అధికారి ఆరుమూర, బంటు పదిమూర.

adhikari arumura, bantu padimura.

Translation

The officer is six cubits, the servant is ten cubits.

Meaning

This proverb is used to describe a situation where a subordinate or assistant behaves with more arrogance, showiness, or authority than their actual boss or master. It highlights the irony of a servant acting more superior than the official they serve.

Related Phrases

Either be a beggar or a millionaire.

This proverb suggests that in life, it is better to be at one extreme or the other rather than being stuck in the middle. It emphasizes that both a person with nothing to lose and a person with immense resources have a certain type of freedom or power, whereas those in the middle often face the most struggles and anxieties.

An intercalary Âshâḍha. The month Âshâḍha corresponds with June—July. Said by a man when excusing himself for not observing the rules of the house in which he was staying.

This expression is used to describe a situation where there is an unnecessary or redundant addition to an already problematic or complicated situation. In the Hindu lunar calendar, an 'Adhika Masam' (extra month) can sometimes be Ashadha; figuratively, it refers to something surplus, unwanted, or a delay that complicates matters.

Even if one rules a town, they only need three cubits of space to lie down.

This proverb highlights human mortality and the futility of excessive greed or pride. No matter how much wealth, land, or power a person acquires in their lifetime, in the end, they only occupy a tiny amount of space for rest or burial. It is used to teach humility and contentment.

Why compare a beggar with a millionaire?

This expression is used to highlight a vast disparity or mismatch between two people, situations, or objects. It suggests that it is illogical or unfair to compare things that are fundamentally different in status, quality, or scale.

Like a thunder that roared and fell upon the sacrificial fire-pan

This proverb is used to describe a situation where one person's anger or a problem originating elsewhere is unfairly diverted toward an innocent person or an unrelated object. It signifies misplaced venting of frustration or a situation where the consequences of one event unexpectedly affect something completely different.

An extra month during a famine, and many children during poverty.

This expression is used to describe a situation where troubles or burdens pile up one after another when someone is already in a difficult state. Just as an intercalary month (Adhika Masam) extends the duration of a year during a drought, or having many children adds to the financial burden of a poor person, it signifies that misfortunes rarely come alone and often worsen an existing crisis.

One must be a master of alms or a master of lakhs. i. e. either a beggar or a very rich man.

This proverb emphasizes that one should aim for extremes rather than being stuck in the middle. It suggests that a person should either be completely detached from worldly possessions (like a master ascetic/beggar) or be immensely wealthy (a millionaire), as both positions command a certain type of freedom or influence, whereas being in the middle often brings struggle and dissatisfaction.

Power is a prison of golden chains

This expression highlights that while holding a position of power or authority may seem prestigious and valuable (like gold), it comes with heavy responsibilities, lack of personal freedom, and constant restrictions that make it feel like a prison.

If power is six parts, the hair (insult/nothingness) is three parts.

This proverb is used to mock someone who boasts about having great authority but possesses very little actual substance or wealth. It implies that despite the high position or show of power, the actual benefits or personal worth are meager and disproportionate.

One should either become a master of begging or a millionaire.

This expression emphasizes that one should aim for extremes or total mastery in their chosen path rather than being mediocre. It suggests that there is no point in being 'in-between' or average; one should either reach the pinnacle of wealth or, if choosing a humble path, be the most detached or humble version of it. It is often used to encourage commitment to a goal.