బిచ్చపు వాణ్ని చూస్తే బీద వానికి కోపము

bichchapu vanni chuste bida vaniki kopamu

Translation

The sight of a beggar rouses a poor man's anger.

Meaning

This expression describes the envy or resentment felt between people in similar unfortunate circumstances. It is often used when someone who is struggling themselves looks down upon or feels competitive towards another person who is also in need, rather than showing empathy.

Notes

Said impertinently by a beggar when he gets nothing.

Related Phrases

Even a dying man will rise up when he sees a liberal person. With the hope of receiving something from him.

This proverb highlights the power of generosity or the allure of receiving something for free. It implies that the prospect of receiving a gift or charity is so motivating that it can revitalize someone even in their weakest state. It is often used to describe situations where people suddenly become active or interested when there is a profit or benefit to be gained.

Anger upon seeing an enemy, peace upon seeing a saint

This expression describes the natural human tendency to react differently based on the person encountered. It implies that our internal state—whether aggressive or calm—is often a reflection of the company we keep or the character of the person standing before us. It is used to suggest that one should strive for emotional balance or to describe how someone's demeanor shifts instantly depending on their surroundings.

If you say "Mount," the bullock is angry; if you say "Get off" the lame man is angry.

This proverb describes a 'no-win' or 'catch-22' situation where any decision made will upset someone involved. It is used when a person is caught between two parties with conflicting interests, where satisfying one inevitably displeases the other.

It is hard to please every one. (Dutch.)*

Looking at one person makes you want to give, looking at another makes you want to hit.

This expression describes how human behavior and generosity are often reactive to a person's character or attitude. It implies that some people naturally evoke kindness and charity, while others, due to their behavior or nature, provoke irritation or anger.

If you see a person running, the one chasing will find him an easy target.

This proverb means that if you show fear or act like a victim, people will take advantage of you or continue to bully you. It is used to suggest that one should stand their ground because weakness invites more aggression from others.

Looking at the husband causes irritation, but looking at a widow (mistress) brings delight.

This proverb is used to describe a person who dislikes or finds fault with their own family or legitimate responsibilities but shows great enthusiasm and affection for outsiders or improper things. It highlights misplaced priorities and hypocrisy in one's behavior.

Is there any poverty in a beggar's food ? Does he feel any want ?

This proverb is used to point out that when someone is already living on charity, alms, or the generosity of others, they have nothing left to lose. It implies that a person at the lowest level of subsistence does not fear 'poverty' because they are already experiencing its extreme. It is often used to describe situations where additional misfortune cannot further harm someone who is already in a desperate state.

A poor man is even lower than a beggar.

This proverb describes the harsh reality of social hierarchies, implying that someone who is down on their luck or lacks resources is often looked down upon or disrespected even by those who are considered to be at the bottom of society. It is used to highlight how vulnerability invites mistreatment from everyone.

Seeing its own kind makes a dog angry, but a horse happy.

This proverb is used to contrast different attitudes toward one's own community or peers. It suggests that while some people are jealous or hostile toward their own kind (like a dog barking at another dog), others feel joy and a sense of belonging when they see their peers (like a horse neighing happily at another horse). It is a commentary on human nature regarding professional or social rivalry versus solidarity.

If you say "let it go" the snake will be angry, if you say "hold it" the frog will be angry. A difficulty in pleasing both parties in the settlement of a dispute. It is hard to please a' parties. (Scotch.)

This proverb describes a difficult dilemma or a 'no-win' situation where any decision made will inevitably offend or hurt one of the parties involved. It is used when a person is caught between two conflicting interests and is unable to please everyone.