దొరకు పండుకొనే మంచం లేకపోతే దాసి దానికి పట్టుపరుపా?

doraku pandukone mancham lekapote dasi daniki pattuparupa?

Translation

If the master does not have a bed to sleep on, would the maidservant have a silk mattress?

Meaning

This proverb is used to highlight social hierarchy and the absurdity of a subordinate expecting luxuries that even their superior lacks. It implies that when the provider or the leader is struggling for basic necessities, it is foolish for the dependent or assistant to expect extravagant comforts.

Related Phrases

If a husband is not there, then the elder sister's husband; if a curry is not there, then dal.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone settles for a substitute or an alternative when the original or preferred choice is unavailable. It highlights the human tendency to find a replacement, sometimes even an inappropriate or simplified one, just to fill a void.

When the mistress herself cannot afford a plain cloth, does the maid expect a silk sari?

This proverb is used to describe a situation where a subordinate or someone in a lower position demands luxuries or basic needs when their superior or the provider is struggling to secure even the bare minimum. It highlights unrealistic expectations or lack of common sense regarding one's current circumstances.

If you give space to stay, they ask for a bed to sleep on.

This proverb describes a situation where someone takes undue advantage of a person's kindness or generosity. It is used when a person is offered basic help but immediately makes further, more demanding requests, showing a lack of gratitude or boundaries.

If you have no common food, [give me] the best; if you have no common cloth, [give me] a silk one.

This is a sarcastic expression used to describe someone who, when they lack basic necessities, demands or expects high-end luxuries instead of seeking practical alternatives. It highlights the irony of having extravagant tastes or unrealistic expectations while being in a state of poverty or deprivation.

Said by an impertinent beggar when refused assistance by a stingy person.

If caught, he is a thief; if not caught, he is a lord.

This proverb highlights the irony of social status based on being caught. It is used to describe a situation where someone's reputation depends entirely on whether their dishonest actions are discovered. As long as their crimes are hidden, they are respected as a gentleman or 'Dora' (lord), but the moment they are caught, they are labeled a thief.

If you go to do good, you won't even get drinking water.

This proverb is used to express frustration when a person's good intentions or helpfulness result in bad outcomes, lack of appreciation, or even trouble for themselves. It suggests that in some cynical situations, being virtuous doesn't even yield the most basic reward or gratitude.

If caught, a thief; if not caught, a lord.

This proverb is used to describe hypocritical people who maintain a respectable image in society as long as their misdeeds remain hidden. It implies that many people are only considered 'honorable' or 'gentlemen' because they haven't been caught yet, highlighting that status often depends on the public eye rather than true character.

To a good man silence is reproof.

This proverb highlights that a simple, kind, or honest word is sufficient to correct or influence a person of good character. While a stubborn or wicked person might require force or punishment, a virtuous person understands and responds to reason and gentle communication.

They eat of one dish and sleep on one bed.

This expression describes people who share an extremely close, intimate, and inseparable bond or friendship. It is often used to highlight the deep camaraderie and mutual trust between individuals who do everything together.

Extreme intimacy. They are hand and glove.

The master has no bed to sleep on, but the servant demands a silk mattress.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where a subordinate or someone in a lower position demands luxuries or facilities that even their superior or benefactor cannot afford. It highlights irony, misplaced priorities, or unreasonable demands made by someone who is dependent on others.