గాడిదలే దున్నితే, దొమ్మరులు పంటకాపులు కారా?
gadidale dunnite, dommarulu pantakapulu kara?
If donkeys could plow, wouldn't nomads be farmers?
This proverb is used to emphasize that specific tasks require specific skills, tools, or status. It suggests that success doesn't come from shortcut methods or unsuitable resources. It is often used to mock someone trying to do a job they are not qualified for or to point out that hard work and proper methods are necessary for results.
Related Phrases
ఏగిలి దున్నితే వెలితిమాలకైనా పండుతుంది
egili dunnite velitimalakaina pandutundi
If you plow early in the morning, even a poor farmer will see a harvest.
This proverb emphasizes the importance of punctuality and hard work in agriculture. 'Egili' refers to the very early morning hours (pre-dawn). It suggests that starting work early is so effective that even someone with limited resources or skills can achieve a good yield.
పల్లెటూరికి పదిదారులు
palleturiki padidarulu
There are ten paths to a village
This proverb indicates that there are multiple ways or methods to achieve a single goal. It is used when someone is stuck or discouraged, reminding them that if one approach fails, there are many other alternatives available to reach the same destination or result.
అరవై ఏళ్ళొస్తే అరులు మరులు
aravai elloste arulu marulu
When sixty years have passed, dotage.
This proverb is used to describe the onset of senility or behavioral changes in old age. It suggests that when a person reaches sixty, they may lose their mental clarity, become forgetful, or act in an eccentric and unpredictable manner due to their aging mind.
మేకలే మడకలు దున్నితే, ఎద్దులు ఎందుకు?
mekale madakalu dunnite, eddulu enduku?
If goats could plow the fields, why would anyone need oxen?
This proverb is used to highlight that certain tasks require specific strength, skills, or tools. It suggests that while smaller or less capable resources (goats) have their own value, they cannot replace the heavy-duty power of the right resource (oxen) for a demanding job. It is often used to criticize unrealistic expectations or the use of inadequate means for a large task.
మరులున్నవాడే మగడు
marulunnavade magadu
Only the man who has deep affection/infatuation is a true husband.
This proverb emphasizes that a man's worth as a husband is defined by the love, care, and attraction he shows toward his wife, rather than just his title or authority. It is used to suggest that emotional devotion is the hallmark of a good spouse.
మాగిలి దున్నితే మాలవానికైనా పైరగును
magili dunnite malavanikaina pairagunu
If you plough the fallow field after the harvest, even a common man can yield a crop.
This proverb emphasizes the importance of timely and proper soil preparation. It suggests that if the land is ploughed during the 'Maghili' season (post-harvest winter/spring) to retain moisture and nutrients, anyone who puts in the effort will succeed in farming, regardless of their background or expertise.
వాని యిల్లాలు దొమ్మరివాని డోలు.
vani yillalu dommarivani dolu.
His wife is like a tumbler's (acrobat's) drum.
This proverb is used to describe a woman who is frequently scolded, beaten, or subjected to harsh treatment by everyone in the household, much like an acrobat's drum which is beaten on both sides by anyone and everyone. It highlights a state of being constantly abused or handled roughly.
చీర పిట్టకు దొమ్మ తెగులు
chira pittaku domma tegulu
A white louse with the staggers.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where a person of very low status, importance, or capability puts on airs or suffers from problems usually associated with those of higher status. It highlights the irony of someone insignificant having an exaggerated or unlikely issue.
The Hindus' cure for the staggers is branding the flanks and legs with a ploughshare. Applied to measures quite out of proportion to the necessities of the case.
దొమ్మలన్నిటిలో మిడిదొమ్మ మిండడు.
dommalannitilo mididomma mindadu.
Among all the fits, the fainting fit is the strongest.
This proverb is used to describe something that stands out as the most prominent, intense, or severe among a group of similar things. It literally refers to 'Mididomma' (a type of severe fit or epilepsy) being the most dominant among various physical ailments or fits.
మాగిలి దున్నితే మరింత పంట
magili dunnite marinta panta
Ploughing the land after the first rains yields more crops.
This proverb highlights the importance of timing and preparation in agriculture. 'Magili' refers to the land moistened by the first summer rains. It suggests that if a farmer takes advantage of these initial rains to plough the field, the soil quality improves, leading to a much higher yield. Metaphorically, it means that starting a task at the right opportune moment with proper preparation ensures success.