అడిగే వాడికి చెప్పేవాడు లోకువ.

adige vadiki cheppevadu lokuva.

Translation

For the one who asks, the one who answers seems inferior in status.

Meaning

It is easier to put questions than to answer them. It is therefore necessary to be considerate to others and raise only genuine doubts for proper clarification.

Related Phrases

I am below all, but Nambi Râmâya is below me.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone who is constantly bullied or looked down upon by everyone else finds someone even weaker or more vulnerable to dominate. It illustrates the human tendency to seek a sense of superiority even when one is at the bottom of the social hierarchy.

The whole village is inferior to father - but father is inferior to mother.

This expression is used to describe a person who appears powerful or authoritative to the outside world but is completely dominated or humble at home by their spouse. It highlights the hierarchy of influence and the idea that everyone has someone they answer to, regardless of their status elsewhere.

The giver is undervalued by the receiver.

This proverb describes a situation where a person's generosity or kindness is taken for granted. It implies that when someone gives or helps continuously, the recipient loses respect for them or begins to treat them as inferior/subservient rather than being grateful. It is used to caution against being over-generous to those who do not appreciate the value of the gesture.

The man that runs away, is inferior to the man who follows him.

This proverb suggests that showing fear or retreating encourages an aggressor or a bully to become more dominant. It is used to advise that one should stand their ground because appearing weak or submissive only invites further exploitation or intimidation by others.

He who speaks to make you laugh, speaks to your ruin; he who speaks to make you weep, speaks to your profit. A friend's frown is better than a fool's smile.

This proverb highlights the difference between a sycophant and a true well-wisher. Someone who always tells you what you want to hear (making you laugh/happy) might be leading you toward a downfall by ignoring your mistakes. In contrast, a true friend or mentor who criticizes you or tells you harsh truths (making you cry/sad) actually helps you improve and succeed in life.

If the teller has no shame, shouldn't the listener have some common sense?

This expression is used when someone is telling blatant lies, making absurd claims, or giving bad advice. It suggests that even if the speaker is being unreasonable or shameless, the listener should use their own intelligence and discretion to evaluate the information rather than blindly believing or following it.

I am inferior to everyone. Nambi Singaraya is inferior to me.

This proverb describes a social hierarchy of belittlement. It refers to a situation where a person is bullied or looked down upon by everyone else, and in turn, they find someone even weaker or lower in status to dominate. It highlights the human tendency to seek someone to feel superior over, even when one is at the bottom of the ladder.

If you see a person running, the one chasing will find him an easy target.

This proverb means that if you show fear or act like a victim, people will take advantage of you or continue to bully you. It is used to suggest that one should stand their ground because weakness invites more aggression from others.

If one is poor enough to lack food, does it mean they are inferior to their community?

This expression highlights that being economically poor or struggling for basic necessities (food) does not justify a loss of self-respect or social dignity. It is used to assert that poverty should not be equated with a lack of status or character within one's social circle.

A poor man is even lower than a beggar.

This proverb describes the harsh reality of social hierarchies, implying that someone who is down on their luck or lacks resources is often looked down upon or disrespected even by those who are considered to be at the bottom of society. It is used to highlight how vulnerability invites mistreatment from everyone.