రాతి పశువును పూజిస్తారు, చేతి పశువును బాదుతారు
rati pashuvunu pujistaru, cheti pashuvunu badutaru
They worship the stone animal, but they beat the living animal in their hand.
This proverb highlights human hypocrisy and irony. It refers to people who offer great respect and rituals to idols (stone statues) while mistreating or neglecting the actual living beings or family members right in front of them. It is used to criticize those who value religious symbolism over practical compassion.
Related Phrases
పశువులు చస్తే, బోరగలు వాలినట్లు
pashuvulu chaste, boragalu valinatlu
Like vultures landing when cattle die
This expression describes opportunistic people who gather or hover around when someone is in trouble or when a tragedy occurs, hoping to benefit from the misfortune. It is used to criticize those who prey on the weak or wait for someone's downfall to gain something for themselves.
విరామం లేని పశువుకు ఊరట లావు
viramam leni pashuvuku urata lavu
To a tireless beast of burden, rest is strength.
This expression highlights the importance of rest and rejuvenation. Just as a hardworking animal regains its strength through a small break, a person who works without pause finds immense value and renewed energy in a moment of relief. It is used to suggest that taking a break is essential for long-term productivity.
తల్లిని చూసి పిల్లను, పల్లును చూసి పశువును కొనాలి
tallini chusi pillanu, pallunu chusi pashuvunu konali
Look at the mother before choosing the daughter, look at the teeth before buying the cattle.
This proverb advises that one can judge the character, health, and future potential of something by looking at its origins or physical indicators. Just as a mother's traits often reflect in her child, or a cow's teeth indicate its age and health, we should evaluate the background and fundamental health of an entity before making a commitment.
వంశమెరిగి వనితను, వన్నెనెరిగి పశువును కొనవలె.
vamshamerigi vanitanu, vannenerigi pashuvunu konavale.
One should know the lineage before choosing a wife and know the color/quality before buying cattle.
This proverb emphasizes the importance of checking background and character before entering into long-term commitments or significant investments. Just as the physical traits of cattle indicate their health and utility, the upbringing and family values (lineage) of a person are considered indicators of their character in traditional social contexts.
వంశమెరిగి వనితను, వన్నె ఎరిగి పశువును కొనాలి.
vamshamerigi vanitanu, vanne erigi pashuvunu konali.
Check the lineage before marrying a woman; check the quality before buying cattle.
This proverb emphasizes the importance of verifying background and quality before making life-altering decisions. Just as one inspects the physical traits and health of livestock, one should understand the family values and upbringing (lineage) of a partner before marriage, as these factors significantly influence the future of a household.
పశువుల కాపరి పనిబాటకు రాడు.
pashuvula kapari panibataku radu.
A cattle herder does not come for construction or manual labor.
This proverb is used to describe a person who is habituated to a specific, easy, or leisurely routine and is unwilling or unable to adapt to hard physical labor or different types of disciplined work. It highlights how professional habits and lifestyles make people unfit for tasks outside their comfort zone.
పడుచు పశువులు ఉంటేనే సేద్యం
paduchu pashuvulu untene sedyam
Farming is possible only if there are young cattle.
This proverb emphasizes that any task or enterprise requires energetic and youthful resources to be successful. Just as farming depends on the strength of young oxen, any organization or project needs the vigor of youth and health to sustain productivity and progress.
పులికి పారణం పశువుకు మారణం
puliki paranam pashuvuku maranam
A feast for the tiger is death for the cattle.
This proverb highlights a situation where one person's gain or pleasure results in another's suffering or loss. It is used to describe zero-sum games or exploitative situations where the benefit of the powerful inherently involves the destruction of the weak.
పశువుల పాలు మేపును బట్టి
pashuvula palu mepunu batti
Cattle's milk depends on the fodder.
The quality or quantity of the output depends entirely on the input or effort provided. Just as a cow gives more milk when fed better, success in any endeavor is proportional to the resources or hard work invested.
పశువును శిశువును గానరసం బెరుగును
pashuvunu shishuvunu ganarasam berugunu
Even animals and infants can experience the essence of music.
This expression highlights the universal power of music. It suggests that music is a divine and primal force that transcends language and intellect, capable of soothing or attracting even animals and newborn babies who do not understand lyrics or complex concepts.