మేకకు జ్ఞాపకముండేది మేత ప్రసంగమే

mekaku jnyapakamundedi meta prasangame

Translation

All a goat remembers is the subject of fodder

Meaning

This proverb describes a person with a narrow or limited perspective who only thinks about their basic needs or immediate self-interest. It is used to mock someone who constantly brings up the same trivial topic or someone who cannot think beyond their personal gain.

Related Phrases

Of what use are discussions on Puranas, Agamas, Shastras, Vedas, and Chanting to those who are already wise and clever?

This expression suggests that for people who possess inherent wisdom, practical intelligence, or true realization (jaanalu), getting bogged down in pedantic scholarly debates or complex religious scriptures is unnecessary. It emphasizes that practical wisdom or intuitive understanding is superior to mere theoretical knowledge or ritualistic expertise. It is often used to point out that over-explaining things to an expert or a naturally intelligent person is a waste of time.

Upper service and lower service

This phrase is used to describe a situation where someone is putting on a show of being extremely busy or performing numerous tasks without actually achieving any meaningful results. It suggests a lack of focus or superficiality, where one is doing everything yet nothing at the same time.

What remains is solid; what is lost was just husk.

This expression is used to find consolation after a loss, suggesting that the essential or valuable part remains while only the superficial or worthless part was lost. It is often used to encourage resilience and focusing on what one still possesses.

A liar needs a good memory.

This proverb highlights that if someone tells a lie, they must have a very good memory to remember exactly what they said, so they don't contradict themselves later and get caught. It is used to suggest that honesty is easier because one doesn't have to keep track of various fabrications.

That which is gone is the scabbard, that which remains is the sword.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where a protective or decorative exterior is lost, but the essential, powerful, or dangerous core remains. It implies that while a loss has occurred, the most important or potent part is still intact. It is often used to warn that even if someone has lost their status or wealth, their inherent strength or sharpness remains.

" He who is dead is nothing to his successor." ( Brown. )

It is like the cooking of Nala and Bhîma. Said ironically to a bad cook.

This expression is used to describe food that is exceptionally delicious or exquisitely prepared. In Indian mythology, King Nala and Bhima (one of the Pandavas) were both legendary chefs known for their extraordinary culinary skills. When someone says a meal is like 'Nala-Bhima Pakamu', they are giving the highest possible compliment to the cook.

A leaf with everything (full meal) stays humble and still, while an empty leaf flies and jumps around.

This proverb describes human behavior regarding knowledge and wealth. A person with true wisdom or substance remains humble and steady, whereas someone with little knowledge or shallow character tends to boast, make a lot of noise, and show off.

What remains is solid, what has gone is empty husk.

This expression is used to describe situations where unnecessary, weak, or useless elements are discarded, leaving behind only what is valuable, strong, or essential. It is often used to provide comfort during a loss or a filtering process, suggesting that whatever was lost wasn't worth keeping anyway.

All that a goat knows is about its fodder.

This proverb is used to describe a person with limited knowledge or a narrow perspective, who only thinks about their basic needs or a specific area of interest. It implies that someone lacks foresight or a broader understanding of the world, much like a goat that is only concerned with its next meal.

Nala's cooking and Bhima's cooking

These terms refer to exceptionally delicious food or superior culinary skills. In Hindu mythology, King Nala and the Pandava prince Bhima were renowned for their extraordinary cooking abilities. It is used as a compliment to describe a meal that is expertly prepared and tastes divine.