పాటుకు కోడెదూడ, కూటికి పాడిదూడ.

patuku kodeduda, kutiki padiduda.

Translation

A male calf for hard work, a female calf for food.

Meaning

This expression describes a person who is extremely strong and hardworking when it comes to labor (like a bull/male calf), but also has a very large appetite when it comes to eating (consuming resources like a cow/female calf). It is used to characterize someone who works hard but also expects a lot in return, or simply someone who eats as much as they work.

Related Phrases

Like bulls fighting and breaking the calves' legs

This expression describes a situation where powerful people or leaders fight among themselves, but the innocent, weak, or subordinates are the ones who suffer the consequences. It is used when a conflict between two major parties results in collateral damage to those who have no part in the dispute.

Age of an old ox, heart of a young bull calf.

This proverb is used to describe an elderly person who continues to have youthful desires, enthusiasm, or immature thoughts that do not match their actual age. It highlights the contrast between physical aging and a youthful or spirited mindset.

All struggles are just for a handful of food

This expression is used to signify that all the hard work, toil, and various struggles a person undergoes in life are ultimately for basic sustenance and survival. It is often used to express a sense of humility or philosophical resignation regarding the grind of daily life.

Where there is no calf, the milk is got with pain.

This proverb refers to the traditional practice where a cow only gives milk when its calf is present. Metaphorically, it describes any endeavor, wealth, or success that is incomplete, joyless, or unsustainable because the essential core or the 'future' (represented by the calf) is missing.

If you get work, will food be wanting ?

This proverb emphasizes the value of hard work and self-reliance. It means that as long as a person is willing to put in physical effort and work hard, they will never have to worry about basic necessities like food. It is used to encourage someone to be industrious rather than lazy or dependent on others.

For conversation at our house, for a meal at your house.

This proverb is used to describe someone who is very friendly and talkative but avoids being hospitable or sharing food. It refers to a person who is happy to host a conversation but expects others to provide the meal or resources. It highlights a one-sided relationship or stinginess disguised as friendliness.

Like making a cow's calf get used to a bullock, and a bullock's calf get used to a cow.

This expression describes a situation where things are completely mixed up or inappropriately paired. It is used when someone tries to force a connection or a replacement between two entities that do not naturally belong together, leading to confusion or an unnatural state of affairs.

Though a man be poor, will he lose caste ?

This expression is used to remind others that being economically disadvantaged or lacking wealth does not mean a person lacks self-respect, dignity, or cultural identity. It suggests that poverty affects one's physical needs, but should not diminish their social standing or the respect they deserve.

Like losing both the meal at home and the meal for the journey.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone tries to gain from two different options but ends up losing both due to indecision, poor planning, or greed. It is similar to the English idiom 'falling between two stools.'

If there is hard work, will there be a shortage of food?

This proverb emphasizes the dignity and reward of labor. It means that as long as a person is willing to work hard and put in the effort, they will never have to worry about basic necessities like food. It is used to encourage industriousness and self-reliance.