ఓడ మీద ఉన్నంత వరకు ఓడ మల్లప్ప, దిగగానే బోడి మల్లప్ప

oda mida unnanta varaku oda mallappa, digagane bodi mallappa

Translation

As long as he was on board his ship, he was “Ship Mallappa” as soon as he landed he was “Bald-headed Mallappa.”

Meaning

This proverb describes opportunistic people who show respect or behave submissively only as long as they need a favor or help from someone. Once their purpose is served or the task is finished, they immediately change their attitude and treat the benefactor with indifference or disrespect.

Related Phrases

If it is sound, it is a bell; if it is an argument, it is a trouble.

This expression highlights the difference between pleasant sounds and unpleasant conflicts. It suggests that while ringing a bell produces a harmonious sound, engaging in unnecessary arguments or disputes only leads to problems and complications. It is used to advise someone to avoid bickering and maintain peace.

The deity on the mound always chants for food.

This proverb describes someone who is more interested in the perks or rewards of a job rather than the duty itself. It is used to mock people who pretend to be pious or professional but are actually focused solely on their personal gain or their next meal.

Until crossing the stream, he is 'Oda Mallayya' (respected Lord), after crossing the stream, he is 'Bodi Mallayya' (bald/useless fellow).

This proverb describes opportunistic behavior and ingratitude. It is used to refer to people who show great respect or flattery toward someone as long as they need a favor, but immediately disregard or insult that person once their objective is achieved.

As long as you have a nose, you will have a running from it. Continual liability.

This proverb suggests that as long as a certain entity or situation exists, associated troubles or inherent problems will continue to occur. It is used to describe unavoidable or persistent issues that are tied to one's existence or circumstances.

Until boarding the boat he is 'Oda Mallayya' (Respected Mallayya), once off the boat he is 'Bodi Mallayya' (Bald/Worthless Mallayya).

This proverb describes the behavior of ungrateful people who show great respect and humility toward someone as long as they need a favor, but immediately become dismissive or disrespectful once their purpose is served. It is used to criticize opportunistic behavior and lack of gratitude.

Until boarding the boat he is 'Oda Mallanna' (respected), once off the boat he is 'Bodi Mallanna' (bald/useless).

This expression describes people who act with great respect and humility toward someone only as long as they need a favor. Once their purpose is served and they no longer need that person's help, they treat them with indifference or contempt. It is used to highlight human ingratitude and opportunism.

As long as there is breath there is hope.

This expression is used to signify that one should never give up or lose hope as long as they are alive. It emphasizes resilience and the possibility of change or success even in the most difficult circumstances, suggesting that life and hope are inseparable.

Six units of strength if you drink porridge, three units if you eat rice.

This proverb highlights the nutritional value and physical strength provided by traditional fermented porridge (Ambali) compared to plain rice. It is used to suggest that simple, traditional foods are often more sustaining for hard physical labor than sophisticated or processed alternatives.

When asked 'Deaf Chennappa?', he replied 'Chickpea Mallappa'

This proverb is used to describe a situation where there is a total lack of communication or understanding between two people. It refers to a conversation where one person's words are completely misinterpreted by another, often leading to an irrelevant or absurd response, similar to 'talking at cross-purposes'.

There is no fear as long as there is life.

This expression is used to convey resilience and courage. It suggests that as long as one is alive, there is still hope and no reason to succumb to fear, emphasizing that life itself is the ultimate strength.