Social Hierarchy

This proverb highlights the essential requirements for success or strength in different contexts. Just as a field requires a constant supply of water through a canal (vaaka) to thrive and yield crops, a king or leader requires a loyal following or a strong army (mooka) to maintain power and authority. It is used to describe the fundamental necessities of a particular situation.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone has absolute power or control over an outcome. Just as the Creator (Brahma) can grant a long life at will, someone in a position of authority or dominance can cause trouble or inflict hardship whenever they choose. It often highlights the helplessness of one party against the whims of a more powerful one.

This entry consists of two distinct expressions. The first part, 'ఆమెకు అన్నీ ఉన్నాయి కానీ ఐదోతనమే లేదు', refers to a woman who has all material wealth but is a widow (lacking 'Aidothanam' or the status of a married woman). The second part, 'ఆడపిల్ల పుట్టినప్పుడే ఆదరువు పుడుతుంది', is a traditional saying suggesting that when a girl is born, her means of survival or luck (often referring to her future marriage and sustenance) are pre-destined or born with her.

Traditionally, eating on a leaf was considered superior or more respectful than a plate. This expression describes showing favoritism or partiality, where someone treats their close relatives or favorites with special care while neglecting or being formal/distant with others.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone's arrogance, ego, or demands are vastly disproportionate to their actual status, size, or capability. It highlights the absurdity of an insignificant person having an oversized attitude or problem.

This proverb highlights the difference in status or priority between two people. It refers to how a royal person (Rayadu) wears a turban on their head, while a washerman (Chakali) wears a loincloth around their waist, though both may use similar cloth. It is used to describe situations where things are allocated according to one's status or where there is a clear hierarchy in importance.

This proverb highlights two economic truths in traditional society: first, that money spent on charity or righteous causes is never a waste as it earns merit; second, that forced or involuntary labor (vetti) never results in any monetary compensation or earnings for the worker.

This expression is used to describe a situation where everything has been settled, peace is restored, or a task has been successfully and completely concluded. It implies a sense of finality and total order, often used after a period of activity or chaos.

This proverb is used to describe people who think they can achieve greatness or a higher status simply by outward appearance or minor improvements. It implies that inner quality, true strength, or inherent nature cannot be changed through superficial growth. Just as a buffalo can never become an elephant no matter how big it grows, a person lacking true character or capability cannot become great just by imitating the external traits of greatness.

This proverb describes a situation where an irrelevant person tries to act important or gain attention in a place where they have no role. It is used to mock someone who meddles in affairs that do not concern them or someone who tries to steal the spotlight during another person's milestone.

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.

This expression describes a life of extreme limitations, struggle, or confinement. It refers to someone who is forced to live in a restricted space or difficult circumstances where they cannot even stand tall or live with dignity, symbolizing a cramped and suppressed existence.

This proverb describes a 'no-win' situation or a dilemma where regardless of what you say or do, you will be blamed or criticized. It is typically used when dealing with extremely sensitive, irrational, or authoritative people who find fault in every action of a subordinate or younger person.

This proverb highlights certain basic or inherent traits attributed to genders in traditional society. It implies that everyone possesses some fundamental skills or natural inclinations—suggesting that cooking simple staples is a basic skill for women and humming or showing interest in music/art is a basic trait in men. It is often used to describe common human nature or universal behaviors.

Kuḍumu is a common kind of cake. Applied to things which are very common.

This proverb highlights that one's speech and behavior reflect their own character rather than the character of the person they are addressing. It suggests that even if someone insults you with low-class language, you should maintain your dignity and respond with courtesy, as your words define who you are.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone tries to insult or harm a person of high integrity, great stature, or a saintly character. Just as spit cannot reach the sun and only falls back on the person who spat, attempts to defame a noble person will only result in the perpetrator's own disgrace.

This proverb describes a situation where one person puts in all the hard labor or effort, but the rewards or benefits are unfairly reaped by someone else who did nothing. It is commonly used to express frustration over exploitation or unequal distribution of results.

This proverb warns against making assumptions based on appearances or temporary states. A powerful person (lord), even if currently lacking funds, still possesses influence and status. Similarly, an ox, no matter how calm it seems, is fundamentally a powerful animal that can become unpredictable or dangerous at any moment. It teaches us to respect inherent nature and power.

This proverb is used to describe an underdog or a less significant person gaining courage or audacity to challenge powerful people when they see others doing the same, or when the mighty appear vulnerable. It reflects on how influence or momentum can make even the weak act boldly against those who are traditionally superior.

This expression is used to describe a situation where corrupt or wicked people collaborate to share spoils or ill-gotten gains. It highlights a conspiracy where individuals with no integrity cooperate solely for mutual benefit at the expense of others.