అల్పజాతివాడు అధికము నెరుగునా

alpajativadu adhikamu neruguna

Translation

Does a low-minded person know the value of greatness?

Meaning

This expression is used to describe how people with narrow minds or poor character cannot appreciate or understand true excellence, wisdom, or the magnitude of great things. It suggests that one's capacity to value something is limited by their own nature.

Related Phrases

Does a low-bred dog recognize superior people?

This expression is used to describe individuals who lack character or breeding and fail to show respect or recognize the greatness of noble people. Just as a stray dog barks at everyone regardless of their stature, an uncivilized person cannot distinguish between the common and the distinguished.

A sinful man desires another man's wife.

This expression is used to highlight the moral degradation of a person. It suggests that individuals with a sinful or wicked nature often harbor illicit desires and fail to respect the sanctity of others' relationships. It is frequently found in moralistic literature or used to condemn adultery and lack of character.

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.

The money [in the box] and the soul [within the body] are made over to the spiritual guide, but the key and the body are retained by me. Applied to giving a person only the form of authority, but no real power.

This proverb is a humorous take on hypocritical devotion or selective surrender. It describes a person who claims to surrender everything valuable (like life and wealth) to a mentor or God for the sake of appearance, but in reality, keeps the physical control (the key to the chest) and their own comfort firmly in their own hands. It is used to mock people who act as if they are selfless but remain deeply possessive and untrusting.

Will a dog that eats sandals know the sweetness of sugarcane?

This proverb is used to describe a person with low or vulgar tastes who cannot appreciate something noble, refined, or high-quality. It implies that someone accustomed to inferior things will fail to recognize the value of something superior.

Small in price, but great in value.

This expression is used to describe something that requires very little investment or effort but yields great results or significant benefits. It is often used in the context of effective solutions, good deals, or simple virtues that provide immense value.

An extra month during a famine.

This expression is used to describe a situation where an already difficult or bad situation is made worse by further complications or burdens. It is equivalent to the English idiom 'Misfortunes never come singly' or 'When it rains, it pours'.

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.

For a nameless disease, Ashwagandha is the medicine

This proverb suggests that for mysterious or undiagnosed ailments, Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is a universal remedy. It is used in situations where a problem is complex or hard to define, implying that a versatile, time-tested solution is the best bet.

The one without debt is the wealthiest person.

This proverb emphasizes the peace of mind and financial freedom that comes from being debt-free. It suggests that no matter how much money one earns, true wealth is defined by not owing anything to others.