Social Hierarchy

This proverb highlights the physical and visible remnants of a person's past circumstances. Someone who was once poor but became wealthy often retains a healthy, glowing appearance (plump cheeks) from their new prosperity. Conversely, someone who was once wealthy but lost everything often tries to maintain their dignity by wearing their old, high-quality clothes, which are now worn out or reflect their former status.

This proverb contrasts the behavior of those with small means versus those with significant wealth. A 'veesam' is a tiny denomination; someone possessing very little is often anxious, constantly counting or checking their small pittance. In contrast, someone with a 'kasu' (larger wealth) is secure enough to store it away without constant fuss. It is used to describe how people with little knowledge or money tend to make more of a show or worry excessively compared to those who are truly substantial.

This proverb is used to emphasize that everything and everyone has a specific place or rank, regardless of their value. It serves as a reminder that respect should be given where it's due, but one should not overstep boundaries or forget their station in life just because of wealth or status.

This is a traditional proverb reflecting historical social prejudices against certain trades—specifically tailors (needle), blacksmiths/goldsmiths (hammer), and weavers (spindle). It implies that individuals in these professions were perceived as cunning or likely to cheat their customers by skimming off small portions of the material (cloth, metal, or thread) provided to them. In a modern context, it serves as a cautionary saying about being wary of professionals who have the opportunity to deceive in small, unnoticeable ways.

A hundred tailors, a hundred millers, and a hundred weavers are three hundred thieves. (Spanish.)* * Clen pastres, cien molineros, y cien texederos son tresientos ladrones.

This proverb is used to criticize situations where people who are perceived as weak or unsuitable for leadership are given authority, suggesting that such leadership will be ineffective or lack real power. Historically, 'Tamballa' referred to a specific community of temple priests who were often seen as non-assertive, and this expression draws a parallel between their perceived nature and the leadership of women (reflecting traditional patriarchal views). It is used to mock a household or organization where the leadership is seen as weak or disorderly.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where a subordinate, accessory, or appendage exceeds the master or the main object in size, cost, or importance. It highlights the absurdity of an overhead or an attachment being more burdensome than the primary entity itself.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone works hard but receives no formal pay or reward, other than a few minor perks or what they consumed while performing the task. It signifies a lack of proper compensation for labor.

This proverb signifies that certain actions or words gain value, legitimacy, or recognition only when they come from an authoritative source or a person of high stature. It is often used to describe situations where a valid point is ignored until an important person validates it.

This proverb describes the behavior of people who lack character or maturity and suddenly come into wealth or power. Instead of using their new resources wisely, they display excessive arrogance, showiness, and make ridiculous or impractical demands to flaunt their status.

This expression refers to a state of equanimity and universal love. It implies that a person who is spiritually enlightened or truly pious sees no distinction between people, treating everyone with the same kindness, impartiality, and sense of belonging, without bias or prejudice.

This proverb emphasizes the traditional social security of a woman. In the context of the era it originated from, a husband is seen as a more reliable and direct source of support and status for a wife than a son, regardless of the son's power or wealth. It highlights the importance of the marital bond for a woman's immediate well-being.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where benefits or profits are divided disproportionately (favoring some), but when trouble or punishment arises, everyone is forced to share the burden equally. It highlights unfairness in the distribution of rewards versus responsibilities.

This proverb is used to indicate that certain people or entities cannot be expected to remain loyal to just one master or partner. It suggests that for some, loyalty is flexible or divided among many, often used in a cynical or realistic context regarding politics or professional allegiances.

This proverb implies that an individual's influence or power often comes from the position they hold or the situation they are in, rather than their innate ability. It is used to remind people to stay humble, as their authority might vanish once they leave that specific role or environment.

This is a humorous or satirical Telugu saying. While teachers are traditionally held in the highest regard in Indian culture, this expression jokingly emphasizes that the domestic consequences of upsetting one's mother-in-law are much more immediate and severe than the spiritual or intellectual consequences of betraying a teacher. It is used to highlight the importance of maintaining harmony with powerful figures in one's personal life.

This expression is used to describe a person's arrogant or overconfident attitude. It implies that someone thinks they are so superior, powerful, or skilled that others are insignificant or incapable of competing with them. It is often used when observing someone acting with a sense of extreme superiority.

This expression is used to describe a situation where a smaller, less significant thing or person is overshadowed or made redundant by something much larger or superior. It can also refer to something being unnoticeable or unnecessary in the presence of a much greater light or talent.

This proverb highlights the interdependence between an employer and an employee. It means that if the main source of income or the business owner (the master) suffers a loss, the subordinates or workers will inevitably suffer too. It is used to remind people that their well-being is tied to the success of the organization or person they depend on.

This proverb plays on the word 'Artha', which means both 'meaning' and 'wealth'. It suggests that in the eyes of society, a person who lacks financial resources is often treated as if their life has no value or purpose. It is used to describe the harsh reality of how poverty can lead to social insignificance.

A man without money is like a ship without sails. (Dutch.)*

This proverb highlights two types of people who act without social inhibition: those who own or work in orchards/gardens (who speak freely or protect their crop) and those who are seated as guests of honor or elders (who feel entitled to speak their mind or demand service). It is used to describe situations where people act bluntly or assertively without worrying about social niceties.