ఏనుగుకు ఒక సీమ, గుర్రానికి ఒక ఊరు, బర్రెకు ఒక బానిసె.

enuguku oka sima, gurraniki oka uru, barreku oka banise.

Translation

To keep an elephant [ a man requires ] a country, to keep a horse a village, and to keep a she-buffalo a maid.

Meaning

This proverb describes the specific resource requirements of different animals based on their status and size. It is used metaphorically to explain that every individual or entity needs an environment or support system proportionate to their scale or nature to thrive.

Related Phrases

The disease is one, the medicine is another. i. e. the one is not fitted to remove the other. Said of unsuitable remedies.

This expression is used to describe a situation where the solution provided does not match the problem at hand, or when actions taken are completely irrelevant to the actual issue. It highlights a lack of coordination or understanding in addressing a specific challenge.

One word to a good man, one stroke to a good bullock. A nod for a wise man, and a rod for a fool.

This proverb emphasizes that an intelligent or sensible person understands and acts upon a single word of advice or instruction, just as a disciplined ox responds to a single stroke. It is used to suggest that wise people do not need repeated warnings or explanations to do the right thing.

Every head has its idiosyncrasy, and every tongue its taste. All tastes are tastes. (Italian.) There is no disputing of tastes, appetites, and fancies.

This proverb highlights the diversity of human nature and preferences. It suggests that just as different people enjoy different flavors, every individual possesses their own unique way of thinking, personality traits, and opinions. It is used to explain why people disagree or have varying interests.

* Tutti i gusti son gusti. 36

He calls himself a man, and the bran he eats, bread. A vulgar person taking airs.

This proverb is used to dismiss someone's significance or capability by comparing them to something of poor quality, like bread made from bran (chaff). It is typically used when a person of low status or limited skill attempts to do something beyond their reach, or when someone is being ignored as insignificant.

A region for an elephant, a village for a horse, and a slave for a buffalo.

This expression highlights the varying levels of maintenance and service required for different animals or assets. It implies that certain possessions come with heavy responsibilities or high costs; specifically, that a buffalo requires a dedicated person to look after it constantly, just as an elephant or horse needs vast resources.

Is one rain for paddy and another for Úda? ‘ [ God ] sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.’ Matthew v. 45. Impartiality.

This proverb is used to point out that nature or rules apply equally to everyone. It highlights that special or separate treatment is not necessary when the same conditions benefit everyone involved. It is often said when someone expects unique circumstances for a task that is already covered by a general action.

A word to a good man, [ a blow with ] a sieve for an obsti- nate blockhead.

This proverb highlights the difference in receptiveness to advice. A wise or good-natured person understands and corrects their behavior with just a simple word of advice. However, an obstinate or foolish person will not learn unless they are punished or dealt with harshly (metaphorically represented by a 'cheta' or winnowing basket). It is used to suggest that different people require different levels of persuasion or discipline.

A blow with a sieve, a broom, or a slipper is very degrading.

A time for misfortune, a time for fortune.

This proverb conveys that life is a cycle of ups and downs. Just as seasons change, periods of suffering will eventually be followed by periods of prosperity and happiness. It is used to offer hope during difficult times or to remind people to stay humble during successful times.

One year to the potter, one blow to the cudgel. The cudgel destroys in one blow what has cost the potter a year's labour. The sudden loss of that gained by much labour.

This proverb highlights the contrast between the time and effort taken to create something versus how easily it can be destroyed. It is used to describe situations where long-term hard work is undone in a single moment of misfortune or a single careless act.

A bow to you, a bow to your food. Said when offered bad food.

This expression is used when someone is fed up with another person's troublesome behavior or difficult nature. It signifies a desire to cut ties or stay away from them, implying 'I don't want your company, nor do I want to share a meal with you; just leave me alone.'