గాడిద పూర్వవంశ గౌరవంగాని, భవిష్యత్ సంతతిపై ఆశగాని లేని ప్రాణి

gadida purvavamsha gauravangani, bhavishyat santatipai ashagani leni prani

Translation

A donkey is a creature that has neither pride in its ancestry nor hope for its future offspring.

Meaning

This expression is used to describe a person who lacks self-respect, ambition, or concern for their legacy. It characterizes someone who lives purely in the moment without any sense of responsibility toward their heritage or their future, often used to mock someone's indifferent or stubborn attitude.

Related Phrases

Respect ends where begging begins

This expression is used to convey that a person loses their dignity and self-respect the moment they start begging or asking others for favors or money excessively. It emphasizes the importance of self-reliance and the fragility of one's reputation.

If what is natural does not thrive, what is the use of what is artificial?

This expression refers to the idea that innate qualities or natural talents are essential for success. It suggests that if a person lacks basic natural ability or character (puttu), external enhancements, artificial aids, or borrowed resources (pettu) will not be of much use or bring any real benefit. It is used to emphasize that substance is more important than mere appearance or external support.

Nanda Raja shall become (the king)

This phrase is used to describe a situation where someone postpones a task indefinitely or waits for an uncertain, hypothetical future event that may never happen. It originates from a story where a person keeps delaying a promise by saying it will be fulfilled when a legendary king (Nanda Raja) returns to power.

Only donkeys remember their pedigree/ancestry.

This is a sarcastic expression used to criticize people who boast excessively about their lineage or high birth without having any personal merit or achievements. It implies that true value comes from one's own character and actions rather than ancestral status.

Will the postures of an actor be of use in war?

This proverb highlights that skills acquired for show, performance, or imitation (like those of an actor or dancer) are not applicable in real, high-stakes, or dangerous situations like hunting. It is used to point out that superficial knowledge or decorative talents cannot replace practical experience and genuine expertise when it truly matters.

Ash is the medicine for a donkey's wound

This expression is used to describe a simple, crude, or inexpensive solution for an unworthy or trivial problem. It implies that a high-quality or expensive remedy is not needed for something of low value or for someone who doesn't appreciate it.

Even the Lord of the Universe (Shiva) is subject to the influence of Saturn.

This expression emphasizes that no one, regardless of their status, power, or greatness, can escape the cycle of fate or the consequences of time. It is used to convey that destiny is impartial and affects the mighty just as it affects the common person.

Whether it is a woman or poetry, it must come out of love/desire.

This proverb suggests that certain things in life cannot be forced or coerced. Just as a woman's affection must be genuine and voluntary to be meaningful, a poem must flow naturally from the heart of a poet rather than being manufactured or forced. It is used to emphasize that beauty, art, and love are only authentic when they occur spontaneously and willingly.

Will the steps of a costume-wearer/actor be of any use in a real hunt?

This proverb is used to convey that superficial appearances or mere imitation of a skill (like acting) cannot replace genuine expertise and practical experience required for real-life challenges. Just because someone looks like a hunter or mimics the walk of one, they cannot succeed in a real hunt without the actual survival skills.

Even if the leg bends, even Goddess Gangamma wouldn't hold it.

This expression is used to describe an extremely stingy or miserly person. It suggests that even in a situation where they are forced to bow or humble themselves (like bending a leg), they are so tight-fisted that even a deity associated with cleansing and mercy wouldn't be able to get anything out of them, or they wouldn't offer anything even in extreme circumstances.