అసలు లేకపోతే అహంకారం ఎక్కువ

asalu lekapote ahankaram ekkuva

Translation

When there is no substance, arrogance is high

Meaning

This expression is used to describe a person who lacks genuine talent, knowledge, or wealth, but compensates for it with excessive pride or vanity. It is similar to the English proverb 'Empty vessels make the most noise.'

Related Phrases

Will the sun not rise if the rooster does not crow?

This proverb is used to humble someone who thinks they are indispensable. It suggests that the world will continue to function and progress even without a specific person's involvement or presence. It highlights that natural laws and necessary events are not dependent on any single individual.

If a husband is not there, then the elder sister's husband; if a curry is not there, then dal.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone settles for a substitute or an alternative when the original or preferred choice is unavailable. It highlights the human tendency to find a replacement, sometimes even an inappropriate or simplified one, just to fill a void.

Where there is no love, there is no delight.

This proverb explains that without passion, attachment, or desire (Mohamu) for something, one cannot experience true happiness or delight (Modamu) in achieving or having it. It highlights that interest is the prerequisite for enjoyment.

If you have no common food, [give me] the best; if you have no common cloth, [give me] a silk one.

This is a sarcastic expression used to describe someone who, when they lack basic necessities, demands or expects high-end luxuries instead of seeking practical alternatives. It highlights the irony of having extravagant tastes or unrealistic expectations while being in a state of poverty or deprivation.

Said by an impertinent beggar when refused assistance by a stingy person.

If it were not for my cock and chafing-dish, how would the world go round ?

This proverb describes an individual's delusion of grandeur or self-importance. It is used to mock someone who believes that a collective or natural process depends entirely on them, implying that the world will stop functioning without their contribution.

A story is told of an old woman who fancied that the crowing of her cock woke the whole village, and that all the inhabitants were dependent on her for fire. Daylight will come, though the cock do not crow. ( Danah, )*

Nothing has been achieved, but the arrogance is immense.

This proverb is used to describe someone who has no significant accomplishments or status but behaves with extreme pride and ego. It is often applied to people who act superior to others without having the merit or success to back it up.

Just because you say 'Shankara Shankara', will your mouth become crooked?

This proverb is used to mock someone's irrational fear or superstition that performing a simple, good, or harmless act will lead to a ridiculous physical deformity or negative consequence. It is often used to encourage someone to stop making excuses and just do what is necessary.

Life is less, salary is more

This expression refers to a situation where a job or a person involves very little physical effort or productivity, yet receives a high salary or compensation. It is often used to comment on laziness or overpaid positions where the output does not justify the pay.

A sick person has more anger.

This expression is used to describe how people who are suffering or in a weak state tend to be irritable, impatient, or easily annoyed. It serves as a reminder to be patient and empathetic with those who are unwell, as their physical discomfort often manifests as bad temper.

If it is not present in the town itself, will it be found along the way?

This proverb highlights that if something is not found at its primary source or origin (prolu/town), it is unlikely to be found in the outskirts or along the journey. It is used to express skepticism about finding a solution or resource in secondary places when it was absent at the main source.