వెయ్యి రూపాయలు పెట్టి ఎద్దును కొన్నా ముల్లుకట్ట ఉండాలి

veyyi rupayalu petti eddunu konna mullukatta undali

Translation

Even if you buy an ox for a thousand rupees, you still need a goad.

Meaning

This proverb emphasizes that regardless of how expensive, high-quality, or capable a resource or person is, they still require guidance, discipline, or supervision to perform effectively. It is used to suggest that authority or a tool of control is necessary even for the best of assets.

Related Phrases

Buying an elephant for a thousand rupees, but neglecting to buy the small goad (ankush) for a penny.

This proverb describes a person who spends a large amount of money or effort on a major project but fails or becomes stingy over a very small, essential detail required to manage it. It is used to critique someone who is 'penny wise and pound foolish,' showing how neglect of minor necessities can render a huge investment useless.

Like piercing an ox's chest with a thorn-stick.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone is deeply hurt or offended by a direct, blunt, and painful remark or action. Just as a sharp prod causes immediate and intense pain to an ox, this phrase refers to words or deeds that strike a person at their most vulnerable or sensitive spot, causing significant emotional distress.

The grains should stay in the bin, and the children should be like little birds

This expression refers to an ideal state of domestic prosperity and harmony. It suggests that resources (grains) should be abundant and preserved, while children should be healthy, active, and cheerful like chirping birds. It is often used to describe a well-settled, happy household.

While the cotton is still in the pod, Kamanna claims his three shares of the harvest.

This proverb describes someone who counts their chickens before they hatch or makes premature claims on profits/results that haven't even materialized yet. It is used to mock people who display over-anticipation or greed regarding uncertain future outcomes.

The one who has an ox lacks intelligence, and the one who has intelligence lacks an ox.

This proverb describes a situational irony where one person possesses the physical resources or tools but lacks the wisdom to use them, while another person has the knowledge but lacks the necessary resources. It is used to highlight the mismatch between ability and opportunity.

Three quarters worth of cloth and thirty rupees for the stitching.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where the maintenance or incidental costs of an item far exceed the actual value of the item itself. It highlights poor financial decisions or disproportionate spending on trivial things.

An egg worth three quarters, but the stitching cost thirty rupees.

This expression is used to describe a situation where the cost of repairing, maintaining, or accessorizing an item far exceeds the value of the item itself. It highlights poor economic judgment or disproportionate expenses.

Burning his hand when he had a ladle. To stir the rice with.

This proverb describes a situation where someone suffers or makes a mistake despite having the necessary tools or resources to avoid it. It is used to point out foolishness or the failure to utilize available help, similar to the English concept of 'making things harder for oneself'.

Do you want the thousand Rupees, or the widow sister ? Among the Vaishṇava Brahmans the widows make themselves very useful and earn something for their livelihood. The proverb refers to a partition of the property.

This is a traditional proverb or 'sametha' used to illustrate the burden of responsibility and the preference for wealth over troublesome familial obligations in a sarcastic or harsh manner. It highlights a cynical view of prioritizing financial gain over supporting a family member who may be seen as a lifelong liability (as a widow was historically perceived).

* Wie leicht kommt nicht ein Haar in die Butter!

One should buy an old woman even by paying three hundred rupees.

This proverb emphasizes the immense value of experience and wisdom. In older times, 300 rupees was considered a very large sum, but the saying suggests that the guidance and counsel of an experienced elder are worth more than any price, as they help navigate life's challenges effectively.