అ ఆలు రావు అగ్రతాంబూలం మాత్రం కావాలి

a alu ravu agratambulam matram kavali

Translation

Does not know the basics (ABC's) but wants the first honor of the betel leaves.

Meaning

This proverb is used to describe a person who lacks even the most fundamental skills or knowledge but demands the highest recognition or priority. In traditional gatherings, the 'Agrataamboolam' (first offering of betel leaves) is reserved for the most learned or respected individual; the irony here highlights the person's arrogance or unrealistic expectations despite their incompetence.

Related Phrases

When asked whether they belonged to the Âpastamba or Âsvalâyana sect, they replied "We are neither the one nor the other, we are messengers of Appâ Râu." Utter ignorance of religion.

This proverb describes people who have no understanding of their own traditions, lineage, or deeper identity, and instead identify themselves solely by their mundane job or their employer. It is used to mock those who prioritize temporary, material roles over their fundamental cultural or spiritual roots.

Bind the community, hold the pen

This expression emphasizes the importance of education and social unity within a community. It suggests that for a community to progress, people must remain united (community bond) and focus on education and literacy (holding the pen) as tools for empowerment.

An Agrahâram which should not be touched or felt. An Agrahâram is a Brahman village or quarter. Said of any thing that should scrupulously be avoided.

This expression is used to describe a person or a place that is excessively sensitive, overly formal, or extremely difficult to approach. It often refers to someone who maintains an air of superiority or someone who is so fragile or rigid that others avoid interacting with them to prevent causing offense or breaking strict rules.

An untouchable village (Agrahara).

This phrase is used to describe a person who is extremely sensitive, overly defensive, or someone who considers themselves too superior to be approached or criticized. It literally refers to an Agrahara (a village granted to scholars) that is kept so secluded or pure that no one can touch or enter it. In a modern context, it's used sarcastically to describe someone who acts as if they are above everyone else or cannot be questioned.

The food in the pot should remain in the pot, but the child should become as strong as a boulder.

This expression describes a situation where someone expects results or growth without any investment or sacrifice. It is used to mock people who want to keep their resources intact while expecting a great outcome, highlighting the impossibility of achieving something for nothing.

Does a small hut in the village need a bed with a canopy?

This proverb is used to mock someone who desires or demands luxuries that are far beyond their means or status. It highlights the mismatch between a person's humble reality and their extravagant pretensions.

Betel leaf preparation/offering in the dark.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone performs a task or offers something in a clumsy, improper, or unorganized manner due to a lack of preparation or transparency. It implies doing something secretly or without proper visibility, often leading to mistakes or poor quality.

When asked if they were Apasthambas or Ashwalayanas, they replied they were neither, but Apparao's coolies.

This humorous proverb is used to describe people who lack knowledge of their own traditions, roots, or identity. Apasthamba and Ashwalayana refer to Vedic schools (Sutras), but the characters in the saying confuse these scholarly lineages with their manual labor job under a local employer. It is used to mock ignorance or the loss of cultural identity in favor of mundane or materialistic pursuits.

An untouchable village (Agraharam).

This expression is used to describe something that is extremely exclusive, isolated, or difficult to access. It often refers to people or places that maintain a high degree of distance, secrecy, or strict boundaries, making them unreachable for others.

When a rustic man was given a screw pine flower, he asked if it was for chewing like betel leaves.

This proverb is used to describe a person who lacks the sophistication or refinement to appreciate a delicate or valuable gift. It highlights how someone ignorant of a thing's true value or purpose might mistake it for something common or misappropriate its use.