మంగలిని చూచి యెద్దు కాలు కుంటినది

mangalini chuchi yeddu kalu kuntinadi

Translation

The bullock began to limp when it saw the barber. Who would take out a thorn, &c. Malingering.

Meaning

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone pretends to have a problem or disability to avoid work or a specific task. Historically, barbers were also used for minor veterinary tasks like branding or treating cattle; hence, the ox pretends to be lame to escape the discomfort of the treatment or the labor expected afterward.

Related Phrases

Like a fox branding itself with scars after seeing a tiger's stripes.

This proverb is used to describe someone who foolishly tries to imitate others who are naturally superior or more capable, often causing harm to themselves in the process. It highlights the vanity of blind imitation without having the inherent strength or qualities of the person being mimicked.

Look at the mother before choosing the daughter, look at the milk yield before choosing the buffalo.

This proverb suggests that characteristics are often inherited or influenced by origins. Just as a buffalo's value is judged by its milk production, a daughter's character and qualities can often be understood by observing her mother. It is used as a piece of advice when considering marriage alliances or evaluating someone based on their upbringing and lineage.

When the house was on fire, he tried to light his cigar with it.

This proverb is used to describe an extremely selfish or opportunistic person who tries to find a small personal benefit even in a situation of great disaster or someone else's misery. It highlights a lack of empathy and a focus on trivial personal needs during a crisis.

Seeing the husband is a waste, seeing the lover is a festival.

This is a bold, satirical proverb used to describe a person who neglects their duties or legitimate relationships (like a husband) in favor of forbidden or exciting external attractions (like a lover). It is used to mock people who find no value in the things they already possess but are overjoyed by things that are fleeting or improper.

One should sing the song after seeing the mortar.

This proverb emphasizes situational awareness and appropriateness. It suggests that one's actions, words, or efforts should be tailored to the specific circumstances or the tools at hand, similar to the English expression 'To suit the action to the word.'

Look at the mother before you take the daughter; see how much milk the buffalo gives before you buy her.

This proverb suggests that the character and qualities of a person are often inherited or influenced by their upbringing and ancestry. It is commonly used in the context of marriage or forming long-term alliances, implying that observing the parents (background) provides a reliable preview of the individual's nature.

Like a crow wearing a peacock's feather after seeing a peacock.

This proverb describes someone who tries to imitate others who are more naturally talented, beautiful, or superior, often appearing foolish in the process. It is used when a person tries to copy someone's external appearance or status without having the actual underlying qualities or character.

Like a fox dancing after watching a peacock.

This expression is used to describe a person who tries to imitate someone else's natural talent or success without having the necessary skill or capability. Just as a fox can never match the grace of a peacock's dance, certain people make themselves look foolish by blindly copying others.

A released ox looks toward the path of the shed.

This proverb describes a tendency of living beings to return to familiar habits or their original place of shelter even after being granted freedom. It is often used to refer to someone who, despite having no more obligations or restrictions, reverts to their old routine or returns home out of instinct or comfort.

Like a fox branding itself with stripes after seeing a tiger.

This proverb is used to describe someone who foolishly tries to imitate others who are naturally superior or more capable, often causing harm to themselves in the process. It highlights the vanity and folly of blind imitation without having the inherent strength or status of the person being mimicked.