దిమాకు ఎక్కినవాడు దిక్కులు చూస్తే, పల్లకి ఎక్కినవాడు ప్రక్క చూచినాడట
dimaku ekkinavadu dikkulu chuste, pallaki ekkinavadu prakka chuchinadata
While the arrogant one stares at the horizons, the one in the palanquin looks to the side.
This proverb highlights the difference between hollow arrogance and actual status. It is used to describe a person who is overly conceited or 'high-headed' (dimaku) without any real accomplishment, contrasting them with someone who actually holds a position of importance but is more grounded or observant.
Related Phrases
ఎద్దు ఎక్కినవాడే లింగడు, గద్దె నెక్కినవాడే రంగడు.
eddu ekkinavade lingadu, gadde nekkinavade rangadu.
The one who mounts the bull is Shiva, and the one who sits on the throne is the King.
This proverb highlights that power, position, or status is often defined by the seat or authority one occupies. It suggests that once a person reaches a position of power (the throne), they are automatically respected or recognized as the ruler, regardless of their prior identity. It is often used to describe how people's perception of an individual changes based on their newfound status or authority.
నాలుక ఉన్నవాడు నాలుగు దిక్కులు తిరుగగలడు
naluka unnavadu nalugu dikkulu tirugagaladu
One who has a tongue can travel in all four directions.
This proverb emphasizes the power of communication. It suggests that a person who can speak well, ask questions, and interact with others can navigate through any situation or place in the world without getting lost or stuck. Communication skills and the ability to seek help are key to survival and success.
ఏనుగునెక్కినవాడు దిడ్డికంత దూరగలడా?
enugunekkinavadu diddikanta duragalada?
Can a person riding an elephant pass through a small wicket-gate?
This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone who has attained a high status or is involved in a massive undertaking cannot fit into or resort to small, narrow, or petty ways. It emphasizes that great positions come with certain limitations and one cannot expect the same flexibility as someone in a minor position.
చిక్కినవాడు సిగ్గెరుగడు, బలసినవాడు వావి ఎరుగడు
chikkinavadu siggerugadu, balasinavadu vavi erugadu
The person who is thin (destitute) knows no shame, and the one who is fat (arrogant/powerful) knows no relationship.
This proverb describes how extreme circumstances change human behavior. A person who is starving or in desperate poverty loses their sense of shame because survival becomes their only priority. Conversely, a person who is blinded by wealth, power, or arrogance often ignores social boundaries, ethics, and family ties (kinship). It is used to comment on how desperation and vanity can both erode a person's character.
ఎద్దును ఎక్కినవాడే లింగడు, గద్దను ఎక్కినవాడే రంగడు.
eddunu ekkinavade lingadu, gaddanu ekkinavade rangadu.
He who rides on a bullock is Lingaḍu (Śiva), he who rides on a kite is Rangaḍu (Vishṇu). i. e. the two are but one under different forms. Said by Smārtas.
This expression emphasizes that people are recognized and defined by their unique status, vehicles, or attributes. Just as Shiva is identified by his bull (Nandi) and Vishnu by his eagle (Garuda), everyone has their own distinct identity or role that defines them. It is used to suggest that individuals should be judged or identified by their specific characteristics or accomplishments.
పల్లము దున్నినవాడు, పల్లకి ఎక్కుతాడు
pallamu dunninavadu, pallaki ekkutadu
The one who plows the lowlands will ride the palanquin.
This proverb emphasizes that hard work and perseverance lead to prosperity and high status. Lowlands are often the most fertile but difficult areas to cultivate; therefore, the person who puts in the effort to farm them will eventually earn enough wealth and respect to afford a luxury like a palanquin (an ancient symbol of status and comfort).
శాపాలకు చచ్చినవాడు, దీవెనలకు బ్రతికినవాడు లేరు.
shapalaku chachchinavadu, divenalaku bratikinavadu leru.
There is no one who died because of curses, nor anyone who lived because of blessings.
This proverb emphasizes that human life and destiny are governed by actions and natural laws rather than just the words of others. It suggests that mere words—whether malicious curses or benevolent blessings—do not have the power to change one's fate or physical reality. It is used to encourage people to ignore empty threats or not rely solely on praise.
ఏనుగును ఎక్కినవాడు కుక్క కూతకు జడియడు.
enugunu ekkinavadu kukka kutaku jadiyadu.
One who is riding an elephant will not be scared by the barking of a dog.
This proverb describes a person of high status, great character, or strong resolve who remains unbothered by petty criticisms or the noise of insignificant detractors. It is used to encourage someone to stay focused on their large goals without worrying about small-minded opposition.
ఇచ్చినవాడే నచ్చినవాడు, చచ్చినవాడే అచ్చినవాడు
ichchinavade nachchinavadu, chachchinavade achchinavadu
The one who gives is liked, the one who dies is free of debt.
This proverb reflects a pragmatic and somewhat cynical view of human nature. It suggests that people only like those who provide them with something or give them money. The second part implies that a person's debts are effectively canceled or their accounts are settled only when they pass away, often used to comment on the difficulty of recovering debts or the fleeting nature of social approval based on transactions.
ఇచ్చినవాడే మెచ్చినవాడు, చచ్చినవాడే అచ్చినవాడు.
ichchinavade mechchinavadu, chachchinavade achchinavadu.
The over liberal man is ruined ; when a man dies, his debts go with him.
This proverb highlights two harsh realities of life: people only appreciate those who are generous or provide help, and once a person dies, their debts and obligations often perish with them, making it impossible to recover what was owed. It is used to describe the nature of gratitude and the finality of death regarding liabilities.