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.
Related Phrases
తల్లి దైవము, తండ్రి ధనము.
talli daivamu, tandri dhanamu.
A mother is a divinity, a father a treasure.
This expression emphasizes the supreme importance of parents in one's life. It highlights that a mother provides spiritual and emotional guidance like a deity, while a father provides the material support and security necessary for life.
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.
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.
మాటకు ప్రాణము సత్యము, కోటకు ప్రాణము మానము, చీటికి ప్రాణము వ్రాలు
mataku pranamu satyamu, kotaku pranamu manamu, chitiki pranamu vralu
Truth is the life of a word, honor is the life of a woman, and a signature is the life of a document.
This proverb emphasizes the essential quality that gives value or 'life' to certain things. It teaches that a word is only meaningful if it is true, a person's character is defined by their dignity and honor, and a document or letter only gains legal or formal validity through a signature.
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.
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.
ఉడతకేలరా వూళ్లో పెత్తనము
udatakelara vullo pettanamu
What has the squirrel to do with the management of the village ?
This proverb is used to criticize or mock someone who tries to exert authority or take charge of matters that are far beyond their capacity, status, or influence. It highlights the mismatch between a person's limited abilities and the grand responsibilities they are trying to shoulder.
Presumptuous interference. Impertinent meddling. * Lass den Gast ziehen eh das Gewitter ausbricht.
అర్థమూ, ప్రాణమూ ఆచార్యాధీనము; తాళమూ, దేహమూ నా ఆధీనము.
arthamu, pranamu acharyadhinamu; talamu, dehamu na adhinamu.
Wealth and life are under the Guru's control; the key and the body are under my control.
This proverb satirically describes a person who pretends to surrender everything to a teacher or mentor but remains deeply attached to their physical comforts and material possessions. It is used to mock hypocritical devotion or someone who talks about sacrifice but keeps the most important resources for themselves.
తాచుపాము, తామసము, జెట్టిపోతు, పిరికితనము గలవాడు.
tachupamu, tamasamu, jettipotu, pirikitanamu galavadu.
A cobra, anger, a sturdy bull, and a person with cowardice.
This expression lists four distinct, often incompatible or extreme characteristics. It is used to describe a volatile mix of traits or a situation involving dangerous elements (the cobra/anger) and weak or stubborn elements (the coward/the bull). In literature, it is sometimes part of a verse describing unpredictable or untrustworthy entities.
ఋణము, రణము ఒకటే.
rinamu, ranamu okate.
Debt and war are the same.
This proverb highlights the destructive nature of financial debt, comparing it to a battlefield. Just as war brings anxiety, struggle, and potential ruin, being in debt creates constant stress and can destroy one's peace of mind and livelihood.