ఆడ పెత్తనం తంబళ్ళ దొరతనం
ada pettanam tamballa doratanam
The authority of a woman is like the lordship of a Tamballa man.
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.
Related Phrases
తంబళి అనుమానం తలతిక్కతో సరి
tambali anumanam talatikkato sari
A priest's suspicion ends with confusion.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone's unnecessary suspicions or over-thinking leads to nothing but their own confusion and a waste of time. It refers to a person who complicates a simple matter by being overly skeptical, eventually ending up in a state of mental muddle without reaching any logical conclusion.
ఉడత కేలరా ఊరిలో పెత్తనం?
udata kelara urilo pettanam?
Why does a squirrel need the authority to lead a village?
This proverb is used to mock someone who lacks the necessary stature, capability, or influence but tries to dominate or take charge of a situation. It suggests that individuals should know their limits and not overreach into roles they are unqualified for.
మొగుడికే మొగతనం ఉంటే, తంబళ్ళవారి తగులాటమేమి?
mogudike mogatanam unte, tamballavari tagulatamemi?
If the husband himself has manliness, why would there be an involvement with the temple-servant?
This proverb is used to say that if the person responsible or the main authority is capable and does their job correctly, there is no need for third-party interference or outside help. It emphasizes that problems often arise only when the primary person fails in their duty.
అత్తతనంలో మంచితనం, ఆడంగిలో మగతనం ఉంటాయా?
attatanamlo manchitanam, adangilo magatanam untaya?
Is there goodness in mother-in-law-ship or masculinity in an effeminate person?
A cynical proverb suggesting that certain inherent natures or roles are unlikely to change. It implies that just as an effeminate man lacks true masculinity, a mother-in-law (in the traditional stereotypical sense) is unlikely to show genuine kindness toward her daughter-in-law. It is used to express skepticism about someone acting against their established character or role.
తంబళ అనుమానము
tambala anumanamu
The scrupulosity of a Śaiva priest. The Tambaḷas are a class of Śûdra priests who wear the sacred thread, and endeavour to observe Brahminical customs. Applied to foolish scruples.
This expression refers to excessive or unnecessary suspicion. It originates from a folklore where a priest (Tambala) remains suspicious of others' intentions even when things are straightforward, leading to self-created anxiety or complications. It is used to describe a person who doubts everything despite having no valid reason.
ఆడపెత్తనము, తంబళి దొరతనము
adapettanamu, tambali doratanamu
Woman's rule, a Tambaḷi's government. A Tambaḷi is a Śaiva priest of low origin, who wears the sacred thread, and endeavours to observe Brahminical customs.
This proverb is used to criticize or mock ineffective or disorganized leadership. It suggests that just as a temple priest (Tambali) is not traditionally seen as a ruling authority, certain types of management might be weak, fussy, or lack real power, leading to chaos or poor results.
పెట్టనమ్మ పెట్టదు గానీ, పెట్టే అమ్మను పెట్టనివ్వదు.
pettanamma pettadu gani, pette ammanu pettanivvadu.
A woman who does not give [ alms ] will never give ; what evil has happened to the jade who does give ?
This proverb describes a person who neither does a good deed themselves nor allows others to do it. It is used to criticize dog-in-the-manger behavior where someone obstructs progress or charity despite having no intention of contributing themselves.
Said by a beggar of one from whom he generally received alms.
దొంగిలించేటంత దొరతనముండగా, అడుక్కుతినేటంత అదమతనమేల?
dongilinchetanta doratanamundaga, adukkutinetanta adamatanamela?
While there is the royalty (status) of stealing, why have the lowliness of begging?
This is a satirical or ironic proverb used to describe a person's skewed sense of pride. It refers to someone who considers stealing to be a more dignified or 'brave' act than the perceived humiliation of begging for help or working humble jobs. It is often used to criticize those who choose dishonest paths over honest, albeit modest, living.
దొంగిలించేటంత దొరతనము ఉండగా, అడిగేటంత అన్యాయముకు లోబడుతానా?
dongilinchetanta doratanamu undaga, adigetanta anyayamuku lobadutana?
When I have such power of stealing shall I submit to the injustice of asking ? Said by a thief.
This is a sarcastic or cynical proverb used to describe a person with a twisted sense of pride or a 'criminal' ego. It suggests that the person considers begging or asking for help to be more humiliating or 'unjust' than the act of stealing. It is used to mock someone who prefers dishonest means over humble requests.
పిల్ల పెత్తనం, పల్లెటూరి సావాసం
pilla pettanam, palleturi savasam
Leadership by a child and friendship with a villager.
This expression highlights situations that are likely to result in chaos, inefficiency, or unnecessary complications. 'Leadership by a child' refers to giving authority to someone immature or inexperienced, leading to poor decisions. 'Friendship with a villager' (in the context of this traditional proverb) implies dealing with someone who might be stubborn, narrow-minded, or lacking social grace. It is used to caution against placing responsibility in the wrong hands or entering into difficult associations.