ఎక్కితే గుర్రపు రౌతు, దిగితే కాలిబంటు

ekkite gurrapu rautu, digite kalibantu

Translation

If he mounts, he is a horse rider; if he dismounts, he is a foot soldier.

Meaning

This expression describes a person's extreme versatility or their ability to adapt to any situation, no matter how high or low. It is often used to refer to someone who is a 'jack of all trades' or someone who can carry out a task with great dignity but is also willing to do the humble grunt work when required.

Related Phrases

For a woman who has lost all shame, the water in the stream is only knee-deep.

This proverb is used to describe a person who has become desperate, reckless, or shameless. Just as someone who is determined to cross a river doesn't care how deep it is, a person who has cast aside their dignity or fear will not be deterred by obstacles or social consequences. It highlights a state of bold defiance where the person no longer cares about what others think or the risks involved.

Like the secrets of the house being brought to the public square

This expression is used when a private family matter, secret, or internal conflict is exposed to the public. It highlights the embarrassment or loss of reputation that occurs when personal issues are discussed openly in a community or marketplace (raccha).

If the rider is soft, the horse is said to walk on three legs.

This proverb highlights that if a leader or person in authority is lenient or weak, those under them will become lazy, rebellious, or perform poorly. It is used to describe situations where a lack of discipline leads to inefficient results.

If the rider is new, the horse pretends to be lame.

This proverb describes a situation where an experienced subordinate or a clever person takes advantage of a newcomer or an inexperienced boss. It implies that if the person in charge doesn't know what they are doing, those under them will make excuses or behave lazily to avoid work.

The rider wants to get down, but the horse wants to leap.

This proverb describes a situation where two parties have completely opposite intentions or conflicting goals. It is often used to describe lack of coordination or when circumstances are pulling in two different directions at the same time.

Even if it is the King's hill, won't your leg hurt if you step on it?

This proverb implies that the physical nature of things doesn't change based on who owns them. It is used to suggest that even if a task is being done for a powerful person or an important cause, the inherent difficulties, risks, or physical pain involved remain the same.

If it sinks, it is a stone; if it floats, it is a cork.

This proverb refers to things that are very light or very heavy with no middle ground. It is used to describe an 'all or nothing' situation or to test the true nature of something by observing its final outcome. It implies that the result will eventually reveal the reality, just as water reveals whether an object is a heavy stone or a light piece of wood/cork.

For every laborer a servant, and for that servant a drummer.

This proverb describes a chain of delegation or a hierarchy of dependency where everyone tries to pass their burden to someone else below them. It is used to mock people who, despite being in a low or serving position themselves, try to act superior by hiring or ordering someone even lower to do their work.

If I ride I shall be a trooper, if I dismount I shall be a foot soldier. A man who makes himself useful in any position.

This expression describes a versatile person who can adapt to any situation or task. It refers to someone who can handle high-level responsibilities with authority when required, yet remains humble and capable enough to perform basic manual labor or subordinate tasks when necessary.

If there is hard work, will there be a shortage of food?

This proverb emphasizes the dignity and reward of labor. It means that as long as a person is willing to work hard and put in the effort, they will never have to worry about basic necessities like food. It is used to encourage industriousness and self-reliance.