తేర గుర్రం, తంగెడు బెత్తం

tera gurram, tangedu bettam

Translation

A free horse and a stick of Tangedu.

Meaning

This proverb is used to describe someone who uses resources recklessly or wastefully just because they obtained them for free or without any effort. It highlights the human tendency to lack care or responsibility for things that cost them nothing.

Related Phrases

An elephant is as high as a hill even when it is lying down.

This proverb is used to describe a person of great stature, wealth, or influence. It suggests that even when such a person is at their lowest point or in a period of decline, they are still superior or more powerful than ordinary people. It emphasizes inherent greatness that doesn't disappear completely during tough times.

Rice from the market, firewood from the Tangedu tree.

This expression is used to describe a person who lives hand-to-mouth or leads a very simple, unorganized life without any savings or future planning. It refers to someone who buys rice daily from the shop and picks up wild twigs for fuel just before cooking, signifying a lack of domestic stability or foresight.

As the Tangêḍu blossoms.

This expression is used to describe something that is occurring in great abundance, or a situation that has become unexpectedly colorful and prosperous. Just as the Tangedu (Senna aurata) flowers bloom all at once, covering the bushes in vibrant yellow, this phrase signifies a sudden and beautiful transformation or a plentiful state.

Tangêḍu is the Cassia Auriculata.

Like the blooming of the Tangedu flower

This expression is used to describe something that happens in great abundance or a sudden, plentiful appearance of something positive. The Tangedu (Tanner's Cassia) plant is known for its vibrant yellow flowers that bloom profusely, covering the landscape. It is often used to describe a sudden stroke of luck or wealth.

A horse for nothing, a Tangêdu switch. Tangêdu is the Cassia Auriculata.—“ When you ride gratis you use your cudgel well.” ( Brown's Tel. Dicty. )

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone is extremely careless or reckless with resources because they didn't have to pay for them or work for them. Since the horse was obtained for free and the whip (stick) was just plucked from a nearby bush, the person uses them without any concern for damage or exhaustion. It is similar to the English concept of 'easy come, easy go' or being reckless with others' property.

When asked to bring a tree, it is like bringing a hillock.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone performs a task that is vastly different in scale or nature from what was actually requested, usually due to a lack of understanding or excessive, misdirected effort. It highlights the mismatch between the instruction and the execution.

When Sukudu Pusukudu was asked to bring flowers, he went quickly and brought Tangedu flowers.

This is a humorous proverb or saying used to describe a person who is dim-witted, overly enthusiastic, or acts without thinking. It mocks someone who, when given a simple or specific task, rushes off impulsively and brings back something completely useless or inappropriate (Tangedu flowers, while beautiful, are wild and often considered inferior for formal rituals compared to garden flowers). It is used when someone's speed in doing a task is not matched by their common sense or quality of work.

Striking a bond-laborer and holding a Tangedu (Tanner's Cassia) branch.

This proverb refers to a situation where one person unfairly exerts power over a helpless person. It is used to describe someone who takes advantage of their authority or position to harass or exploit those who cannot resist or defend themselves.

A dog has a character (loyalty) that even a person of high birth or status may lack.

This expression is used to highlight the loyalty and gratitude of a dog, often comparing it to humans who may lack these virtues despite their social status or education. It emphasizes that loyalty is a noble trait that transcends species and status.

An old Tangedu flower will be useful at least on the day of the festival.

This proverb highlights that even something old or seemingly useless can find its value during a specific occasion or time of need. It is often used to suggest that one should not discard old items or ignore old resources, as their importance might be realized later.