Humility

The one who burnt Lanka is Rama's servant.

This expression refers to Hanuman, emphasizing that despite his immense power and the monumental feat of burning Lanka, he remained a humble servant of Lord Rama. It is used to describe someone who is highly capable and performs great deeds but remains modest and dedicated to their duty or leader without seeking personal glory.

A barber's hand is on everyone's head!

This proverb highlights that certain roles or situations make everyone equal, regardless of their social status, wealth, or power. Just as a king and a commoner must both bow their heads for a barber to cut their hair, there are certain universal truths or professionals whose services everyone requires, humbling them in the process.

When time is bad, one must hold a donkey's feet.

This proverb suggests that when a person is in a difficult situation or facing bad times, they might have to humble themselves or seek help from someone they normally look down upon to get their work done. It emphasizes the importance of pragmatism and patience over pride during adversity.

A leaf full of food stays calm and flat, while an empty leaf flies and flutters about.

This proverb is used to describe human behavior regarding knowledge and wealth. A person who is truly wise or wealthy remains humble and composed, whereas a person with little knowledge or substance tends to show off and boast excessively. It is the Telugu equivalent of 'Empty vessels make the most noise'.

The charity done by the right hand should not be known by the left hand.

This expression emphasizes the importance of anonymous or humble charity. It suggests that when you help someone, you should do it quietly without seeking fame, recognition, or boasting about your generosity to others.

Even if one is the king of Delhi, he is still a son to his mother.

This proverb is used to signify that no matter how powerful, wealthy, or high-ranking a person becomes in the outside world, their relationship and status remain humble and basic within the family, especially towards their parents. It emphasizes humility and the importance of roots.

In an unsuitable place we should not assert our superiority.

This expression suggests that when you are in an environment or situation where you lack power, influence, or familiarity, it is better to remain humble and patient rather than asserting your status or ego. It is often used to advise people to wait for the right time and place to show their strength, similar to the concept of 'discretion is the better part of valor'.

The one who remains silent is the greatest yogi

This proverb highlights the virtue of silence and patience. It suggests that a person who knows when to keep quiet, avoids unnecessary arguments, and maintains composure is as enlightened and wise as a great saint or yogi. It is often used to advise someone to stay calm and silent in provocative situations.

Grandeur according to wealth, humility according to education.

This proverb suggests that one's lifestyle and display of status should be proportional to their financial resources, and similarly, as a person gains more knowledge and education, they should naturally become more humble and modest.

If you are soft, people will feel like hitting you on the head.

This proverb is used to warn that if a person is too submissive, overly kind, or weak, others will naturally try to take advantage of them or mistreat them. It suggests that one must maintain a certain level of firmness to command respect.

No matter how much it grows, a sheep's tail is only a span long.

This proverb is used to describe limitations that remain constant despite growth or progress. It highlights that certain inherent traits or shortcomings do not change even if someone gains power, wealth, or age. It is often used to humble someone who is acting overly important or to point out that some things have a natural, fixed limit.

A thread for the moon

This expression is used when offering a small, humble contribution toward a great cause or person. Just as a single thread is insignificant to the vast moon but is still offered as a gesture of devotion, this phrase signifies that the intent and sincerity of the giver matter more than the value of the gift.

A small belly is protected by Lord Rama.

This expression is used to describe a person with very limited needs or a simple lifestyle. It implies that since their requirements are so minimal, they will always find a way to survive or be satisfied, as if divinely protected. It is often used to express contentment with a modest income or small possessions.

Does gold ever ring like bell metal ?

This proverb highlights that valuable things or people of substance are often quiet and humble, whereas cheap or superficial things make a lot of noise. It is used to compare a wise, dignified person with a boastful, loud person, implying that quality doesn't need to shout to be noticed.

A wise man is sparing of his words, but a fool likes the sound of his own voice. A deluge of words and a drop of sense. " It is not the hen which cackles most that lays most eggs." (Dutch.)

An empty leaf plate jumps up and down, while a full leaf plate stays calm and steady.

This proverb is used to describe human behavior regarding knowledge and wealth. A person with little knowledge or substance often boasts loudly and makes a lot of noise to get attention, whereas a truly wise or wealthy person remains humble, composed, and silent. It is the Telugu equivalent of 'Empty vessels make the most noise.'

A cotton thread for the new moon child.

This expression is used to describe a gift or contribution that is very small or symbolic in nature, yet given with respect or tradition. It originates from the ritual of offering a simple thread as a garment to the crescent moon (Nelabaaludu), symbolizing that even a humble offering is significant when directed toward something great.

How long does cow's milk last, and how long does wealth last? How long does buffalo's milk last, and how long does fortune last?

This proverb highlights the transient and unpredictable nature of wealth and prosperity. Just as the milk production of cattle (cows or buffaloes) is seasonal and eventually stops, human wealth and good fortune are also not permanent. It is used to advise humility during good times and to remind one that circumstances can change unexpectedly.

If one stays quiet, they are like a wild deer.

This proverb is used to describe someone who is exceptionally quiet, shy, or gentle. Just as a deer in the forest remains silent and avoids confrontation, it refers to a person who minds their own business and does not create trouble or noise.

How long will you have the cow's milk, and how long will you have your fortune? How long will your buffaloe's milk last, and how long will your riches endure?

This proverb highlights the transient nature of wealth and resources. Just as a cow or buffalo gives milk only for a certain period and then goes dry, material riches and good fortune are also temporary and subject to change. It serves as a reminder to be humble and prepared for the cycles of life.

Said to a man proud of his good fortune. Riches have wings.

A small bowl of gruel without debt is enough.

This proverb emphasizes the peace of mind that comes with being debt-free. It suggests that living a humble or simple life within one's means is far superior to living luxuriously on borrowed money. It is used to advise someone to prioritize financial independence and contentment over superficial status.