మేకలే మడకలు దున్నితే, ఎద్దులు ఎందుకు?

mekale madakalu dunnite, eddulu enduku?

Translation

If goats could plow the fields, why would anyone need oxen?

Meaning

This proverb is used to highlight that certain tasks require specific strength, skills, or tools. It suggests that while smaller or less capable resources (goats) have their own value, they cannot replace the heavy-duty power of the right resource (oxen) for a demanding job. It is often used to criticize unrealistic expectations or the use of inadequate means for a large task.

Related Phrases

If plowed in proper order, the earth says it will give diamonds.

This proverb emphasizes the importance of systematic hard work and proper agricultural practices. It suggests that if one treats the land with care and follows a disciplined routine, the soil will reward them with a harvest as precious as diamonds. It is used to highlight that success comes to those who are diligent and organized in their efforts.

Either a backyard garden wall is needed, or a husband who is a smooth talker is needed.

This proverb highlights the necessity of protection or advocacy. Just as a wall protects a crop (madi) from intruders or animals, a clever or articulate husband protects his family from being taken advantage of by society. It is used to suggest that one needs either physical security or a clever person to handle external worldly affairs effectively.

Words are mantras, and plants are medicines.

This expression emphasizes that the way one speaks can be as powerful as a magic spell or a healing remedy. It suggests that kind or wise words have the power to solve problems and heal emotional wounds, just as natural herbs and plants serve as medicine for physical ailments.

If the leagues are long, are the hearts far distant? An Âmada (4 Kôs) is a distance varying from 8 to 10 miles. Distance cannot alter true friendship.

This expression is used to convey that physical distance between people (friends, family, or lovers) does not necessarily lead to emotional distance or a lack of affection. Even if individuals are separated by great distances (Amada being an old unit of distance), their hearts and thoughts remain connected.

If you plow along the same furrow repeatedly, even a dead field will yield crops.

This proverb emphasizes the importance of persistence, consistency, and hard work. It suggests that by repeatedly putting effort into a task—even one that seems hopeless or unproductive—success can eventually be achieved.

There is no one who became a king by tilling a small plot, and no one who was ruined by tilling a field.

This proverb emphasizes the dignity and reliability of hard work, specifically in agriculture. It suggests that while farming may not make one instant royalty, honest labor in the fields will never lead to one's downfall or absolute ruin. It encourages persistence and the belief that self-employment through land will always provide a livelihood.

A house without elders is like a cattle shed.

This proverb emphasizes the importance of elders in a family. It suggests that without the guidance, wisdom, and discipline provided by older family members, a household becomes chaotic, unorganized, and lacks direction, much like a barn full of unruly animals.

If you plough the fallow field after the harvest, even a common man can yield a crop.

This proverb emphasizes the importance of timely and proper soil preparation. It suggests that if the land is ploughed during the 'Maghili' season (post-harvest winter/spring) to retain moisture and nutrients, anyone who puts in the effort will succeed in farming, regardless of their background or expertise.

If donkeys could plow, wouldn't nomads be farmers?

This proverb is used to emphasize that specific tasks require specific skills, tools, or status. It suggests that success doesn't come from shortcut methods or unsuitable resources. It is often used to mock someone trying to do a job they are not qualified for or to point out that hard work and proper methods are necessary for results.

Ploughing the land after the first rains yields more crops.

This proverb highlights the importance of timing and preparation in agriculture. 'Magili' refers to the land moistened by the first summer rains. It suggests that if a farmer takes advantage of these initial rains to plough the field, the soil quality improves, leading to a much higher yield. Metaphorically, it means that starting a task at the right opportune moment with proper preparation ensures success.