పచ్చిపేడను తంతే, పదహారు వక్కలయ్యే ప్రాయం

pachchipedanu tante, padaharu vakkalayye prayam

Translation

An age where if you kick raw cow dung, it splits into sixteen pieces.

Meaning

This expression is used to describe the peak of youth and physical vigor. It implies that a person is so strong, energetic, and full of life that even a soft substance like wet dung would shatter under their feet. It captures the essence of youthful strength and the feeling of being invincible.

Related Phrases

The father is at a trembling age, while the mother is at a flirting age.

This proverb describes an ill-matched couple, specifically where there is a significant age gap or a mismatch in temperaments. It is used to highlight situations where one person is struggling with the frailties of old age while their partner remains youthful, energetic, or behaves inappropriately for their partner's condition.

If an insect gets wings or an old man gets his youth back, there is no holding them back.

This proverb describes a state of uncontrollable excitement or recklessness when someone suddenly gains power, ability, or an opportunity they haven't had for a long time. It is used to mock people who act out of bounds or lose their sense of restraint when they experience a sudden, unexpected stroke of luck or a revival of spirit.

If one says "O life! I died by mistake, come back," will the life return?

This proverb is used to convey that certain actions are irreversible. Just as life cannot return once it has left the body—regardless of whether the death was accidental or intentional—certain mistakes cannot be undone, and lost opportunities or broken trust cannot be restored simply by wishing for them.

The builder [of a house] is one and he who lives in it is another. " He that buildeth, [ let him be ] as he that shall not dwell therein." 2 Esdras xvi. 42.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where one person puts in all the hard work, investment, or effort to create something, but a different person ultimately reaps the benefits or enjoys the results. It highlights the irony of life where the creator and the consumer are often different people.

When the groom was asked to speak a good word, he said the sacred pot had shattered into sixteen pieces.

This expression is used to describe a person who says something highly inappropriate, ominous, or foolish at a critical or auspicious moment. It highlights the lack of common sense or tact when a positive contribution is expected.

Minor authority in a village lasts for ten hours.

This proverb describes a situation where someone exercises small-scale, insignificant authority or interference in petty matters. It implies that such power is short-lived and lacks real substance or long-term impact.

If the sharpness is lost or the right time is missed, the tax is a waste.

This proverb is primarily used in the context of agriculture but applies to any time-sensitive task. It means that if your tools aren't sharp (readiness) or if you miss the specific window of opportunity (timing), all the effort and money (taxes/investment) put into the endeavor will be a total loss. It emphasizes that both preparation and timing are crucial for success.

Achi's wedding led to Buchi's death

This proverb is used to describe a situation where one person's celebration or positive event unexpectedly results in trouble or a disaster for someone else. It highlights unintended negative consequences or a stroke of bad luck occurring simultaneously with a good event.

The antelope has only to rise to be ready for a journey. Said of a man ready to go any where.

This expression is used to describe someone who acts impulsively or starts a task immediately without any prior planning, preparation, or deliberation. It refers to a person who is always in a hurry to get things moving the moment the thought strikes them.

Better be the hand-maid of a great man than the wife of a low fellow. Better fare hard with good men than feast with bad.

This proverb emphasizes that it is better to serve a noble or powerful person than to be intimately associated with someone of poor character or low status. It suggests that even a subordinate role under a virtuous or strong leader offers more dignity and security than a higher-ranking position with a base or wicked individual.