Power Dynamics

This expression is used to describe a situation where a newcomer or an inferior person displaces a well-established or superior person. In children's language, 'Buva' refers to food or a loved one, while 'Chi' is a term of rejection. It signifies an unwelcome intruder taking over the place of someone important or someone who belongs.

This expression is used to criticize corruption and moral dishonesty. It suggests that a person who takes bribes to manipulate the law is just as guilty as the person who actively seeks ways to evade or cheat the system. Both contribute equally to the downfall of justice.

This proverb advises on how to choose service providers based on the nature of their work. A new washerman (Chakali) is preferred because he will be more diligent and wash clothes cleaner to prove his worth. Conversely, an old barber (Mangali) is preferred because his experienced hands are less likely to cause cuts and he understands the client's preferences better.

This proverb is used to describe levels of extreme greed or corruption. It suggests that for every person who is corrupt or greedy, there is someone even more audacious and thorough in their exploitation. It highlights a hierarchy of dishonesty where each successive person is more predatory than the last.

This expression is used when someone tries to perform a task that is not within their expertise or role, often resulting in failure or chaos. It highlights the importance of sticking to one's own responsibilities and strengths.

This proverb describes a situation where one person's growth or accumulation of wealth ultimately benefits someone else who controls or owns them. It is used to suggest that when a subordinate or an asset prospers, the ultimate gain goes to the master or the owner.

This expression is used when someone cheats, deceives, or outsmarts their own mentor, teacher, or the person who helped them. It implies a betrayal of trust where the student/protege ends up causing a loss or embarrassment to their guide.

* Niemand sieht seine eigene Fehler.

This expression highlights the limits of control and coercion. While you can force someone to perform an external action or follow a rule, you cannot control their internal thoughts, imagination, or true desires. It is often used to emphasize that genuine inspiration or vision cannot be forced.

This expression is used to describe someone who is suddenly paralyzed by extreme fear or becomes completely submissive and silent in the presence of a powerful authority figure or enemy. Garuda is the mythical eagle and the natural predator of snakes, so a snake becomes helpless upon seeing him.

* विनतायाश्च पुत्रौ द्वौ विख्यातौ गरुडारुणौ । सुपर्णः पततां श्रेष्ठो दारुणः पद्मगाशनः ॥

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone's consent is irrelevant or ignored, especially when they are the victim of the outcome. It implies that a person in power or control will not consult the person who is going to be negatively affected by a decision.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where two rivals or enemies are forced to maintain a facade of civility due to their circumstances. It originates from a story where Garuda (the eagle) and Sesha (the serpent) meet; despite being natural enemies, they inquire about each other's well-being because the situation prevents them from fighting. It highlights tactical politeness or a stalemate between powerful opponents.

This proverb highlights corruption and the exploitation of common people's misery by those in power. It describes a situation where, even as the community suffers from a disaster or loss of resources, the officials or middlemen manage to profit unfairly from the crisis.

This proverb highlights how bullies and predators target the vulnerable and weak. Just as a crow only dares to attack a sickly, emaciated cow, cowardly people or opportunistic problems only affect those who lack the strength or resources to defend themselves. It is used to describe situations where someone takes advantage of another's misfortune or helplessness.

This expression defines the true essence of expertise in two distinct fields: literature and leadership. It suggests that a real poet is one who possesses the creative complexity to craft 'Chitraprabandhams' (highly technical and artistic poetry), while a true ruler or king is defined by his bravery and ability to fight and defeat enemies on the battlefield (Anilo). It is used to emphasize that mastery is proven through action and skill rather than just titles.

This expression is used to describe how a person with extreme persistence or irrational stubbornness can be more difficult to deal with than even someone in power. It suggests that while a king might follow rules or reason, a stubborn person (mondivadu) will not back down for anything, making them effectively 'stronger' in a conflict.

This expression is used to signify that even a young or small version of something powerful (like a tiger cub) is far superior to something that is naturally weak (like a deer). It is used to mock an underdog trying to challenge someone from a line of greatness or inherent strength.

This expression describes a situation where a task requires the coordinated effort of two people working in different positions, typically referring to the traditional process of thatching a roof. It is used to highlight teamwork, dependency between roles, or a specific hierarchy in a collaborative job.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where even the strongest or most powerful entities are facing destruction or failure. In such a context, it is trivial or foolish for someone small or insignificant to worry about their own minor troubles. It highlights a scale of disaster where the small should realize their vulnerability is a given if the mighty are falling.

This humorous and cynical expression describes a situation where two people, often in a position of trust or authority, conspire to misappropriate resources or loot something entirely, leaving nothing behind. It implies a total 'clean-up' of assets under the guise of ritual or duty, where the 'waste' is accounted for publicly but the value is divided privately between the conspirators.

This proverb highlights pragmatism over tradition. 'Oli' is a traditional bride price paid at marriage, while 'Kuli' refers to daily wages or immediate support. It suggests that a person who provides for one's immediate needs and livelihood is more valuable than someone who merely fulfilled a traditional or ceremonial obligation in the past.