మనిషికి ఒక మాట, పశువుకొక దెబ్బ
manishiki oka mata, pashuvukoka debba
One word for a person, one lash for an animal.
This proverb is used to emphasize that a sensible person should understand and act upon a verbal instruction or warning given once, whereas an animal requires physical force (a lash) to be controlled. It is often said to someone who doesn't listen despite repeated advice.
Related Phrases
ఇంటికి ఒక పువ్వు, ఈశ్వరుడికి ఒక దండ
intiki oka puvvu, ishvarudiki oka danda
One flower for every house, one garland for the God.
This expression emphasizes the power of collective effort and unity. It suggests that while an individual's contribution might seem small or insignificant (like a single flower), when everyone contributes together, it results in something grand and magnificent (like a beautiful garland for God). It is used to encourage community participation or teamwork.
ఆస్తికొక కొడుకు ఆశకొక కూతురు
astikoka koduku ashakoka kuturu
One son for the property and one daughter for the desire
This is a traditional saying describing a small, ideal family structure. It suggests that a son is needed to inherit and look after the family assets (property), while a daughter is desired to fulfill the emotional longing and affection within the family.
మారు పెట్టించుకోక మరల రారు
maru pettinchukoka marala raru
They won't come back unless they are served a second helping.
This expression is used to describe guests or people who are so pleased with the hospitality, respect, or treatment they received that they feel compelled to return. It signifies that providing 'extra' effort or a second serving (literally or metaphorically) is what builds lasting relationships.
మనిషి కొక మాట, గొడ్డుకో దెబ్బ
manishi koka mata, godduko debba
One word for a person, one lash for an animal.
This proverb emphasizes that a sensible person should understand a point with a single explanation or instruction, whereas an animal requires physical force (like a whip) to obey. It is used to suggest that intelligent people should be responsible and act upon being told once, without needing constant reminders or harsh treatment.
గొడ్డుకు ఒక దెబ్బ, మనిషికి ఒక మాట
godduku oka debba, manishiki oka mata
One blow for the cattle, one word for the human.
This expression means that while an animal needs physical punishment to understand or obey, a sensible human should be able to understand with just a single word or a simple explanation. It is used to emphasize that intelligent people do not need to be repeatedly told or forced to do the right thing.
పుంటికూరలో పుడక రుచి, మాంసములో ఎముక రుచి
puntikuralo pudaka ruchi, mamsamulo emuka ruchi
The stick (stem) is the taste in gongura greens, the bone is the taste in meat.
This expression highlights that certain parts of food, which might seem like obstacles or waste, actually provide the best flavor. It is used to suggest that the essence or the best part of something often lies in its core or challenging components.
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.
బోయవాడికొకడే ప్రభువా, బోగందానికొకడే మగడా
boyavadikokade prabhuva, bogandanikokade magada
Is there only one lord for a hunter, or only one husband for a courtesan?
This proverb is used to indicate that certain people or entities cannot be expected to remain loyal to just one master or partner. It suggests that for some, loyalty is flexible or divided among many, often used in a cynical or realistic context regarding politics or professional allegiances.
అరవై ఏళ్ళయినవి చదువుకోక మట్టి కొట్టుకుంటానా?
aravai ellayinavi chaduvukoka matti kottukuntana?
I am sixty years old; if I don't read (or learn) now, will I be rolling in the mud?
This expression is used to signify that it is never too late to learn or do something important. It implies that age should not be a barrier to self-improvement or education, and suggests that without continuous learning, one's life or intellect might go to waste.
అరవై ఏళ్ళొస్తే చదువుకోక చస్తాడా!
aravai elloste chaduvukoka chastada!
Will he not die of studying once he turns sixty!
This is a sarcastic expression used to mock someone who starts learning something or attempts to change their behavior far too late in life. It implies that the person wasted their youth and that their current efforts are futile or ridiculous given their age.