కవిత్వం గడ్డి అనుకోని గాడిదలన్నీ పడి మేయసాగినవట.

kavitvam gaddi anukoni gadidalanni padi meyasaginavata.

Translation

Thinking that poetry is grass, all the donkeys started grazing on it.

Meaning

This expression is used to criticize people who lack taste or intelligence yet try to consume or critique high art or intellectual work. It implies that when something refined (like poetry) is treated as a common commodity, unqualified people (metaphorically called donkeys) will rush to ruin or disrespect it without understanding its true value.

Related Phrases

Alapati's poetry, and within it, madness (biliousness).

This expression is used to describe a situation where something is already flawed or mediocre, and it is made even worse by additional eccentricities or absurdities. It highlights double-layered nonsense or unnecessary complexity in an already poor piece of work.

A household as grand as Kanchi becoming like prickly shrubs.

This expression is used to describe a situation where a prosperous, large, or stable family/business falls into complete ruin or gets scattered due to internal conflicts or misfortune. It highlights the drastic downfall from extreme wealth to total destruction.

They make themselves fools for a child. Lit. They eat grass. Foolish vows are made and silly ceremonies performed to propitiate the gods and obtain children.

This expression is used to describe the extent to which parents are willing to endure extreme hardships, humiliation, or do anything—even something undignified—to ensure the well-being and future of their children.

Only donkeys remember their pedigree/ancestry.

This is a sarcastic expression used to criticize people who boast excessively about their lineage or high birth without having any personal merit or achievements. It implies that true value comes from one's own character and actions rather than ancestral status.

When the donkey tried to do the dog's job, its back broke.

This proverb is used to illustrate the consequences of interfering in someone else's business or trying to perform a task for which one is not suited or trained. It highlights that everyone has their own specific roles and responsibilities, and stepping out of one's domain can lead to failure or self-harm.

The sky was kicked away by the kite. Said in answer to an impertinent question.

This expression is used to describe an impossible or absurd claim. It refers to a situation where someone makes a statement that is clearly false or unbelievable, yet expects others to believe it. It is often used to mock gullibility or to point out a blatant lie.

As time went on, the hunchbacked horse turned into a donkey.

This expression is used to describe a situation that gradually deteriorates or degrades over time instead of improving. It is often applied to projects, reputations, or quality that starts with some promise (even if flawed) but ends up becoming something much worse or inferior.

Like a donkey trying to do a dog's job

This expression is used when someone tries to perform a task that is not within their expertise or role, often resulting in failure or chaos. It highlights the importance of sticking to one's own responsibilities and strengths.

Grass for the donkey and wash (fodder water) for the cow

This expression describes a situation where things are mismatched, reversed, or given to the wrong recipients. It is used when resources or tasks are allocated inappropriately, resulting in a mess where neither party is satisfied or productive.

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.