మందగుది ఎద్దు నడక, నత్తి మాటలు మొదట సాగవు.

mandagudi eddu nadaka, natti matalu modata sagavu.

Translation

The walk of a sluggish ox and the words of a stutterer do not proceed quickly at first.

Meaning

This proverb is used to describe situations or tasks that have a very slow, difficult, or halting start. Just as an ox that is lazy or tied down takes time to pick up pace, and a person who stutters struggles to get the first words out, some projects or processes require significant effort and patience during the initial stages before they gain any momentum.

Related Phrases

The word spoken during the thread ceremony remains, O Sumati.

This expression refers to an old promise or a statement made a long time ago that is still being brought up or held as valid. It is often used to remind someone of a long-standing commitment or to point out that a person is still sticking to a very old point of view.

Could not learn the swan's gait, and forgot the crow's gait.

This expression refers to a situation where someone tries to imitate others' superior skills or lifestyle but fails to master them, while simultaneously losing their own natural abilities or original identity. It is used to describe someone who ends up 'nowhere' by trying to be someone they are not.

Man proposes, God disposes

This proverb is used to describe situations where human plans fail or take an unexpected turn due to fate or divine intervention. It suggests that while humans can make plans, the ultimate outcome is not in their hands.

Vemana's words are not foolish words

This expression is used to emphasize the deep wisdom, pragmatism, and truth found in the verses of the poet Vemana. It implies that what he said is not nonsense or a 'madman's talk,' but a profound reality that people should take seriously. It is often cited when someone provides a blunt but undeniable truth about life or society.

For everyone it is a festival of pancakes, for us it is a bundle of dry twigs.

This proverb describes a situation where everyone around is celebrating or enjoying prosperity while an individual or a specific family remains in poverty or misery. It highlights social inequality and the contrast between the haves and the have-nots during festive times.

One single word (mantra) from the beating of the drum until the end of the worship.

This expression is used to describe a person who lacks versatility or depth, repeating the same thing regardless of the situation or context. It refers to someone who has only one fixed idea or a single piece of knowledge that they apply everywhere, even when it is inappropriate or repetitive.

Daytime talk is a loss to work, nighttime talk is a loss to sleep.

This proverb emphasizes time management and the importance of focusing on the task at hand. It suggests that gossiping or idle chatter during the day hinders productivity, while excessive talking at night deprives one of necessary rest. It is used to advise someone to stop talking and focus on their responsibilities or sleep.

Snail's pace

This expression is used to describe something that is moving or progressing extremely slowly. It is commonly used to criticize slow administrative processes, delayed projects, or people who are taking too long to complete a task.

Actions that don't fail are better than words that are merely spoken.

This expression emphasizes that keeping one's word or performing a duty reliably is far superior to making grand promises or giving empty advice. It highlights the importance of integrity and action over mere eloquence.

Once the words are gone, bundles of wealth are of no use.

This proverb emphasizes that once a person has lost their ability to speak or has passed away, material wealth becomes meaningless. It is often used to highlight that good communication and relationships are more valuable than riches, or to suggest that some things cannot be fixed with money once the opportunity for dialogue is lost.