గోనెలే కొత్తవి, కోడెలెప్పటివే!

gonele kottavi, kodeleppative!

Translation

Only the sacks are new, the bulls are the same old ones!

Meaning

This proverb is used to describe a situation where a system or organization undergoes superficial changes (like a rebranding or new name) but the underlying people or fundamental problems remain exactly the same. It is similar to the English expression 'Old wine in a new bottle.'

Related Phrases

He said, 'You hit me, fine, but try hitting my brother-in-law and see what happens.'

This expression is used to mock someone who, after being defeated or intimidated, tries to act tough by bragging about the strength of their relatives or associates. It highlights cowardice and the tendency to take borrowed pride when one cannot defend themselves.

When a good deed [ is done, ] then only [ is it thought of ].

This expression is used to suggest that help or advantages received in the past do not guarantee future benefits. It emphasizes that every situation is unique and needs to be handled individually, often used when someone expects past favors to repeat themselves indefinitely.

Eaten bread is soon forgotten.

It's like saying, 'You hit me, that's fine, but let's see you try to hit my brother-in-law'

This expression is used to describe someone who, when bullied or defeated, tries to hide their weakness or save face by challenging the opponent to take on someone stronger. It reflects a hollow threat or a desperate attempt to appear tough by relying on someone else's strength instead of one's own.

The bull that ate salt grew sturdy, while the bull that ate dal grew pale.

This proverb highlights the importance of hardship and a simple, rugged lifestyle in building strength versus the weakness caused by a pampered or luxurious lifestyle. In a practical sense, it suggests that basic, essential nutrients (salt/minerals) and hard work make one robust, whereas rich food (dal/protein) without corresponding physical strain leads to lethargy and lack of vigor. It is used to advise against over-indulgence and to value resilience.

The oxen are old, but only the sacks are new.

This proverb describes a situation where the core substance or the main characters remain the same, but the external appearance or the tools are changed to give a false impression of novelty. It is used to critique superficial changes that do not address the underlying reality, similar to the English expression 'Old wine in a new bottle.'

If the mortars are new, are the grinders also new?

This proverb is used to mock someone who is acting as if they are experiencing something for the first time, despite it being a common or recurring task. It points out that even if the tools or environment change, the work remains the same, or that a person is pretending to be naive about something they should already know.

Even if the land is new, are the boundaries new?

This expression suggests that while appearances or specific circumstances might change, the fundamental nature, history, or inherent qualities of a situation remain the same. It is used to point out that basic truths or deep-rooted behaviors do not change simply because of a change in scenery or time.

Though the Âllu be new, are the mill stones new ? An answer to a lame excuse.

This proverb is used to point out that while some circumstances or people in a situation might be new, the fundamental problems, habits, or nature of the task remain the same. It is often used when someone tries to act as if a situation is completely different just because of minor changes, reminding them that the core reality hasn't changed.

He might have beaten me, but he gave me a new saree.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone endures some hardship, insult, or mistreatment because they received a significant benefit or compensation in return. It highlights a trade-off where the material gain outweighs the temporary suffering or loss of dignity.

One should hit with a slipper as soon as the ghost possesses.

This expression suggests that a problem or a negative behavior should be dealt with immediately and firmly the moment it arises. It emphasizes that if you don't take corrective action early, the issue may escalate and become harder to control later. It is used in contexts regarding discipline or crisis management.