బతుకు తక్కువైనా బడాయి ఎక్కువ

batuku takkuvaina badayi ekkuva

Translation

Even if life is low, the boasting is high

Meaning

This expression describes a person who lives in humble or poor conditions but pretends to be very wealthy or superior. It is used to criticize someone who shows off excessively despite having no real status or resources to back it up.

Related Phrases

If food is in excess, rituals increase; if rituals increase, fortune decreases.

This proverb suggests that when people have too much luxury or idle time, they tend to focus excessively on rigid traditions and unnecessary rituals. However, becoming overly obsessed with such formalities can lead to one's downfall or misfortune. It is a cautionary saying about maintaining balance and avoiding extreme pedantry.

Too small for a head-cloth and too large for a loincloth.

This expression is used to describe something that is of an awkward size or quality—too little for a significant purpose but too much for a trivial one. It refers to a person or thing that is caught in the middle, being neither here nor there, and therefore practically useless or difficult to categorize.

Low intelligence, high hunger

This expression is used to mock someone who lacks common sense or intelligence but has a very large appetite or demands a lot of resources. It describes a person who doesn't contribute much intellectually but consumes a lot.

Like the lime paste on a betel leaf—too little or too much is a problem.

This expression describes a person or a situation that requires precise balance. Just as the right amount of lime (sunnam) enhances a betel leaf but too little makes it tasteless and too much burns the mouth, this refers to people who are difficult to manage or things that must be handled with extreme care to avoid negative consequences.

Low livelihood, high arrogance.

This proverb is used to describe a person who lacks the financial means or capability to sustain themselves properly, yet behaves with excessive pride, arrogance, or puts on a grand show of attitude. It highlights the irony of someone having a poor lifestyle but a high level of pretension.

Less than an annual ceremony, more than a monthly ceremony.

This expression is used to describe something that is mediocre, awkward, or in an indeterminate state. It refers to something that doesn't fit into a specific category or standard—being neither significant enough to be considered important (like a 'Taddinam') nor small enough to be ignored (like a 'Masikam'). It often describes a person's height, the scale of an event, or the quality of a piece of work that is neither here nor there.

Low income, high showiness (or irritability).

This proverb is used to describe a person who has very limited financial means or resources but behaves with excessive pride, a quick temper, or an arrogant attitude. It highlights the irony of someone having little to sustain themselves while maintaining a high-handed or easily offended demeanor.

The one from a lower caste/status has more vanity.

This proverb is used to describe people who lack substance, character, or high status but try to overcompensate by being overly showy, boastful, or excessively concerned with outward appearances and fashion.

Low-priced gold has more impurities.

This proverb is used to indicate that when something is sold at an unusually low price, it is often of poor quality or has many defects. It is a cautionary saying used to remind people that 'you get what you pay for' and that cheap goods often come with hidden costs or flaws.

Even if poor in food, is one poor in caste/status?

This proverb is used to express that even if someone lacks financial resources or basic necessities like food, they still maintain their self-respect, dignity, or social standing. It highlights the idea that poverty does not equate to a loss of character or heritage.