మాదిగ మంచానికి తలవైపు, కాళ్ళవైపు ఒకటే

madiga manchaniki talavaipu, kallavaipu okate

Translation

For a cobbler's cot, the head-side and the foot-side are the same.

Meaning

This expression refers to something that is uniform, poorly made, or lacks a specific orientation or distinction. It is often used to describe situations where there is no clear hierarchy, order, or difference between two ends of a matter, implying a state of indifference or lack of standards.

Related Phrases

The head and the foot of a cobbler's bed are alike. Said of an unprincipled sensualist.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where there is no distinction between the beginning and the end, or when someone is so disorganized or indifferent that they do not differentiate between important and unimportant things. Historically, it refers to a simple rope cot (charpai) where both ends are woven identically, lacking the traditional headboard distinction, symbolizing a lack of hierarchy or order.

* Nañ me pago do amigo, que come o seu sô, e o meu oximo. † Le feste sono bella a casa d'altr.

One for the plate, two for the bed.

This proverb describes a person who is extremely lazy and dependent. They are ready to eat alone (selfish/greedy) but need someone else's help even to move or get up from the bed. It is used to mock people who are active when it comes to consuming resources but become 'weak' or 'disabled' when it is time to work.

Cobblers say "Again," goldsmiths say "Tomorrow." Dilatory in work.

This is a traditional Telugu proverb used to describe individuals who are always on the move or never found in their expected place. 'Malli' refers to a shoemaker (Madiga) who is often out collecting hides or delivering shoes, while 'Yelli' refers to a goldsmith (Kamsali) who might be away on business. It is used to mock or point out the unavailability of someone when you need them.

Once dawn breaks, the lives of all women are the same.

This expression suggests that regardless of individual differences, social status, or night-time worries, the daily grind and basic survival routines become a universal struggle for everyone once the day begins. It emphasizes the commonality of human labor and the shared reality of life's daily responsibilities.

If one thinks of one thing, God thinks of another.

This proverb is the Telugu equivalent of 'Man proposes, God disposes.' It is used to describe situations where human plans or expectations fail to materialize because fate or a higher power had a different outcome in store.

Like giving a reward to the person who cut off the head.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone foolishly rewards or empowers the very person who is causing them harm or destruction. It highlights the irony and stupidity of helping one's own enemy or benefactor of one's downfall.

For a cobbler's cot, the foot side and the head side are the same.

This proverb describes a state of complete symmetry, equality, or sometimes, a lack of standards where distinctions are not made. It is used to refer to situations where there is no difference between the beginning and the end, or where things are handled with total indifference to traditional order or hierarchy.

The mortar gets hit on one side, but the drum gets hit on both sides.

This proverb describes a situation where one person suffers more trouble or pressure than another. It is used to express that while everyone faces difficulties, some people are caught in the middle and endure hardship from all directions simultaneously.

A man who drags his feet has two wives; one to drag him and another to cry.

This proverb is used to describe a person who is extremely lazy, incompetent, or dependent. It suggests that such a person is a burden to everyone around them—one person has to constantly push or pull them to do anything, while another is left to lament their hopeless state. It highlights the frustration of those who have to support someone who lacks initiative.

Eat together, grow strong alone.

This expression emphasizes collective effort or sharing in resources while maintaining individual strength and resilience. It suggests that while one should participate in the community and share life's burdens/joys with others, the ultimate responsibility for one's own growth and success lies within themselves.