గాడిదకు గడ్డివేసి ఆవును పాలిమ్మన్నట్లు

gadidaku gaddivesi avunu palimmannatlu

Translation

Like feeding grass to a donkey and asking a cow for milk

Meaning

This expression describes an illogical or foolish expectation where someone invests resources or effort in one place (often the wrong place) and expects results from another. It highlights the absurdity of hoping for a specific outcome without putting in the relevant effort or supporting the right source.

Related Phrases

Like feeding fodder to an ox and asking a cow for milk.

This expression refers to a situation where someone expects a result from a person or entity while putting effort or resources into a completely different, unrelated place. It highlights the foolishness of expecting a reward where no work was done or expecting an outcome from the wrong source.

Like making a present of a milch cow and merely milking her for himself afterwards.

This expression refers to someone who gives something away as a gift or charity but still tries to maintain control over it or enjoy its benefits. It is used to describe a person who wants the reputation of being generous without actually letting go of the advantages of the object donated.

A hard field and donkey's milk

This proverb is used to describe a situation that is completely useless or yields no benefit despite hard work. Just as a hard, barren field produces no crop and a donkey's milk is generally not consumed, it refers to a wasted effort or a lost cause where the resources and results are both worthless.

Like feeding a buffalo and milking a cow.

This expression is used to describe a situation where one person puts in the effort or investment, but the benefits are reaped by someone else, or where actions are misdirected in a way that doesn't lead to the expected logical result.

Like saying 'I was invited to Thimmanna's feast'

This expression is used to describe a person who behaves with excessive entitlement or self-importance at an event just because they were invited. It highlights the irony of someone acting like they are the guest of honor or the owner of the place when they are just one of many invitees.

Leaving the cow and milking a donkey.

This proverb is used to describe a foolish person who ignores a superior or beneficial option in favor of a useless or inferior one. It highlights the lack of common sense in choosing something that yields a poor result when a much better alternative is readily available.

Like a donkey trying to do a dog's job

This expression is used when someone tries to perform a task that is not within their expertise or role, often resulting in failure or chaos. It highlights the importance of sticking to one's own responsibilities and strengths.

Like a helpless man clutching the legs of a donkey.

This expression is used to describe a person who, in a state of absolute desperation or helplessness, seeks assistance from someone completely insignificant, unworthy, or incapable of helping. It highlights the irony and humiliation of being forced to rely on the lowest possible means when one has no other choice.

Like catching the legs of a donkey because an ox is kicking.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone, in an attempt to escape one problem or danger, seeks help from an even worse or more unreliable source. It highlights the foolishness of choosing a remedy that is as bad as or worse than the original trouble.

Grass for the donkey and wash (fodder water) for the cow

This expression describes a situation where things are mismatched, reversed, or given to the wrong recipients. It is used when resources or tasks are allocated inappropriately, resulting in a mess where neither party is satisfied or productive.