బహునాయకం, బాలనాయకం, స్త్రీ నాయకం
bahunayakam, balanayakam, stri nayakam
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.
Related Phrases
గణనాయకుని చేయగోరగా కడు వానరుడైన తీరు
gananayakuni cheyagoraga kadu vanarudaina tiru
Attempting to make an idol of Lord Ganesha, but it ended up looking like a monkey.
This proverb describes a situation where someone sets out to do something noble or grand but ends up with a poor or unintended result due to lack of skill or poor execution. It is used to mock efforts that backfire or projects that result in something far inferior to the original goal.
బహుతిండి బహునాశనం
bahutindi bahunashanam
Excessive eating leads to excessive destruction.
This proverb warns against the dangers of gluttony and overindulgence. It implies that lack of control over one's appetite not only ruins physical health but also leads to the downfall of one's character, discipline, and wealth. It is used to advise moderation in consumption and lifestyle.
చేసేవి నాయకాలు, అడిగేవి తిరిపాలు, పెట్టకుంటే కోపాలు.
chesevi nayakalu, adigevi tiripalu, pettakunte kopalu.
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.
తెచ్చుకుంటే భోంచేయి జగన్నాయకా, లేకుంటే ఊరకుండు జగన్నాయకా
techchukunte bhoncheyi jagannayaka, lekunte urakundu jagannayaka
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.
బహు నాయకము, బాల నాయకము, స్త్రీ నాయకము
bahu nayakamu, bala nayakamu, stri nayakamu
Multiple leaders, a child leader, or a woman leader.
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.
చక్కగా కూకోరా చాకలనాయడా అంటే, విన్నావటోయి యీడిగనాయడా మంగలనాయడి సరసము అన్నాడట.
chakkaga kukora chakalanayada ante, vinnavatoyi yidiganayada mangalanayadi sarasamu annadata.
"Sit properly Mr. Washerman" said one, "Mr. Toddy-drawer, do you hear Mr. Barber's joke ?" said the other. Chaffing between Sātānis, who are Vaishṇava converts from all castes.
This proverb describes a situation where someone takes a simple piece of advice or a direct correction as an insult or a joke. It is used to mock people who are overly sensitive, defensive, or those who try to deflect their own shortcomings by involving others in a petty manner.
నాలుగు వర్షాలు కురిస్తే, నత్తకాయ నాయకురాలు
nalugu varshalu kuriste, nattakaya nayakuralu
If it rains four times, even a snail thinks it is a leader.
This proverb is used to describe an insignificant person who suddenly acts superior or arrogant due to a brief period of favorable circumstances. Just as snails emerge and act prominently during the rains, a person of low merit might try to dominate or lead when the situation becomes easy or advantageous for them.
తెచ్చుకుంటే భోంచెయ్ జగన్నాయకా, లేకుంటే వూరకుండు జగన్నాయకా
techchukunte bhonchey jagannayaka, lekunte vurakundu jagannayaka
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.
తెచ్చుకొంటే భోంచెయి జగన్నాయకా, లేకుంటే ఊరకుండు జగన్నాయకా.
techchukonte bhoncheyi jagannayaka, lekunte urakundu jagannayaka.
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.
ఉప్పు ఊరగాయ కాదు
uppu uragaya kadu
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.