తన ముడ్డి కాకపోతే గంగదాకా దేకుమన్నట్టు.

tana muddi kakapote gangadaka dekumannattu.

Translation

If not on my posteriors, crawl as far as Kâsi (Benares).

Meaning

This is a blunt and slightly vulgar proverb used to describe people who are indifferent to others' suffering or effort because it doesn't affect them personally. It highlights how people give reckless or difficult advice to others when they have no 'skin in the game' or when they don't have to face the consequences themselves.

Related Phrases

If not to your mother, they said to pray to the Tulasi plant

This proverb emphasizes the importance of gratitude and reverence. It suggests that if one cannot show respect or devotion to their own mother (the primary giver of life), they should at least show it to the sacred Tulasi plant, which is considered a universal mother figure in culture. It is used to remind someone to maintain a sense of spirituality or basic respect even if they fail in their primary duties.

Like saying if it is not enough, it is useless

This expression describes a dismissive attitude where someone devalues or discards something simply because it isn't sufficient for their specific needs, even if it has inherent value. It is often used to criticize people who make excuses or pretend that things they cannot fully attain are worthless.

If it is not his own gold, it has no colour and no touch ( fineness. ) The purchaser depreciates the value of an article brought for sale.

This expression is used to describe a person who behaves recklessly or carelessly because they have no personal stake or investment in a situation. It highlights the lack of responsibility one feels when dealing with someone else's property or efforts.

If seen, it is yours; if not seen, it is mine

This expression refers to someone who is being dishonest or opportunistic. It describes a situation where a person tries to steal or misappropriate something and only admits to it if they are caught; otherwise, they treat it as their own. It is used to highlight hypocrisy or lack of integrity.

Like ordering the well to be filled up when the rope was found too short.

This proverb describes an absurd or foolish solution where someone tries to change the core requirement or destroy the resource instead of making a small adjustment. It is used when someone suggests an impractical, destructive, or extreme 'fix' for a minor problem, rather than finding the right tool or putting in the necessary effort.

Like saying it is the miracle of Goddess Ganga if one's foot slips into the water.

This proverb is used to describe a person who tries to cover up their mistakes or accidents by attributing them to divine will or some noble cause. It mocks the hypocrisy of justifying a failure or a clumsy act as if it were a pre-planned or spiritual event.

If it happens, it's castor seeds; if not, it's pigeon peas.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where one is prepared for two possible outcomes, often in farming or business. Castor plants grow in low rainfall, while pigeon peas need more rain. It signifies a win-win strategy or a fallback plan where regardless of the circumstances, there will be some form of harvest or benefit.

If the plough is not good, what can the oxen do?

This proverb is used to describe situations where the underlying tools, system, or leadership are fundamentally flawed. It implies that even with hard-working individuals (the oxen), desired results cannot be achieved if the primary equipment or plan (the plough) is defective. It is used to shift focus from the workers' effort to the structural failure.

Like asking to fill up the well because the rope is too short.

This proverb describes a foolish or lazy approach to solving a problem where, instead of addressing the actual deficiency (the short rope), someone suggests a drastic, destructive, or irrational 'solution' (filling the well) that defeats the original purpose. It is used to mock people who propose absurd workarounds to simple problems.

A parrot likes to be petted itself, but not to see others petted. Applied to a selfish person.

This expression is used to describe human nature where individuals are often self-centered, prioritizing their own comfort, affection, or benefits over others'. It suggests that people are naturally more interested in their own well-being than in reciprocating or acknowledging the needs of those around them.