పడవ ఒడ్డు చేరితే, పడవ వాని మీద ఒక సొడ్డు.

padava oddu cherite, padava vani mida oka soddu.

Translation

When the boat reached the shore the ferry-man was made a fool of.

Meaning

This proverb describes human ingratitude. It refers to people who seek help desperately when in trouble, but once they are safe or their purpose is served, they criticize or insult the very person who helped them.

Related Phrases

Once the boat reaches the shore, a taunt/complaint against the boatman.

This proverb describes the human tendency of ingratitude. It refers to people who seek help desperately when in trouble, but once the danger is passed and they are safe, they find faults with or act ungratefully toward the person who saved them. It is used to critique someone who forgets a favor immediately after their need is fulfilled.

When asked to dine he comes to stab.

This expression is used to describe a person who reacts with unnecessary hostility or anger to a kind offer or a helpful suggestion. It highlights a character that is ungrateful, perverse, or aggressive in nature.

If it stretches, one should leave it; if one slips, one should fall.

This proverb advises adaptability and acceptance of circumstances. It suggests that if something can be extended or managed, do so; but if a situation becomes uncontrollable or a failure is inevitable (like slipping), one should accept the outcome rather than struggling pointlessly. It is often used to describe going with the flow or being practical about one's limitations.

If you can, you must give ; if you slip, you must fall.

This proverb advises adaptability and presence of mind based on the situation. It suggests that if things are going your way (stretching), you should make the most of it, but if a failure or slip-up is inevitable, one should accept it and fall gracefully rather than struggling fruitlessly. It is used to describe going with the flow of circumstances.

Like a big pot entering a small vessel

This expression is used to describe a situation where something large is trying to fit into something significantly smaller, or when an impossible task is attempted. It often refers to someone trying to oversimplify a complex issue or an illogical occurrence where the scales are completely disproportionate.

One blow for a hundred papadums

This proverb is used when a single significant action or outcome compensates for many small efforts, or when a long-standing issue is resolved with one decisive stroke. It implies that instead of dealing with many small items individually, one powerful act can finish them all at once.

When set to read, the [ little ] sense he had left him.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone's attempt to learn or improve themselves results in them becoming more confused or losing the common sense they originally had. It is often applied to people who overthink simple things or become less practical after formal education.

Making bad worse. John has been to school to learn to be a fool. ( French. )* ' Jean a étudié pour être bête,

If you are such a capable man, why are you touching/checking your ears?

This expression is used to mock someone who boasts about their bravery or capability but shows signs of hesitation, fear, or insecurity when it comes to action. It is often used to call out a person's bluff or lack of confidence despite their outward claims of strength.

Desire for the wife, but the bed is on a mat.

This expression is used to describe a person who has high desires or grand ambitions but lacks the basic resources or means to fulfill them. It highlights the gap between one's wants and their actual capabilities or reality.

Though a hundred [pagodas] be levied from the village, not a cash will be paid by the Karanaṁ. A cash ( కాసు ) is 1-60th of an Anna. The instrument of oppression does not himself suffer.

This proverb describes a situation where an influential person or authority figure remains unaffected by the troubles or financial burdens that plague the community they oversee. It is used to highlight systemic corruption or the cleverness of bureaucrats who ensure their own safety and wealth while others suffer losses.