తాబోతూ బొల్లి ఎద్దుకు కుడితి

tabotu bolli edduku kuditi

Translation

When about to go off herself, [ she ordered ] the white ox [ to be fed with ] rice washings. Applied to the absurdity of a person troubling himself with affairs in which he has no longer any interest.

Meaning

This expression is used to describe a person who, while leaving a place or giving up a position, performs a superficial or unnecessary act of kindness or duty to maintain a good image, even though they no longer care about the outcome.

Related Phrases

Although it is an earthen one, yet my ox will beat [the real ox].

This proverb describes a person's extreme stubbornness or irrational bias. It is used to mock someone who refuses to accept defeat or admit they are wrong, insisting that their side must prevail even when it is clearly inferior or incapable.

Excessive obstinacy.

Like tying an ox and a male buffalo together.

This proverb is used to describe a mismatch or an incompatible pairing. Just as an ox and a buffalo have different temperaments, strengths, and speeds, making it impossible for them to plow a field effectively together, it refers to situations where two very different people or things are forced to work together, leading to chaos or inefficiency.

A spotted goat for every maidservant.

This expression is used to describe a situation of excessive extravagance or unnecessary distribution of resources. It refers to someone who is so foolishly generous or wealthy that they give away valuable items (like spotted goats) even to those who do not require or deserve them, often leading to their own ruin.

Will they feed the bull for its muscles?

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone is working hard or performing a duty, but the benefits or rewards are not meant for them personally. It implies that just as a bull is fed to work in the fields and not for its own growth or meat, some efforts are purely functional and don't result in personal gain for the individual doing the work.

Why ask about the taste of the curries when you are just about to eat?

This proverb suggests that it is redundant to ask for a preview or opinion of something when you are about to experience or witness it yourself very soon. It is used to imply that one should have patience as the truth or result will be evident momentarily.

The bullock began to limp when it saw the barber. Who would take out a thorn, &c. Malingering.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone pretends to have a problem or disability to avoid work or a specific task. Historically, barbers were also used for minor veterinary tasks like branding or treating cattle; hence, the ox pretends to be lame to escape the discomfort of the treatment or the labor expected afterward.

The breeding bull has no tether.

This proverb is used to describe a person who is uncontrolled, reckless, or behaves without any restraint. Just as a breeding bull is allowed to roam freely without being tied up, it refers to someone who does as they please without following rules or social norms.

If the mother has leukoderma, won't the child have at least a spot?

This proverb is used to describe how children often inherit the traits, habits, or characteristics of their parents (similar to 'the apple doesn't fall far from the tree'). It suggests that a person's behavior or nature is naturally influenced by their lineage or upbringing.

The calf is as white as its mother.

This proverb is used to describe how children inherit the traits, character, or habits of their parents. It is the Telugu equivalent of 'Like mother, like son' or 'The apple doesn't fall far from the tree.' It implies that a child's behavior can be predicted or explained by looking at their upbringing or lineage.

Grass for the donkey and wash (fodder water) for the cow

This expression describes a situation where things are mismatched, reversed, or given to the wrong recipients. It is used when resources or tasks are allocated inappropriately, resulting in a mess where neither party is satisfied or productive.