కొలువుకన్న గోపాలనే నయం
koluvukanna gopalane nayam
Grazing cows is better than serving a master.
This proverb highlights the value of self-reliance and independence over a subordinate job. It suggests that even a humble, independent occupation like herding cattle is preferable to the restrictions, stress, and ego-clashes involved in working under someone else's command (service/employment).
Related Phrases
గురువుకన్నా గుడ్డు మించింది
guruvukanna guddu minchindi
The egg has excelled beyond the teacher
This expression is used when a student or a protégé becomes more skilled, famous, or successful than their mentor. It highlights the irony or pride in an apprentice surpassing the one who taught them everything.
గోవు లేదురా గోపన్నా అంటే గోదారిలో ఉన్నాయి పాపన్నా
govu ledura gopanna ante godarilo unnayi papanna
When told 'there is no cow, Gopanna', he says 'they are in the Godavari river, Papanna'
This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone gives an irrelevant, illogical, or evasive answer to a direct statement or question. It highlights a complete lack of communication or understanding between two people, often where one person is making excuses or diverting the topic with nonsense.
గురిగింజకు ఎన్ని వన్నెలున్నా గొప్పలేదు
guriginjaku enni vannelunna goppaledu
No matter how many colors a rosary pea has, it lacks greatness.
This proverb is used to convey that outward beauty or multiple colors do not necessarily imply inner quality or true worth. It is often applied to people who look attractive or talented on the outside but lack character, integrity, or substance.
పొట్టి పోతరాజు కొలువు
potti potaraju koluvu
The service of Potti Pôta Râzu.
This expression is used to describe a place or situation where there is no discipline, order, or decorum. It typically refers to a chaotic environment where everyone talks at once or where the rules are constantly ignored, much like a disorganized royal court.
A worrying fellow, of whom it is said that when his followers were behind him, he abused them for treating him as their ( Pariah ) guide ; when they went before him, he accused them of acting as if they were his superiors ; and when they travelled at each side of his palankin, he repri- manded them for daring to place themselves on an equality with himself.
గ్రాసము లేని కొలువు
grasamu leni koluvu
Work without pay. Work not paid for is ill done. Work done expects money. (Portuguese.)
This expression refers to a job or position that provides no salary, benefits, or basic means of survival. It is used to describe an unrewarding occupation where the effort put in does not yield even the most essential returns.
* Obra feita dinheiro espera.
నయమంటే భయమేమి?
nayamante bhayamemi?
If it is the right path, why fear?
This expression is used to state that one who acts with integrity, honesty, and follows the righteous path has no reason to be afraid of anyone or any consequences. It is similar to the English proverb 'A clean hand wants no washing'.
బాపనవాని కొలువూ తెల్ల గుర్రపు కొలువూ కొలువ కూడదు.
bapanavani koluvu tella gurrapu koluvu koluva kudadu.
You should not serve a Brahman or a white horse. There is no end to your labor.
This traditional proverb suggests that certain tasks or service roles are inherently difficult or unrewarding. Serving a white horse is considered difficult because any speck of dirt is easily visible, requiring constant cleaning. Similarly, the proverb historically implies that serving a scholarly or meticulous master (metaphorically represented by a Brahmin) requires excessive attention to detail and purity, making the work never-ending and difficult to satisfy.
చదివినవాని కన్నా చాకలవాడు నయం
chadivinavani kanna chakalavadu nayam
A washerman is better than an educated person. The washerman, though illiterate, invariably distinguishes the clothes belonging to different people by putting certain marks on them, but many of the educated cannot discern between good and evil.
This proverb is used to criticize an educated person who lacks common sense or practical wisdom. It implies that practical knowledge and a sensible approach to life (often attributed to simple workers like a washerman) are more valuable than formal education without the ability to apply it properly or behave appropriately.
తలుగుపెట్టి తంతూ ఉంటే, కొలువు పెట్టి కొలచినట్లు.
talugupetti tantu unte, koluvu petti kolachinatlu.
When kicked after being tied with a rope, it feels like being measured for an official position.
This proverb is used to describe a person who is so optimistic, naive, or desperate that they misinterpret ill-treatment or abuse as an honor or a benefit. It highlights a lack of self-respect or a delusional perspective on a negative situation.
గ్రాసము లేని కొలువు
grasamu leni koluvu
Employment without sustenance
This expression refers to a job or position that does not provide enough salary or benefits to meet basic living needs. It is used to describe unrewarding work or a situation where the effort put in far exceeds the meager compensation received.