అతనికంటే ఘనుడు ఆచంట మల్లన్న

atanikante ghanudu achanta mallanna

Translation

Achanta Mallanna is greater than him.

Meaning

This expression is used to describe a situation where one person encounters someone even more clever, skilled, or cunning than themselves. It is often used to imply that there is always someone superior or more formidable regardless of how great one thinks they are.

Related Phrases

He who swallows is better off than he who chews. He gets along at a greater pace.

This proverb describes someone who is more efficient or cunning than another. While one person is busy working through details or struggling (chewing), the other person finishes the task instantly or takes the credit effortlessly (swallowing). It is often used to describe someone who outperforms another with less apparent effort.

Said of an energetic man.

The beggar of crumbs gets more than the beggar of loaves.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where an assistant, subordinate, or middleman behaves with more authority, arrogance, or showiness than the actual owner or master. It highlights how someone who only holds a small part of the wealth or power often tries to appear more significant than the person who holds the whole.

The one who swallows is greater than the one who chews.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where one person does the hard work or preparations (chewing), but another person quickly takes away the result or benefit (swallowing). It can also refer to people who are more efficient or aggressive in consuming resources or grabbing opportunities compared to those who take their time.

Great words, but small measure.

This proverb is used to describe a person who speaks grandly or makes lofty promises but fails to deliver anything substantial or acts in a very stingy manner. It highlights the contrast between high-sounding talk and poor or insignificant actions.

A Mânika is a dry measure. The greatest talkers are always the least doers.

Achanta Mallanna is even greater than him.

This expression is used to describe a situation where one person meets someone who is even more clever, powerful, or capable than themselves. It is often used to caution someone who is acting arrogant or boastful that there is always someone superior to them in the world.

One who can suppress their joy is greater than one who can suppress their sorrow.

While most people struggle to hide their grief, it is considered a sign of true character and maturity to remain humble and composed during times of great success or happiness without boasting. It emphasizes the importance of equanimity (Sthitapragyata).

If you speak the truth, the village will not suit you.

This proverb implies that people often dislike hearing the blunt truth. If a person is brutally honest and points out facts as they are, they may face social rejection or hostility from their community, as society often prefers pleasant lies over harsh realities.

The best part of the cold food is the pickle.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where a side-dish or a secondary accompaniment overshadows the main meal. Metaphorically, it refers to instances where accessories or trivial additions are given more importance or are more impressive than the main subject or person.

The person with the pieces is greater than the person with the bones.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone who possesses the actual substance or the best parts of something is superior to someone who only has the large, hollow, or useless parts. It emphasizes quality and substance over sheer size or volume.

The pickle is greater than the leftover rice

This proverb is used to describe a situation where a secondary or trivial thing is given more importance, or seems more impressive, than the primary or essential thing. It's often applied when an accessory or an accompaniment overshadows the main subject.