తాపుల గొడ్డుకు రోలడ్డము

tapula godduku roladdamu

Translation

A mortar is a [ sure ] check to a runaway cow. When tied to its neck. Applied to measures which to check the progress of crime.

Meaning

This proverb describes a situation where an uncontrollable or stubborn person meets an insurmountable obstacle or a matching force that stops them in their tracks. Just as a cow that habitually kicks is restrained by a heavy stone mortar placed behind it, this expression is used when a troublemaker finally faces a consequence or a person they cannot bully or bypass.

Related Phrases

A fine of a fanam for [the trespass of] a cow worth a cash.

This proverb describes a situation where the penalty or maintenance cost of an item exceeds the value of the item itself. It is used when someone spends more money or effort to fix or protect something than what that thing is actually worth.

A fanam = 80 cash. Expense disproportionate to the value of an article.

Does a yelling cow yield milk?

This expression is used to describe a person who talks excessively or makes a lot of noise but accomplishes very little. It implies that those who boast or shout the loudest are often the least productive, similar to the English proverb 'Barking dogs seldom bite'.

An empty cowshed has too many shouts.

This proverb is used to describe people who lack substance, knowledge, or wealth but make a lot of noise or boast excessively. It is similar to the English proverb 'Empty vessels make the most noise.'

A barren cow bellows the most

This proverb is the Telugu equivalent of 'Empty vessels make the most noise'. It describes people who have no real substance, knowledge, or merit, but talk excessively or make loud boasts to compensate for their lack of ability.

A barren cow moows the most.

This proverb is the Telugu equivalent of 'Empty vessels make the most noise.' It is used to describe people who lack substance, talent, or knowledge but boast excessively or talk loudly to gain attention.

An ox plagued by gadflies has plenty of pride (gallstones).

This proverb is used to describe a person who is suffering from many problems or miseries but still maintains an excessive amount of ego or arrogance. It implies that despite being in a pitiable state, their pride remains unshaken.

A cow in heat has no fear.

This proverb is used to describe a person who is so driven by an intense desire, obsession, or impulse that they become completely reckless and lose their sense of fear or social shame. It suggests that when someone is overwhelmed by a specific urge, they disregard consequences and surroundings.

When the owner cried for the cow [he had lost,] the shoe- maker cried for the hide.

This proverb describes a situation where one person is mourning a great loss while another person is only interested in how they can selfishly profit from that tragedy. It highlights the contrast between genuine grief and cold-hearted opportunism.

It is an ill wind that blows nobody good.

A tanner's bargain is a profit for the cattle.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where a bargain or deal is so poor or delayed that it ends up benefiting the subject rather than the parties involved. In the context of a cobbler (godari) bargaining for a dying animal, if the negotiation takes too long, the animal might die naturally or be spared, resulting in no deal. It refers to unproductive negotiations or stingy behavior that results in a loss of opportunity.

Is a mortar an obstacle for a kicking cow?

This proverb is used to describe someone who is uncontrollably aggressive or stubborn. Just as a heavy stone mortar cannot stop a cow that is determined to kick and run wild, a person with a volatile or reckless nature will not be deterred by ordinary obstacles or rules.