ఊరిముందరి చేనైనా, ఉలవ కట్టయినా, ఇంటి మనిషి అయినా, బద్దపలుగైనా, బట్టకలిమివాడైనా, మరోకొండ్ర దున్నుతాను అంటుందట ఎద్దు.
urimundari chenaina, ulava kattayina, inti manishi ayina, baddapalugaina, battakalimivadaina, marokondra dunnutanu antundata eddu.
An ox says it can plow another row if: the field is near the village, the fodder is horse gram stalks, the plowman is a family member, the plowshare is sharp, and the owner is wealthy.
This proverb highlights that productivity and willingness to work depend on favorable conditions. It suggests that when the environment is convenient, the resources are nutritious, the supervision is empathetic, the tools are efficient, and there is financial security, even an exhausted worker (symbolized by the ox) finds the motivation to do extra work.
Related Phrases
ఎంత మంచి కత్తి అయినా, తన పిడిని గంటు చేయదు.
enta manchi katti ayina, tana pidini gantu cheyadu.
No matter how sharp the sword is, it will not cut its own handle.
This proverb highlights that no matter how powerful, talented, or destructive a person or thing may be, they generally do not cause harm to their own support system, family, or source of existence. It is used to describe loyalty to one's roots or the natural instinct to protect what sustains you.
మానుపిల్లి అయినా, మట్టి పిల్లి అయినా, ఎలుకను పట్టినదే పిల్లి
manupilli ayina, matti pilli ayina, elukanu pattinade pilli
A cat which kills a rat is a cat, whether it be of wood or mud. If the work be well done, never mind the instrument.
This expression emphasizes pragmatism and results over appearance or origin. It suggests that the value of someone or something should be judged by their ability to perform their intended task or achieve a goal, rather than their outward characteristics or status.
రాజుగారి బావమరిదైన, బోగందాని తమ్ముడైన అన్నీ లాభాలే!
rajugari bavamaridaina, bogandani tammudaina anni labhale!
Whether one is the brother-in-law of a King or the brother of a courtesan, it is all profit.
This proverb is used to describe a person who occupies a position where they enjoy benefits and influence without having any actual responsibilities or accountability. It highlights how being closely associated with people in power or those in lucrative, albeit unconventional, professions can lead to an easy life of perks and protection.
పూచిన తంగేడు వేసినా, కాచిన వెంపలి వేసినా, నేను పండుతానన్నదట వరి.
puchina tangedu vesina, kachina vempali vesina, nenu pandutanannadata vari.
Whether you apply blooming Tangedu or fruiting Vempali (as manure), the paddy crop says it will yield a bountiful harvest.
This proverb highlights the traditional agricultural wisdom of using green leaf manure. Tangedu (Tanner's Cassia) and Vempali (Wild Indigo) are excellent natural fertilizers. The saying emphasizes that if the soil is nourished with these specific organic materials, a high-quality rice yield is guaranteed regardless of other challenges.
గతి చెడినా, మతి చెడరాదు
gati chedina, mati chedaradu
Even if your situation worsens, your sense/mind should not go bad.
This expression means that even when one falls on hard times or loses their status, they should not lose their integrity, common sense, or wisdom. It is used to encourage someone to stay principled and mentally strong during a crisis.
వరహాను ముప్పావు చేసుకొచ్చినా, మా యింటాయన ఎద్దుల బేరగాడైనాడంతే చాలు అన్నదట.
varahanu muppavu chesukochchina, ma yintayana eddula beragadainadante chalu annadata.
Even if he turned a Varaha coin into three-quarters of its value, it is enough for me that my husband became a cattle trader, she said.
This proverb is used to mock someone who takes pride in their status or title despite suffering a significant financial loss or performing poorly in their job. It highlights a foolish sense of satisfaction with one's position or prestige over practical success and common sense.
ఊరు విడిచినా ఉలవ అడుగు విడువరాదు
uru vidichina ulava adugu viduvaradu
Even if you leave the village, do not leave the horse gram foundation.
This proverb emphasizes the importance of preserving one's fundamental habits, culture, or sources of sustenance even when moving to a new place or facing significant changes. It specifically refers to the hardiness of horse gram (ulavalu), suggesting that one should never give up on the basic principles that provide strength and stability.
పుట్టినచోటైనా పడివుండాలి, పుట్టింటైనా కాపురం చేయాలి
puttinachotaina padivundali, puttintaina kapuram cheyali
One should either stay where they are born or live in their parents' home.
This expression emphasizes the importance of stability and having a secure home base. It is often used to suggest that if one cannot succeed or find peace elsewhere, it is best to return to one's roots or parental home where there is unconditional support and safety.
బొంగు లొట్టయినా, కణుపు గట్టి
bongu lottayina, kanupu gatti
Though the bamboo is hollow, the node is strong.
This proverb is used to describe a situation or a person that might appear weak, empty, or flawed on the surface, but possesses a core strength or a specific redeeming quality that provides stability. It emphasizes that internal strength or a single strong point can compensate for overall emptiness.
కార్తె ముందర ఉరిమినా, కార్యము ముందర పదిరినా చెడుతుంది
karte mundara urimina, karyamu mundara padirina chedutundi
If it thunders before the Kârte, if you are hasty in a business, it will be spoilt. Kârte is " the particular constellation of the 27 in which the sun happens to be." The Kârte here spoken of is that in which rain should fall. If it thunders before the time, the rain will be insufficient. Ognu coasa ha cagions,
This proverb emphasizes the importance of timing and composure. Just as unseasonal thunder is often a sign of poor weather or lack of rain for crops, being overly anxious or impatient (flustered) before starting a task leads to poor results. It suggests that patience and waiting for the right moment are essential for success.