బీదలకేల భోగము? బడాయి పెద్దరికము పెట్టి బీరము!

bidalakela bhogamu? badayi peddarikamu petti biramu!

Translation

Why should the poor seek luxuries? Boasting of status and displaying false pride!

Meaning

This expression is used to criticize people who, despite having no financial means, try to live a luxurious lifestyle or show off a high social status they haven't earned. It suggests that one should live within their means rather than putting on a false display of grandeur or 'Biram' (heroic pride) that they cannot sustain.

Related Phrases

When by saving and saving they married the younger son, the elder son's wife went to her ancestors.

This proverb describes a situation where excessive delay or extreme frugality in planning an event leads to the loss of its original purpose or results in another tragedy. It is used when someone takes so much time to organize or save for something that the circumstances change entirely, often making the effort redundant or bittersweet.

When the eldest brother-in-law died for the sake of status, the entire family died unable to carry the corpse.

This proverb describes a situation where someone takes on an unnecessary burden or makes a sacrifice just to maintain social prestige or status, which ultimately results in a massive, unmanageable hardship for everyone involved. It is used to mock people who prioritize 'appearances' over practical reality and common sense.

At the marriage ceremony of a god all are rulers. Where there is no head, every one does what he likes.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where there is no clear leader or hierarchy, and everyone acts as if they are in charge or equal in authority. It is often applied to social gatherings or collaborative tasks where everyone gives orders but no one follows them, or where no specific person is assigned the responsibility of a host.

Will they feed the bull for its muscles?

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone is working hard or performing a duty, but the benefits or rewards are not meant for them personally. It implies that just as a bull is fed to work in the fields and not for its own growth or meat, some efforts are purely functional and don't result in personal gain for the individual doing the work.

May you break into the house of him who has fed you ?

This proverb emphasizes the virtue of gratitude and loyalty. It suggests that it is a great sin or an act of extreme betrayal to harm or cheat someone who has helped or supported you during your time of need.

Kannam is a hole made by burglars in the wall of a house.

What has the squirrel to do with the management of the village ?

This proverb is used to criticize or mock someone who tries to exert authority or take charge of matters that are far beyond their capacity, status, or influence. It highlights the mismatch between a person's limited abilities and the grand responsibilities they are trying to shoulder.

Presumptuous interference. Impertinent meddling. * Lass den Gast ziehen eh das Gewitter ausbricht.

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.

Don't serve the elders, but wear a fancy turban of disputes.

This proverb is used to criticize someone who neglects their basic duties or responsibilities—such as taking care of elders or family—but spends their time and energy on vanity, creating unnecessary arguments, or maintaining a false sense of prestige.

If there is no elderly head, the status of elderliness is insufficient.

This proverb emphasizes the importance of having an experienced or wise person at the helm. It suggests that without a wise leader (a big head) to guide and make decisions, simply holding a position of authority or seniority (elderliness) is not enough to manage a family or a group effectively.

He is not wanting in words.

This proverb means that speaking or making promises costs nothing. It is used to describe situations where people talk big or offer hollow words because talking is free and requires no actual resources or effort.

He ruins himself in promises, and clears himself by giving nothing. ( French. )*