కర్ర ఎవడిదో బర్రె వాడిది

karra evadido barre vadidi

Translation

The buffalo belongs to the one who holds the stick

Meaning

This proverb is the Telugu equivalent of 'Might is Right.' It implies that the person who possesses power, authority, or the means of enforcement (the stick) ultimately controls the resources (the buffalo). It is used to describe situations where strength or influence dictates ownership and outcomes, often regardless of fairness or legality.

Related Phrases

If you don't want it, throw the stick and the shell to me.

This expression is used to describe someone who is greedy or eager to collect even the most useless leftovers of others. It characterizes a person who is ready to take anything, regardless of its value, as long as it is free or being discarded by someone else.

When the buffalo dies, it comes out how much milk she gave.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where the true value, contribution, or secrets of a person are only fully realized or disclosed after they are gone or when a resource is lost. It often implies that someone was exaggerating their worth or productivity while they were active.

A stick two yards long in a room one cubit square. A defiant speech in answer to a threat.

This proverb describes a situation where an accessory or a solution is disproportionately larger or more complex than the actual problem or the space it occupies. It is used to mock inefficiency, poor planning, or when something is overly cumbersome for its intended purpose.

Even a sheep will bite a man without a stick. Every man should be prepared to defend himself.

This proverb highlights that if you are perceived as weak, defenseless, or lacking authority, even the most harmless or timid individuals will try to take advantage of you or bully you. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining strength or influence to command respect and prevent mistreatment.

The kingdom belongs to the one with the voice; the buffalo belongs to the one with the stick.

This proverb highlights that power and success often belong to those who can speak assertively or those who possess physical strength. In the first part, it implies that the person who can communicate effectively or shout the loudest often dominates social situations or politics. In the second part, it refers to 'might is right,' where the person with the most force or resources gets to claim ownership.

Who is the master of price?

This expression is used to signify that the value or price of an item is subjective and depends entirely on the buyer's need or the seller's demand. It implies that there is no fixed 'authority' over a price; if someone is willing to pay, that becomes the price. It is often used in negotiations or when discussing unique, antique, or high-demand items.

If it grows a grain-ear it is a straw-stalk, if it is fitted with a ferrule it is a walking-stick.

This proverb highlights the versatility and utility of an object based on how it is developed or used. In a broader sense, it refers to how a person's potential or a situation's outcome depends on the direction it takes or the finishing touches provided.

When his lordship brands the buffalo, will she get over it? Said of a clumsiness fellow, who makes a mess of every thing. I meant to cross myself and put out one of my eyes. (Portuguese.)

This proverb is used to describe a situation where the remedy is worse than the disease, or when the cost/process of solving a problem is so harsh that the subject might not survive it. It highlights a dilemma where the 'cure' might lead to destruction.

You should not stay near a young buffalo, or an old creditor.

This proverb warns about potential dangers or troubles. Standing near a buffalo's calf is dangerous because the mother buffalo may attack to protect it. Similarly, being near an old creditor is risky as they will inevitably demand their money back, causing social embarrassment or financial pressure. It advises staying away from situations that trigger trouble.

Like blaming the post when the calf or the she buffalo bellowed.

This expression is used to describe a situation where the primary people involved in an issue remain silent or calm, but an unrelated or insignificant third party makes a lot of noise or fuss. It highlights unnecessary interference or someone overstepping their role when they have no stake in the matter.