already vast, wealthy, or powerful.

Can a person riding an elephant pass through a small wicket-gate?

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone who has attained a high status or is involved in a massive undertaking cannot fit into or resort to small, narrow, or petty ways. It emphasizes that great positions come with certain limitations and one cannot expect the same flexibility as someone in a minor position.

A Brahman's hand and an elephant's trunk are never quiet.

This proverb is used to describe people who are always restless or constantly engaged in some activity. Just as an elephant's trunk is always moving or exploring and a priest's hand is constantly involved in rituals, prayers, or receiving offerings, some individuals have a habit of staying busy or meddling in something at all times.

To him who has fallen into a river how many thoughts [ do not arise ? ] Said of one in utter despair.

This proverb refers to a person in a desperate or critical situation who starts thinking of numerous solutions or regrets all at once. It is used to describe how someone's mind races with many possibilities or worries only when they are already in deep trouble, rather than planning beforehand.

The elephant is an elephant whether on high ground or low.

This expression is used to describe a person of great stature, character, or talent whose worth does not change regardless of their circumstances or environment. A truly great person remains great whether they are in a position of power or facing a downfall.

True greatness is not affected by a change of circumstances.

The man who has mounted an elephant will not be afraid at the bark of a dog. He who is in favor with the great will not fear the enmity of the mean.

This proverb suggests that a person of high character, power, or confidence should not be bothered by the petty criticisms or insults of small-minded people. It is used to advise someone to ignore insignificant distractions or critics when they are focused on a great goal.

If you bend even lower under someone who is already bent, your joints will be hit.

This proverb warns against excessive submissiveness or trying to be overly humble with someone who is already yielding. It implies that being too accommodating or sycophantic can lead to unnecessary trouble or physical/metaphorical injury. It is used to advise people to maintain their dignity and boundaries.

Like a wood-apple swallowed by the elephant.

This expression refers to a situation where something appears whole on the outside but is actually empty or hollow on the inside. It is based on the folk belief that when an elephant swallows a wood apple (Velaga Pandu), the fruit remains intact visually, but the pulp inside is mysteriously consumed or evaporated by the time it is excreted. It is used to describe empty promises, hollow assets, or things that have lost their essence while maintaining their form.

It is swallowed whole, and is said to be found afterwards empty though unbroken. Said of a person in an influential position who does not benefit others.

An elephant for eating, a corpse for working.

This expression is used to describe a person who is extremely greedy or has a huge appetite when it comes to consuming resources or food, but becomes completely useless, lazy, or inactive when it is time to do any work.

The younger brother of him who is born, the elder brother of him who is about to be born. Said jokingly of a dwarf.

This proverb describes someone who is in a middle position or a mediator. It refers to a person who has experienced both sides of a situation, making them versatile or uniquely positioned between two generations or two different states of being.