కార్యం అయ్యేదాకా గాడిద కాళ్ళయినా పట్టాలి.
karyam ayyedaka gadida kallayina pattali.
One must even touch the feet of a donkey until the task is completed.
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
పట్టణానికి పోయిన గాడిద, పల్లెకుపోయిన గాడిదను కరిచిందట
pattananiki poyina gadida, pallekupoyina gadidanu karichindata
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.
స్వామి కార్యం, స్వకార్యం కలిసి వచ్చినట్లు.
svami karyam, svakaryam kalisi vachchinatlu.
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.'
గంధ ద్రవ్యాలు మోసినా గాడిద గాడిదే
gandha dravyalu mosina gadida gadide
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.
అయ్యేదాకా అరిసెల పాకం, అయిన తర్వాత బూరెల పాకం
ayyedaka arisela pakam, ayina tarvata burela pakam
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.
గాడిద గత్తెర
gadida gattera
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.
స్వామికార్యం స్వకార్యం సత్వరం జరగాలి
svamikaryam svakaryam satvaram jaragali
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.
గతిలేనివాడు గాడిదకాళ్ళు పట్టుకొన్నట్లు
gatilenivadu gadidakallu pattukonnatlu
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.
వసుదేవుడు పోయి గాడిద కాళ్ళు పట్టుకున్నట్టు
vasudevudu poyi gadida kallu pattukunnattu
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.
ఎద్దు తంతుందని గాడిదకాళ్ళు పట్టుకున్నట్లు.
eddu tantundani gadidakallu pattukunnatlu.
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.
గంధపు పొడి పోసినా గాడిద గాడిదే
gandhapu podi posina gadida gadide
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.