దిక్కులేనివాడు - ఊరికి నక్కే పోతురాజు!

dikkulenivadu - uriki nakke poturaju!

Translation

For a place with no protector, a fox is the village deity!

Meaning

In a place where there are no capable leaders or guardians, even an insignificant or cunning person becomes the supreme authority. It is used to describe situations where a lack of quality competition allows someone unworthy to hold a position of power.

Related Phrases

A person without cattle and a person without children are the same.

In traditional agrarian societies, cattle were considered as vital as family members for one's livelihood and legacy. This expression highlights the essential role of livestock in prosperity, implying that lacking them is as significant a loss as not having heirs to carry on the family name or support the household.

In a ruined village, the leg of a cot is the powerful deity Pothuraju.

In a place where there is a complete lack of talent or leadership, even a mediocre or worthless person is considered great or powerful. It is used to describe a situation where someone with very little skill becomes the leader because there is no better competition available.

God is the help of the helpless. God is where He was.

This proverb is used to express that when someone has no support, family, or help in the world, God will protect and guide them. It is equivalent to the English sentiment that God helps those who are helpless or abandoned.

One who has not is as one who is not in the world. i. e. A penniless man has nothing in the world.

This proverb highlights the harsh reality of social status and poverty. It suggests that a person without wealth or resources is often treated as if they have no place or belonging in the world, emphasizing how society values individuals based on their possessions.

In a village with no elders, Pothuraju (the village deity) is the elder.

In the absence of competent leaders or wise people, even an unqualified or insignificant person can assume a position of power or authority. It is used to describe a situation where someone takes charge simply because there is no one better available.

A king at eating, but a buffalo at working.

This proverb is used to describe a person who is very enthusiastic and consumes a lot when it comes to food, but becomes extremely lazy or avoids effort when it is time to work. It highlights the irony of having great energy for consumption but zero energy for productivity.

In a village without a god, the leg of a cot is the guardian deity.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where, in the absence of a competent leader or a superior authority, an insignificant or incompetent person assumes control and acts as if they are powerful. It highlights how mediocrity shines when there is no true excellence present.

In a village with no protector, even a fox is the Pothuraju (mighty deity).

This proverb describes a situation where, in the absence of a capable leader or authority figure, an unworthy or cunning person assumes power and acts as if they are the ruler. It is used to mock the authority of someone who has gained importance only because there are no better alternatives available.

A court/administrative office with no direction or authority.

This expression is used to describe a state of total chaos, lack of leadership, or a situation where there is no one in charge to take responsibility. It often refers to an organization or household that is neglected and functioning without any order or oversight.

For those who have no one, God is the only refuge

This proverb is used to convey that when a person is helpless, abandoned, or has no support system (orphans, the destitute, or the oppressed), the divine power or providence is their ultimate protector. It is often used to offer comfort in dire situations or to remind others that the helpless are under God's care.