డబ్బు దస్కం లేదు గానీ, డవాలు బంట్రోతు

dabbu daskam ledu gani, davalu bantrotu

Translation

No money or wealth, but a servant with a shoulder badge.

Meaning

This proverb describes a person who lacks financial resources or status but still maintains a pompous attitude or insists on expensive appearances and luxuries. It is used to mock those who live beyond their means or pretend to be more influential than they actually are.

Related Phrases

A person without courage is of no use even with money.

This proverb highlights that courage and self-confidence are more valuable than material wealth. It is used to describe a situation where a person, despite having financial resources, cannot achieve anything or defend themselves because they lack the necessary boldness or character.

He has no tail, but he is as great a servant (or warrior) as Hanuman.

This expression is used to describe someone who is exceptionally capable, hardworking, or loyal, comparing them to the legendary Hanuman despite lacking the physical attribute (the tail). It is often used to praise someone's strength and dedication.

If you wish to kill a miser, to ask him for a Dabb is sufficient. A Dabbu is one-third of an Anâ (anna), and is equivalent to a half-penny.

This proverb is used to describe the extreme stinginess of a person. It suggests that for a greedy or miserly person, giving away money is as painful as death itself. It is used to highlight someone's excessive attachment to their wealth.

The rich man's ring is gold; the poor man's ring is brass.

This proverb highlights societal bias and how people's perceptions change based on a person's financial status. It means that if a wealthy person does or says something, it is highly valued and respected (like gold), but if a poor person does the exact same thing, it is disregarded or seen as cheap (like brass).

If the ruler himself is a thief, the servant will become a burglar.

This proverb highlights the impact of leadership on subordinates. If those in power are corrupt or dishonest, their followers or subordinates will feel justified in committing even greater crimes. It suggests that morality and integrity must start at the top, as the character of the master determines the behavior of the servants.

I won't give a Dabb, I won't give the dust on a Dabb. ( 35 ).

This expression is used to describe an extremely stingy or miserly person who refuses to give away even the slightest bit of their wealth, often to an irrational degree. It highlights a character that is uncompromising and excessively greedy.

If you have money, you enjoy Delhi-like luxuries; if you don't have money, you face hardships/destitution.

This expression highlights the power of wealth in determining social status and comfort. It contrasts the extreme luxury one can enjoy with money against the struggle and lack of basic respect one faces in poverty.

It is not that we don't have the medicine, it's just that there is a shortage of people to shed tears.

This proverb is used to mock someone who makes grand claims about their capabilities or possessions but gives silly, illogical, or impossible excuses for not being able to use them or deliver results. It highlights the absurdity of having a solution but lacking a ridiculous requirement for it to work.

If you have money, it doesn't matter which tin box you play.

This expression suggests that if a person is wealthy, their actions—no matter how silly, mediocre, or unconventional—will be accepted or even praised by society. It highlights how financial status can shield someone from criticism and grant them the freedom to behave as they wish.

An uneducated teacher gets an arrogant servant.

This proverb highlights that a leader's lack of competence or qualification often results in subordinates who lack discipline or respect. It is used to describe situations where the quality of leadership directly dictates the poor behavior or performance of those being managed.