మాగి చెడ్డ గొడ్డు మాదిగింటికైనా తగదు

magi chedda goddu madigintikaina tagadu

Translation

A cattle animal ruined by exposure to cold rain is not even fit for a cobbler's house.

Meaning

In the past, cobblers (Madiga community) would use the hides of dead cattle. This proverb describes a situation where an object or a person has become so useless or degraded due to neglect (like cattle left out in heavy winter rains) that they are of no value even for the lowliest of purposes or to those who can usually find a use for anything.

Related Phrases

Whether for a fight, a marriage alliance, or a friendship, there must be equality.

This proverb emphasizes that relationships of any kind—be it conflict, kinship, or friendship—work best between equals. It suggests that individuals or families involved should be of similar status, strength, or character to ensure balance and mutual respect. It is commonly used when discussing suitability in marriages or the fairness of a rivalry.

Like a washerman who lost both sides.

This expression describes a person who attempts to balance or benefit from two different options but ends up losing both. It is used to illustrate a situation where someone's indecision or greed leads to a total loss of all available opportunities, similar to the English idiom 'falling between two stools'.

A washed mouth and a child who asks.

This proverb highlights two things that are always ready or desirable. A 'washed mouth' refers to a clean mouth ready to eat, and an 'asking child' refers to a child who is curious, expressive, or communicative about their needs, which is considered a sign of healthy development and clarity.

Is a bullock which has fallen down from fatigue afraid of a tiger ? Resignation to one's fate through utter helplessness.

This proverb describes a situation where someone who has already lost everything or is in an extreme state of suffering no longer fears further threats or consequences. It is used to indicate that when a person is at their lowest point or has nothing left to lose, intimidation no longer works on them.

In the winter days, there is no time even to talk.

This expression refers to the short daylight hours during the winter season (Magha month). It describes a situation where the day ends so quickly that people find themselves rushing to complete their chores, leaving no time for leisure or conversation.

A cow in heat has no fear.

This proverb is used to describe a person who is so driven by an intense desire, obsession, or impulse that they become completely reckless and lose their sense of fear or social shame. It suggests that when someone is overwhelmed by a specific urge, they disregard consequences and surroundings.

Walking on a sword, not even fit for an enemy.

This expression describes an extremely difficult, risky, or precarious task where one must balance multiple factors perfectly to avoid disaster. It implies that the situation is so dangerous and stressful that one wouldn't wish it even upon their worst enemy.

A woman who wanders and a man who does not wander are both ruined.

This traditional proverb highlights gender-based social roles of the past. It suggests that a woman who constantly roams outside her home loses her reputation or neglects her household, whereas a man who stays idle at home and does not venture out to work or explore the world fails to provide and remains ignorant. It is used to emphasize the importance of balance and fulfilling one's responsibilities.

Like the servant who acts like the master

This expression is used to describe a situation where an employee or subordinate behaves with more authority or arrogance than the actual owner or employer. It highlights the irony of someone in a service position overstepping their boundaries and acting overly superior.

Will a field of withered corn require three watcher's sheds? To drive off the birds.

This proverb is used to criticize excessive or unnecessary expenditure and effort on something that is already worthless or beyond repair. It highlights the irony of providing high security or maintenance to a failed venture.

* Wer da fallt, über ihm laufen alle Welt, ! Ao cas morido, todos o mordem, ‡ Cognatio movet invidiam.