ముదికొమ్మ వంగదు, ముది కొమ్మ కనదు
mudikomma vangadu, mudi komma kanadu
An old branch will not bend, an old branch will not bear fruit.
This proverb emphasizes that it is difficult to change one's habits, learn new skills, or be productive in a specific way once they have reached a certain age or stage in life. It is equivalent to the English proverb 'You can't teach an old dog new tricks.' It suggests that discipline and learning should happen while one is young and flexible.
Related Phrases
పట్టినది చింత కొమ్మ గాని ములగ కొమ్మ కాదు
pattinadi chinta komma gani mulaga komma kadu
What I am clinging to is a Tamarind bough, not a Mulaga. The tamarind wood is pliable, but the Mulaga ( Hyperanthera Moringa ) is brittle. Said by a parasite of his staunch protector.
This expression is used to describe someone who is firm, reliable, and strong. A tamarind branch is known for its extreme flexibility and strength (it doesn't break easily), whereas a drumstick branch is very brittle and snaps quickly. It is used to compliment someone's resilience or to indicate that a task or person is more formidable than they appear.
పలకమ్మ పున్నానికి పడమటి కొమ్మ పూస్తుంది
palakamma punnaniki padamati komma pustundi
If you speak for merit, the western branch will bloom.
This proverb is used to describe a rare or highly unlikely event occurring due to someone's good fortune or virtuous speech. It suggests that when something auspicious happens, even the impossible (like a branch in the west blooming) becomes possible. It is often used to comment on unexpected positive outcomes or the power of kind words.
ముదికొమ్మ వంగదు
mudikomma vangadu
The old bough will not bend.
This proverb is similar to 'You can't teach an old dog new tricks.' It suggests that habits, character, or learning are easy to shape during youth, but once someone becomes set in their ways or reaches old age, they are resistant to change or discipline.
It is not easy to straighten in the oak the crook that grew in the sapling. (Geet.)
నిలవ నీడ, పట్టుకొమ్మ లేదు
nilava nida, pattukomma ledu
No shade to stand under, or branch to clutch. Helpless and forlorn.
This expression is used to describe a person who is completely destitute, homeless, or lacking any form of support system. It signifies a state of total helplessness where someone has no place to stay and no one to rely on for help.
కోడి పోయి కొమ్మ యెక్కినట్టు.
kodi poyi komma yekkinattu.
When the fowl flew, it only mounted a branch.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone moves from a low or humble position to a slightly higher one and behaves with excessive pride, or when a person reaches a level that is just barely above their previous status but acts as if they have achieved something monumental. It highlights the triviality of the achievement compared to the arrogance displayed.
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పట్టిందల్లా బంగారమే
pattindalla bangarame
Whatever one touches becomes gold
This expression is used to describe a person who is currently experiencing a period of extreme good luck or success. Every venture they undertake or every decision they make leads to a positive outcome, similar to the legend of King Midas.
సగం కొమ్మ చక్కగా ఎత్తినట్టు
sagam komma chakkaga ettinattu
Like lifting half a branch perfectly.
This expression is used to describe a person who claims to have done a great job or performed a difficult task, while in reality, they have only done a partial or mediocre job. It highlights pretense and the act of making a small effort look like a significant achievement.
రాయి రాయి రాసుకుంటే నిప్పురవ్వలు, కొమ్మ కొమ్మ రాసుకుంటే నిప్పు మంటలు.
rayi rayi rasukunte nippuravvalu, komma komma rasukunte nippu mantalu.
If a stone rubs against a stone, sparks appear; if a branch rubs against a branch, fire breaks out.
This proverb is used to describe how small disagreements or interactions between people can escalate into significant conflicts or major transformations. It highlights the principle of friction leading to energy, often applied in the context of human relationships or collective action.
పట్టింది చింత కొమ్మ గాని ములగకొమ్మ కాదు
pattindi chinta komma gani mulagakomma kadu
What was grabbed is a tamarind branch, not a drumstick (moringa) branch.
This proverb is used to describe someone who is stubborn or persistent in their stance. Tamarind branches are strong and flexible, making them hard to break, whereas drumstick branches are brittle and break easily. It implies that the person has taken a firm hold of a situation or opinion and will not let go or be easily defeated.
ముదికొమ్మ ముదిమాను చేప
mudikomma mudimanu chepa
An old branch, an old trunk, and a fish.
This proverb is used to describe things or people that are extremely stubborn or difficult to deal with due to their age or maturity. Just as an old branch is hard to bend, an old tree trunk is hard to cut, and an old fish is difficult to catch or cook, this expression highlights that seasoned entities possess a resilience or rigidity that makes them unyielding.