బహు నాయకము, బాల నాయకము, స్త్రీ నాయకము

bahu nayakamu, bala nayakamu, stri nayakamu

Translation

Multiple leaders, a child leader, or a woman leader.

Meaning

This traditional proverb suggests that a kingdom, organization, or family will face downfall if it is led by too many people (causing chaos), an immature child (lacking wisdom), or a woman (reflecting historical patriarchal views on leadership). It is used to describe situations where leadership is fragmented or perceived as weak.

Related Phrases

Having many leaders, having a youthful leader, having a female leader. Said of people, an army, &c.

This expression refers to situations or institutions that are destined for failure or decline. It suggests that a kingdom or an organization will perish if it is governed by too many leaders (causing chaos), an immature/inexperienced leader (lack of wisdom), or, in traditional contexts, where power is misplaced or lacks decisive leadership. It is used to describe mismanagement and lack of a single, strong, and capable direction.

He gives himself the airs of a great man, but begs for alms, and is angry if he gets none.

This proverb is used to describe a person who puts on grand airs or acts superior while actually depending on others' charity, and further exhibits entitlement by getting angry when their demands are not met. It highlights the irony of having a big ego despite being in a position of dependency.

Five days of Makha (rain) equals five months (of water/benefit).

This is a traditional agricultural proverb. It means that if it rains during the 'Makha' Karti (a specific period in the lunar calendar), the water received in those five days is as beneficial and sufficient as five months of regular rainfall. It emphasizes the importance of timely rain for a good harvest.

If you bring food, eat, O Jagannayaka; otherwise, remain silent, O Jagannayaka.

This proverb is used to describe a person who is entirely dependent on others or circumstances. It suggests that if things are provided for them, they enjoy it, but if nothing is available, they remain passive and helpless without making an effort to change the situation. It often mocks someone who lacks self-reliance or initiative.

It is like the cooking of Nala and Bhîma. Said ironically to a bad cook.

This expression is used to describe food that is exceptionally delicious or exquisitely prepared. In Indian mythology, King Nala and Bhima (one of the Pandavas) were both legendary chefs known for their extraordinary culinary skills. When someone says a meal is like 'Nala-Bhima Pakamu', they are giving the highest possible compliment to the cook.

If you get any thing eat it O Jagannâyaka! if you don't get any thing do without it O Jagannâyaka! Jagannâyaka is the idol at Jagannâtha, in Orissa.

This proverb refers to a situation where a person only gets to eat if they put in the effort to procure food themselves. It is used to describe self-reliance or a context where there is no host or provider, implying that if you want something, you must arrange it yourself rather than expecting it to be served.

* La voluntad à todo. † Der Wille ist des Workes Seelc. § Goed verloren, niet verloren; moed verloren, veel verloren; eer verloren, meer verloren; ziel verloren, al verloren.

Leniency is injurious, severity is profitable. Applied to children. Spare the rod and spoil the child.

This proverb suggests that being overly soft or lenient can lead to losses or being taken advantage of, whereas maintaining a sense of fear, discipline, or strictness leads to prosperity and success. It is often used in the context of administration, parenting, or leadership.

If you bring it, eat it, O Lord of the Universe; otherwise, stay silent, O Lord of the Universe.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where a person is only provided for or helped if they take the initiative themselves. It refers to a state of self-reliance or a lack of external support, suggesting that if you manage to get something, you can enjoy it; if not, you must remain hungry or quiet without complaining.

Nala's cooking and Bhima's cooking

These terms refer to exceptionally delicious food or superior culinary skills. In Hindu mythology, King Nala and the Pandava prince Bhima were renowned for their extraordinary cooking abilities. It is used as a compliment to describe a meal that is expertly prepared and tastes divine.

Salt is not a pickle

This expression is used to remind someone that raw materials or basic ingredients are not the same as the final finished product. It highlights that potential or basic utility requires effort and processing to become something more valuable or enjoyable.