మంచి దున్నపోతయినా మందకొడి ఎద్దుకు సరికాదు
manchi dunnapotayina mandakodi edduku sarikadu
Even a good male buffalo is not equal to a slow ox
This proverb highlights that certain roles are best suited for specific individuals or tools based on their inherent nature. In agricultural contexts, oxen are preferred for plowing over buffaloes due to their temperament and endurance. It implies that a mediocre version of the right fit is often better than a superior version of the wrong fit.
Related Phrases
ఎద్దు ఎండకు లాగ, దున్నపోతు నీడకు లాగ.
eddu endaku laga, dunnapotu nidaku laga.
The bullock pulled towards the sun, and the buffalo towards the shade. A bad match. Every couple is not a pair.
This proverb describes a situation where two people are working together but have completely opposite goals, temperaments, or directions. It is used to highlight a lack of cooperation or synchronization, making it impossible to complete a task effectively because the parties involved are pulling in different ways.
చిత్తం మంచిదయితే చేదూ మంచిదవుతుంది
chittam manchidayite chedu manchidavutundi
If your heart is pure, even something bitter becomes good.
This proverb suggests that one's perception and outcome depend on their mindset or intentions. If your thoughts and attitude (chittam) are good, even unpleasant situations or bitter things (chedu) will result in a positive experience or be perceived as beneficial. It is often used to emphasize the importance of having a positive outlook and pure intentions.
మంచి వారికి ఒక మాట, మంచి గొడ్డుకు ఒక దెబ్బ
manchi variki oka mata, manchi godduku oka debba
One word to a good man, one stroke to a good bullock. A nod for a wise man, and a rod for a fool.
This proverb emphasizes that an intelligent or sensible person understands and acts upon a single word of advice or instruction, just as a disciplined ox responds to a single stroke. It is used to suggest that wise people do not need repeated warnings or explanations to do the right thing.
అమ్మ మంచిదేకాని, తెడ్డు మంచిదికాదు.
amma manchidekani, teddu manchidikadu.
Mother is good, but her serving ladle is not.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where a person is inherently kind or well-intentioned, but the resources they provide or the way they allocate things is insufficient or harsh. It specifically refers to how a mother loves her child, but when she uses the ladle (teddu) to serve food, the portions might be small or the discipline might be firm. It is applied to people who are good at heart but stingy or strict in their actions.
మట్టిదయినా మా ఎద్దే మంచిది
mattidayina ma edde manchidi
Even if it is made of mud, our ox is the best.
This proverb is used to describe someone who is stubbornly biased or overly attached to their own belongings, ideas, or people, even when they are clearly inferior or artificial. It highlights a sense of blind loyalty or foolish pride where one refuses to acknowledge the reality of a situation.
పగలు ఎండ, రేయి చీకటి, ఎప్పుడు దున్నుతావే దున్నపోతా?
pagalu enda, reyi chikati, eppudu dunnutave dunnapota?
Sun in the day, darkness at night, when will you plough, oh male buffalo?
This proverb is used to mock lazy people who find excuses for every situation. Just as the buffalo avoids work by complaining about the heat during the day and the darkness at night, it refers to individuals who always have a reason to procrastinate or avoid their responsibilities regardless of the circumstances.
కుడుము మంచిదైనా కడుపు మంచిది కాదు
kudumu manchidaina kadupu manchidi kadu
Even if the kudumu (steamed dumpling) is good, the stomach is not good.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where something offered or available is excellent, but the recipient is unable to enjoy or utilize it due to their own limitations, health issues, or lack of capacity. It highlights that the quality of an external object doesn't matter if the internal condition is unfavorable.
మంచివారికి ఒక మాట, మంచిగొడ్డుకు ఒక దెబ్బ
manchivariki oka mata, manchigodduku oka debba
One word for a good person, one lash for a good ox.
This proverb highlights that sensible or noble people understand a hint or a single request and act accordingly without needing repeated instructions or force. Similarly, a well-trained or strong ox requires only a single stroke to perform its task. It is used to suggest that intelligent people do not need to be constantly nagged or punished to do the right thing.
ఆంతా మన మంచికే
anta mana manchike
Everything is only for our good.
Normally used in comforting someone, the statement indicates that acceptance of what befalls one is a positive attitude. Worrying about what is unavoidable serves no purpose. One should realize what will be, will be.
మంచి ఉల్లిగడ్డకు మంచి బొడ్డు.
manchi ulligaddaku manchi boddu.
A good onion has a good navel (core).
This proverb is used to describe something or someone that is of high quality both inside and out. Just as the quality of an onion is determined by its core, the character of a person or the integrity of a thing is judged by its inner essence. It suggests that true quality is consistent throughout.