మా బుజ్జి చస్తే చచ్చిందిగానీ, మా పెదనాయన బజ్జి పాలివ్వకపోతే చాలు

ma bujji chaste chachchindigani, ma pedanayana bajji palivvakapote chalu

Translation

It's okay if my calf dies, as long as my uncle's buffalo doesn't give milk.

Meaning

This proverb is used to describe an extreme level of spite or jealousy where a person is willing to suffer a personal loss as long as it results in someone they dislike not succeeding or gaining a benefit. It highlights a 'lose-lose' mentality driven by malice.

Related Phrases

No matter where it grazes, it is enough if it gives milk in our house.

This proverb is used to express that it doesn't matter what someone does or where they go, as long as they ultimately bring the benefits or results back home. It is often used in a business or familial context to signify that the final outcome or loyalty matters more than the process or location.

If you plough furrow upon furrow, even a lifeless field will yield a harvest.

This proverb emphasizes the power of persistence and hard work. It suggests that consistent, repeated effort can turn a failure or a barren situation into a success. Just as repeatedly ploughing the same land improves its fertility, constant practice and dedication lead to results in any endeavor.

Even if the elephant dies, it is enough if the tusks are found.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where, despite a great loss or failure, something of significant value is still recovered. It highlights the idea that even in destruction, some inherent worth remains. It is often applied to wealthy people or great institutions that, even when ruined, still retain some of their former glory or assets.

If you plow along the same furrow repeatedly, even a dead field will yield crops.

This proverb emphasizes the importance of persistence, consistency, and hard work. It suggests that by repeatedly putting effort into a task—even one that seems hopeless or unproductive—success can eventually be achieved.

If given, a wedding; if not, crackers.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone is extremely demanding or fickle. It implies that if things go their way, they will celebrate (a wedding), but if they don't get what they want, they will create chaos or break relationships (crackers/explosions). It describes an 'all or nothing' or 'my way or the highway' attitude.

If he died, he died; but at least the shivering fever has left quietly.

This expression is used when a significant problem is resolved, even if the solution involves a loss or a drastic measure. It implies a sense of relief from a persistent nuisance, suggesting that the end of the trouble is worth the price paid, often used in a cynical or cold-hearted context regarding the removal of a burden.

By mildness or severity. If one does not answer, the other must be tried.

This expression refers to a strategy of using both persuasion (friendly approach) and intimidation (threats) to get something done. It is equivalent to the English idiom 'by hook or by crook' or 'the carrot and the stick' approach.

The dead buffalo used to give a potful of milk.

This proverb is used to describe the tendency of people to exaggerate the value or qualities of something or someone only after they are gone or lost. It highlights how people romanticize the past or overestimate the worth of a missed opportunity.

When someone ate cold rice (leftovers) intending to die, they ended up falling into a deep, cool sleep instead.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone makes a dramatic or serious claim (like wanting to end their life) but ends up doing something that results in comfort or luxury. It mocks people who make hollow threats or pretend to be in distress while actually seeking comfort, or describes an intended negative action that accidentally results in a pleasant outcome.

Even if the mother dies, it is enough if the maternal uncle is there.

In Telugu culture, the maternal uncle (menamama) holds a position of great responsibility and affection, often seen as a protective surrogate for the mother. This proverb emphasizes that even in the absence of a mother, a maternal uncle can provide the necessary support, guidance, and security to a child.