ఉగ్గుతో వచ్చిన బుద్ధి ఉగ్గులతో గాని పోదు

ugguto vachchina buddhi uggulato gani podu

Translation

Habits formed with the first spoonful of milk will not leave until the funeral pyre.

Meaning

This proverb emphasizes that character traits and habits formed in early childhood are deeply ingrained and stay with a person throughout their entire life until death. It is the Telugu equivalent of 'Old habits die hard' or 'As the twig is bent, so is the tree inclined.' It is often used to describe someone's persistent nature or unchangeable behavior.

Related Phrases

Like running with the rabbits and hunting with the hounds.

This expression describes a person who is hypocritical or double-dealing. It refers to someone who pretends to be a friend to both sides of a conflict, or someone who tries to support opposing interests simultaneously for their own benefit.

If he points with the foot, it must be done with the head. Said of the obsequiousness necessary to a dependant.

This expression describes extreme obedience or the proactive nature of a dedicated subordinate or servant. It implies that if a master gives a minor or casual command (symbolized by pointing with a foot), the subordinate should execute it with the utmost respect, diligence, and intellectual effort (symbolized by the head). It is used to illustrate deep loyalty or the expectation of swift, high-quality execution of tasks.

Cringing is a gainful accomplishment.

A cheap bargain results in crushed pieces.

This proverb serves as a warning against buying low-quality goods just because they are inexpensive. It suggests that when you choose something solely based on its low price, it is likely to break easily or turn out to be worthless, eventually leading to a loss. It is the Telugu equivalent of 'Buy cheap, buy twice.'

Disputing with the aged [ is as wrong as ] keeping company with ghosts.

This proverb highlights the futility and danger of two specific actions: engaging in heated arguments with wise or powerful elders (which leads to trouble) and attempting to befriend the dead (which is impossible or morbid). It is used to advise someone to respect social hierarchies and focus on the living and the practical.

May a man fight with his Guru ?

This expression is used when someone challenges, argues with, or tries to outsmart their own mentor, expert, or the person who taught them everything they know. It implies that such a conflict is disrespectful, foolish, or a losing battle for the student.

One's inherent nature does not leave until the funeral sticks.

This proverb suggests that a person's basic character or deep-seated habits are unchangeable throughout their lifetime. It implies that certain traits are so ingrained that they only vanish when a person dies (symbolized by the 'pudakalu' or twigs/sticks used in funeral pyres). It is used when observing someone who refuses to change their bad behavior despite many opportunities.

A stone design and a monkey's design

This expression refers to something that is messy, disorganized, or poorly executed. It compares a drawing or task to a pattern made by a monkey or on rough stone, implying it lacks clarity, beauty, or skill. It is often used to describe bad handwriting or a chaotic situation.

A learned habit does not go away even after death

This expression is used to describe deeply ingrained habits or character traits that are nearly impossible to change. It suggests that once a behavior or mindset is firmly established, it stays with a person throughout their entire life, often used in a critical context about someone's recurring negative traits.

Like teaching a grandfather how to cough.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone tries to give advice or teach a skill to a person who is already far more experienced or an expert in that specific area. It highlights the irony or absurdity of a novice attempting to educate a master.

Argue with elders, fight with ancestors.

This proverb warns against the futility and disrespect of engaging in constant arguments with elders or ancestors. It suggests that such conflicts are destructive, lead to bad reputation, and result in mental unrest since elders possess more experience and ancestors represent one's roots.