గొర్రె కొవ్వితే గొల్లవాడికే లాభము

gorre kovvite gollavadike labhamu

Translation

If the sheep gets fat, it is for the benefit of the shepherd. If the servant does in a huff more work than he is told, it is for the benefit of his master. The term translated gets fat also signifies "be- comes proud."

Meaning

This proverb describes a situation where one person's growth or accumulation of wealth ultimately benefits someone else who controls or owns them. It is used to suggest that when a subordinate or an asset prospers, the ultimate gain goes to the master or the owner.

Related Phrases

Churn the buttermilk, young shepherdess; wiggle your waist, old lady.

This is a rhythmic folk saying often used in songs or to describe the repetitive, rhythmic motions of domestic chores like churning buttermilk. It reflects the traditional rural lifestyle where different generations (young and old) participate in household activities in their own way, sometimes used playfully to tease someone's movements or to highlight the bustle of a household.

The sheep only trusts him who cuts its throat. The simple and unwary only trust their deceivers.

This proverb describes a state of extreme innocence or foolishness where a victim unknowingly trusts the very person who intends to harm or exploit them. It is used to caution someone who is being misled by a predator disguised as a friend or caretaker.

Despite playing romantically all night long, the same cowherd was born.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where a lot of effort, drama, or elaborate processes are undertaken, but the end result is exactly the same as the starting point or as mediocre as before. It signifies a futile or redundant exercise that fails to bring about any real change or superior outcome.

If the sheep gets fat, the benefit is only for the shepherd.

This proverb is used to describe situations where one person's hard work or growth ultimately benefits their master or superior rather than themselves. It implies that an underling's prosperity often just increases the assets of the person who owns or manages them, suggesting a sense of exploitation or inevitable benefit to the authority figure.

If a crab gets too fat (haughty), it won't stay in its hole.

This proverb is used to describe a person who becomes arrogant or overconfident due to newfound wealth, power, or success. Such arrogance eventually leads them to step out of their boundaries, behave recklessly, and ultimately invite trouble or downfall. It serves as a warning against being over-proud.

When the mouth gets fat, it is made to salivate. A man suffers for his arrogance.

This expression is used to describe someone who speaks arrogantly, recklessly, or without any restraint due to overconfidence or pride. It often implies that a person's success or status has made them lose their filter and speak disrespectfully.

The sheep know the lineages of the shepherds, and the shepherds know the lineages of the sheep.

This proverb describes a relationship where two parties know each other's secrets, habits, and history intimately because they spend all their time together. It is used to suggest that one cannot hide anything from a close associate or that those who work closely together have a deep, mutual understanding of each other's affairs.

When two people fight, the third person benefits.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where a conflict between two parties allows a neutral third party to take advantage of the situation and gain something. It is similar to the English idiom 'Two dogs fight for a bone, and a third runs away with it.'

The sheep trusts the butcher

This expression is used to describe a situation where a victim or a gullible person places their complete trust in someone who intends to harm or exploit them. It highlights naive loyalty or the inability to recognize one's own enemy.

When a crab gets fat or a Yanadi (tribal man) gets arrogant, they won't stay in their holes.

This proverb describes people who, upon gaining a little wealth, power, or pride, forget their roots or limitations and act recklessly. Just as a crab that grows too large can no longer fit in its protective burrow, or a person who becomes arrogant leaves their safe environment, such behavior usually leads to their downfall or exposure to danger.