గంగిరెద్దును బండికి కడితే వాడవాడ, గంగిరావును బండికి కడితే ఇల్లిల్లు
gangireddunu bandiki kadite vadavada, gangiravunu bandiki kadite illillu
If you tie a decorated bull to a cart it goes through the street; if you tie Gangiraavu to a cart it goes through every house.
This proverb contrasts performance and outcomes based on the nature of the subject. It refers to the idea that a trained, decorated bull (Gangireddu) follows a broad path through the streets, whereas a common or untrained one (Gangiraavu) might wander erratically into every doorway. In a broader sense, it is used to describe how a person's behavior or a specific method determines the extent or quality of the result, often highlighting inefficiency or unnecessary persistence.
Related Phrases
పందికొక్కు మీద బండికల్లు
pandikokku mida bandikallu
A cartwheel on a bandicoot
This expression is used to describe a situation where a punishment, burden, or consequence is excessively heavy or disproportionate to the size or capacity of the subject. It signifies overkill or an overwhelming force applied to a relatively small target.
వడగండ్లు పడితే వజపు.
vadagandlu padite vajapu.
If hailstones fall, step aside.
This expression advises that when a sudden, uncontrollable disaster or intense conflict arises, the wisest course of action is to temporarily withdraw or stay out of the way to protect oneself. It emphasizes self-preservation and common sense over trying to confront a force that is beyond one's control.
బండన్న పెండ్లికి బడితే బాజా
bandanna pendliki badite baja
For the wedding of an uncouth man, a stick serves as the musical instrument.
This expression is used to describe a situation where a simple or crude person receives a treatment or celebration that is equally crude or low-quality. It suggests that the arrangements or surroundings match the character or status of the person involved.
గాడితప్పిన బండివలె
gaditappina bandivale
Like a cart that has gone off track
This expression is used to describe a situation, system, or life that has lost its direction, order, or stability. It implies that things are no longer functioning correctly or are in a state of chaos, much like a bullock cart that has slipped out of its ruts or off the road.
అంగడిని బట్టి గొడ్డు, వంగడమును బట్టి బిడ్డ
angadini batti goddu, vangadamunu batti bidda
The cattle is judged by the market, the child is judged by the lineage.
This proverb emphasizes the influence of heredity and upbringing. Just as the quality of livestock is determined by where it is bought (the market's reputation), a child's character and behavior are often a reflection of their family's traits, values, and ancestry (Vangadam).
జీల బలిసి బందికాడయినట్లు
jila balisi bandikadayinatlu
Like a cumin seed getting fat and becoming a log/beam.
This proverb is used to describe an insignificant person who grows arrogant due to a slight increase in wealth or status. It highlights the absurdity of a tiny thing (cumin seed) imagining itself to be something massive and sturdy (a heavy wooden beam or log).
కుక్కపైన కంబళి వేయగానే గంగిరెద్దు అవుతుందా?
kukkapaina kambali veyagane gangireddu avutunda?
Does putting a blanket on a dog make it a sacred bull?
A person's character or inherent nature doesn't change simply by changing their appearance or attire. True identity is internal and cannot be masked by external decorations or pretenses. It is often used to criticize someone trying to appear more noble or capable than they actually are.
కందెనవేయని బండికి కావలసినంత సంగీతం
kandenaveyani bandiki kavalasinanta sangitam
An ungreased cart provides as much music as you want.
This expression is used to sarcastically describe a situation where a lack of proper maintenance or care leads to annoying noises, problems, or complaints. Just as an unlubricated wheel screeches loudly, a task done without proper resources or a machine not cared for will create a lot of 'noise' or trouble.
శివమెత్తిన గంగిరెద్దులా చిందులు తొక్కడం
shivamettina gangireddula chindulu tokkadam
To dance around like a decorated bull possessed by a deity.
This expression is used to describe someone who is acting in an uncontrollably aggressive, chaotic, or agitated manner. It likens a person's wild behavior or angry outburst to the frenzied movements of a 'Gangireddu' (sacred decorated bull) when it is perceived to be possessed or extremely restless.
హిమగిరిలో ఉంటే నంది, గంగారంలో ఉంటే గంగిరెద్దు
himagirilo unte nandi, gangaramlo unte gangireddu
If in Himagiri (the Himalayas), it is Nandi; if in Gangaram (a common village), it is a Gangireddu (a street bull).
This proverb describes how the value and respect an individual receives depend heavily on their environment, position, and the company they keep. Even a divine bull like Nandi is seen as a common street bull when removed from its sacred context. It is used to emphasize that status is often a reflection of one's surroundings.