కార్యం అయ్యేదాకా గాడిద కాళ్ళయినా పట్టాలి.

karyam ayyedaka gadida kallayina pattali.

Translation

One must even touch the feet of a donkey until the task is completed.

Meaning

This proverb is used to describe a situation where one must humble themselves or flatter even an unworthy or inferior person to get a specific job done or to achieve a goal. It emphasizes pragmatism and temporary compromise for the sake of success.

Related Phrases

The donkey that went to the city bit the donkey that went to the village.

This proverb is used to mock people who return from a big city or a prestigious position and act superior or arrogant toward those who stayed in their hometown or humble roots. It highlights the empty vanity of someone who feels elevated by their environment despite their basic nature remaining the same.

Like accomplishing the Lord's work and one's own work together.

This expression is used to describe a situation where one action or journey serves two purposes simultaneously—typically a duty or service (the Lord's work) and a personal task (one's own work). It is similar to the English idiom 'killing two birds with one stone.'

Even if it carries sandalwood, a donkey is still a donkey.

This proverb means that external appearance or the company of greatness does not change one's inherent nature or lack of intelligence. It is used to describe someone who lacks wisdom or refinement despite being in a prestigious position or possessing valuable resources.

Until it's done, it's like Arisela syrup; once it's over, it's like Burela syrup.

This proverb describes people who are overly flattering, patient, and sweet until they get what they want from you, but become indifferent or careless once their goal is achieved. It highlights the change in a person's attitude before and after their work is completed.

Donkey's chaos/clipping

This expression is used to describe a situation of extreme chaos, disorder, or a messy state of affairs. It often refers to something that is disorganized, nonsensical, or a noisy disturbance where nothing constructive is happening.

God's work and personal work must happen simultaneously and quickly

This expression is used when a single action or trip serves two purposes: fulfilling an official or spiritual duty while also completing a personal task. It is similar to the English idiom 'killing two birds with one stone', but specifically highlights the balance between duty and self-interest.

Like a helpless man clutching the legs of a donkey.

This expression is used to describe a person who, in a state of absolute desperation or helplessness, seeks assistance from someone completely insignificant, unworthy, or incapable of helping. It highlights the irony and humiliation of being forced to rely on the lowest possible means when one has no other choice.

Like Vasudeva going and holding the feet of a donkey

This expression refers to a situation where a person of high stature or capability is forced by desperate circumstances to seek help from someone much inferior or unworthy. It originates from the story of Krishna's birth, where his father Vasudeva, in a moment of extreme crisis, had to humble himself to ensure safety. It is used to describe doing whatever is necessary, even if it feels demeaning, to overcome a difficult obstacle.

Like catching the legs of a donkey because an ox is kicking.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone, in an attempt to escape one problem or danger, seeks help from an even worse or more unreliable source. It highlights the foolishness of choosing a remedy that is as bad as or worse than the original trouble.

Even if you pour sandalwood powder on it, a donkey remains a donkey.

This proverb is used to describe a person who cannot change their inherent nature or lack of refinement, regardless of how much wealth, education, or luxury is bestowed upon them. It suggests that external appearances or decorations cannot hide one's true character or stupidity.