మూడు నెలలు సాముచేసి, మూలనున్న ముసలిదాన్ని పొడిచినాడు
mudu nelalu samuchesi, mulanunna musalidanni podichinadu
After practising fencing for three months he thrust through the old woman in the corner. Learning to no advantage.
This proverb is used to mock someone who, despite extensive training or preparation, achieves a useless or cowardly result. It highlights the irony of misusing one's skills to harm the weak instead of accomplishing something significant.
Related Phrases
నేల విడిచిన సాము, మతి విడిచిన మాట
nela vidichina samu, mati vidichina mata
Practice without ground, speech without mind.
This proverb describes actions that lack a practical foundation or logic. 'Nela vidichina samu' refers to practicing martial arts while jumping off the ground (losing balance/foundation), and 'mati vidichina mata' refers to speaking without thinking. It is used to criticize someone who ignores reality, lacks common sense, or makes impractical plans.
ఎద్దు రొమ్ములో ముల్లుకర్ర పొడిచినట్లు
eddu rommulo mullukarra podichinatlu
Like piercing an ox's chest with a thorn-stick.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone is deeply hurt or offended by a direct, blunt, and painful remark or action. Just as a sharp prod causes immediate and intense pain to an ox, this phrase refers to words or deeds that strike a person at their most vulnerable or sensitive spot, causing significant emotional distress.
నేల విడిచి సాము చేసినట్టు
nela vidichi samu chesinattu
Rising off the ground and fencing in the air. If you loose your footing you will loose your power. ( Brown's Tel. Dict. )
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone attempts to do something without a solid foundation or ignores basic, practical realities. It highlights the foolishness of trying to achieve advanced results while neglecting the fundamental roots or necessary support systems. Similar to 'building castles in the air'.
ఆవు ముసలిదైనా పాల రుచి తగ్గుతుందా?
avu musalidaina pala ruchi taggutunda?
Even if the cow grows old, will the taste of its milk decrease?
This proverb is used to convey that the value of an expert's skill, the wisdom of an elder, or the quality of a core asset does not diminish just because of age. It emphasizes that intrinsic value and talent remain constant regardless of the passage of time.
ముసలివానికి ముండ ముద్దు
musalivaniki munda muddu
An old man is fond of a young widow
This proverb describes a situation where an elderly person becomes overly attached to or obsessed with someone or something unsuitable or inappropriate for their age. It is often used to criticize elderly men who pursue younger women, or more broadly, to point out the irony of developing new, intense cravings at a late stage in life when they should be focused on other matters.
రాత పొడిచినా చావులేదు
rata podichina chavuledu
Death does not come even if the writing (fate) is pierced.
This expression is used to describe someone who is incredibly lucky or has survived a life-threatening situation against all odds. It implies that unless it is one's destined time to die, no amount of danger or misfortune can end their life.
ఎనుము ముసలి ఏనాది ముసలి లేవు.
enumu musali enadi musali levu.
There is no such thing as an old buffalo or an old Yenadi (tribesman).
This proverb is used to describe individuals who maintain their strength, productivity, or work capacity regardless of their age. It implies that certain beings remain robust and useful until the very end, suggesting that age is just a number for those with a strong constitution or work ethic.
నీ మొగాన పొద్దు పొడిచినట్లు నిక్కుతావు
ni mogana poddu podichinatlu nikkutavu
You are strutting as if the sun rose exclusively on your face.
This expression is used to mock someone who is acting overly proud, arrogant, or self-important without any actual justification. It suggests the person thinks they are the center of the universe or have achieved something extraordinary when they haven't.
ముసలిదానికి పెట్టినది, ముండకు పెట్టినదే ఒకటే.
musalidaniki pettinadi, mundaku pettinade okate.
Giving to an old woman and giving to a childless widow is the same.
This expression is used to describe an investment or a favor that yields no return or future benefit. In a traditional social context, it implies that providing for those who cannot reproduce or contribute back to the lineage is a dead-end expenditure.
మున్నూరు రూపాయలిచ్చియైనా ముసలిదానిని కొనాల.
munnuru rupayalichchiyaina musalidanini konala.
One should buy an old woman even by paying three hundred rupees.
This proverb emphasizes the immense value of experience and wisdom. In older times, 300 rupees was considered a very large sum, but the saying suggests that the guidance and counsel of an experienced elder are worth more than any price, as they help navigate life's challenges effectively.