ఎంత పెరిగినా గొర్రెకు బెత్తెడే తోక

enta perigina gorreku bettede toka

Translation

No matter how much it grows, a sheep's tail is only a span long.

Meaning

This proverb is used to describe limitations that remain constant despite growth or progress. It highlights that certain inherent traits or shortcomings do not change even if someone gains power, wealth, or age. It is often used to humble someone who is acting overly important or to point out that some things have a natural, fixed limit.

Related Phrases

The starch applied to a saree does not come back to be eaten.

This expression is used to describe an irreversible expenditure or investment. Just as starch used to stiffen a saree cannot be recovered or consumed as food (porridge) again, money or resources spent on certain luxuries or temporary needs cannot be reclaimed for essential purposes.

A field not watched by the owner is a loss no matter how much it grows.

This proverb emphasizes the importance of personal supervision in business or any undertaking. It implies that without the owner's direct oversight, resources are likely to be wasted, mismanaged, or stolen, leading to failure despite apparent growth or potential.

There is only a span between you and heaven. Said ironically to a hypocrite.

This expression is used to describe a state of extreme pride, arrogance, or overwhelming joy where a person feels superior or 'on top of the world'. It implies that the person is so conceited or elated that they feel they have almost reached heaven.

No matter how much it grows, a sheep's tail is only a span long.

This proverb is used to describe people or situations that have inherent limitations regardless of progress, time, or growth. It suggests that some things have a natural, fixed limit that cannot be exceeded, or it can be used to mock someone who, despite their achievements or status, remains small-minded or limited in their capacity.

If sorghum grows tall it becomes fodder, if paddy grows it becomes grain.

This proverb is used to describe how growth affects different things differently. Just as sorghum (jonna) loses its grain value and becomes mere fodder (jaadu) when it grows excessively tall, but paddy (vari) yields more grain (vadlu), human endeavors or traits must be channeled correctly. It emphasizes that excessive growth in the wrong direction can be useless, while growth in the right context leads to productivity.

How much can you feed a tiny bird?

This expression is used to describe a person with a very small appetite or someone who consumes very little. It implies that the amount required to satisfy them is negligible, much like the tiny amount of food a small bird eats.

The sheep know the lineages of the shepherds, and the shepherds know the lineages of the sheep.

This proverb describes a relationship where two parties know each other's secrets, habits, and history intimately because they spend all their time together. It is used to suggest that one cannot hide anything from a close associate or that those who work closely together have a deep, mutual understanding of each other's affairs.

Born to the wind and raised in the dust.

This expression describes someone who grew up without any parental care, guidance, or proper upbringing. It is used to refer to people who are self-raised in neglectful conditions or things that have appeared and developed haphazardly without any formal foundation or supervision.

No matter how much a sheep grows, its tail remains only a span long.

This proverb is used to describe someone who, despite achieving growth, success, or status, cannot escape their inherent limitations or humble origins. It suggests that certain fundamental traits or deficiencies remain unchanged regardless of external progress.

A sheep has a tail only as long as a hand's breadth.

This expression is used to describe something that is naturally limited or small by its very nature. It suggests that one should not expect more than what is possible or inherent in a person or situation. It is often used to tell someone to stay within their limits or to describe a person's limited influence or capacity.