కొత్తది గొర్రెల మడుగు, పాతది బట్టల మడుగు

kottadi gorrela madugu, patadi battala madugu

Translation

New is a pond for sheep; old is a pond for clothes.

Meaning

This proverb highlights how people treat possessions differently based on their age. New things are handled with extreme care and kept pristine (like a clean pond), but as they get older, they are used roughly or neglected (like a pond used for washing dirty clothes). It is used to describe the waning enthusiasm or care for something over time.

Related Phrases

Weak for work, a thunderbolt for food

This expression is used to describe a lazy person who avoids physical labor or responsibilities by pretending to be weak or tired, but shows immense energy and appetite when it comes to eating. It is often used sarcastically to criticize someone's lack of productivity compared to their consumption.

The old is of no use, the new is not suitable.

This proverb describes a state of dilemma or dissatisfaction where one finds faults in both the old ways/things and the new alternatives. It is used when a person is stuck in a transition phase, unable to rely on past experiences or tools while finding the newer ones ineffective or difficult to adapt to.

Neither learned the new, nor forgotten the old.

This expression describes a state of stagnation or lack of progress. It is used to mock someone who is unable to adapt to new changes or learn new skills, while also failing to move on from or effectively use their existing knowledge. It highlights a situation where someone is stuck in limbo, making no advancement.

When there is a mirror, why ask about one's beauty?

This proverb is used to describe a situation where the truth is self-evident or obvious. It implies that when there is direct evidence available right in front of you, there is no need for external validation or second-hand opinions. It is similar to the English expression 'The proof of the pudding is in the eating'.

Weak for common work, a thunderbolt for personal work.

This proverb describes a person who is lazy, slow, or indifferent when it comes to shared or community tasks, but displays immense energy, speed, and strength when working on their own personal interests. It is used to criticize selfishness or lack of accountability in collective efforts.

A thunderbolt for food, a weakling for work.

This proverb is used to describe a lazy person who has a massive appetite and eats very quickly (like a thunderbolt), but becomes tired, weak, or avoids effort when it is time to work. It highlights the irony of someone being energetic about consumption but lethargic about contribution.

Like soot touching a freshly washed cloth

This expression is used to describe how a small blemish or a single mistake can ruin something that is otherwise pure, clean, or perfect. It highlights the vulnerability of a good reputation or a pristine object to even the slightest stain.

Is holding an umbrella an obstacle to a lightning bolt?

This expression is used to describe a situation where a small or inadequate solution is proposed for a massive, unstoppable problem. It highlights the futility of using weak defenses against powerful forces or inevitable consequences.

Like a thunderbolt falling the moment one steps in.

This expression is used to describe an unfortunate coincidence where a disaster or a piece of very bad news occurs immediately after someone's arrival. It is often used to imply that a person's entry brought bad luck or that they arrived at an extremely ill-fated moment.

He might have beaten me, but he gave me a new saree.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone endures some hardship, insult, or mistreatment because they received a significant benefit or compensation in return. It highlights a trade-off where the material gain outweighs the temporary suffering or loss of dignity.