దొరకు పడుకోను మంచం లేదు, బంటుకు పట్టుపరుపు అట
doraku padukonu mancham ledu, bantuku pattuparupu ata
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.
Related Phrases
ఉండ ఇల్లు లేదు, పండ మంచము లేదు.
unda illu ledu, panda manchamu ledu.
No house to stay in, no bed to lie on.
This expression describes a state of absolute poverty or homelessness. It is used to refer to someone who possesses no assets, shelter, or basic comforts, indicating a complete lack of resources.
అత్తకు మంచీలేదు, చింతకు పచ్చీలేదు.
attaku manchiledu, chintaku pachchiledu.
There is no good for a mother-in-law, and there is no raw state for a tamarind.
This proverb highlights two perceived universal truths: that a mother-in-law is rarely seen as 'good' or appreciated by a daughter-in-law, just as a tamarind fruit is almost never considered truly 'raw' because of its inherent sourness and immediate utility. It is used to describe situations where a person's nature is fixed or where a certain relationship is traditionally difficult and unlikely to change.
రోషములేని బంటుకు మోసము లేదు.
roshamuleni bantuku mosamu ledu.
A mean-spirited servant is in no danger [ of losing his life. ]
This proverb suggests that a person who lacks self-respect or a sense of honor is rarely disappointed or deceived because they do not have high standards or expectations to be betrayed. It is often used to criticize someone who lacks the courage to stand up for themselves, implying that while they might stay safe, they lack dignity.
శేరు దొరకు, మణుగు బంటు.
sheru doraku, manugu bantu.
The master is a seer, the servant is a maund.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where a servant or subordinate is far more capable, hardworking, or influential than their master or employer. It highlights the irony of a small leader having a much more substantial assistant.
The servant is the master.
దొరసానికి దుప్పటిలేదు, తొత్తుకు తొగరు చీరట.
dorasaniki duppatiledu, tottuku togaru chirata.
The mistress has no blanket, but the maidservant has a crimson silk saree.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone in a subordinate or less deserving position possesses luxuries while the person in charge or the more deserving one lacks even basic necessities. It highlights irony, misplaced priorities, or a reversal of status where an undeserving person shows off more than their superior.
రోషంలేని బంటుకు మీసంలేని రాజుకు నష్టమే లేదు.
roshamleni bantuku misamleni rajuku nashtame ledu.
There is no loss for a soldier without self-respect and a king without a mustache.
This proverb highlights the importance of honor and dignity. Just as a mustache was traditionally seen as a symbol of authority for a king, self-respect (rosham) is essential for a soldier. If they lack these qualities, they have nothing left to lose because they have already lost their status and dignity in the eyes of society.
ఆశకు అంతులేదు, నిద్రకు సుఖంలేదు
ashaku antuledu, nidraku sukhamledu
Greed has no end, sleep has no comfort.
This proverb highlights the restless nature of excessive desire. It means that there is no limit to human ambition or greed, and a person consumed by constant cravings can never find peace of mind or restful sleep. It is used to describe someone who is never satisfied with what they have.
ఆశ లేదు, గీశ లేదు, చచ్చినట్లు పడుకో
asha ledu, gisha ledu, chachchinatlu paduko
No hope, no nothing, just lie down like you're dead
This expression is used to tell someone to stop complaining or harboring false hopes and to simply accept the reality of a situation. It is often used in a blunt or humorous way to tell someone to go to sleep or stop bothering others when there is no chance of getting what they want.
దొరకు పండుకొనే మంచం లేకపోతే దాసి దానికి పట్టుపరుపా?
doraku pandukone mancham lekapote dasi daniki pattuparupa?
If the master does not have a bed to sleep on, would the maidservant have a silk mattress?
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.
మంచివాడు మంచివాడంటే, మంచమెక్కి గంతులు వేశాడటా.
manchivadu manchivadante, manchamekki gantulu veshadata.
When he was called a good man, he jumped onto the cot and started leaping.
This expression is used to describe someone who takes undue advantage of others' kindness or praise. It refers to a person who, when treated with respect or leniency, behaves recklessly or exceeds their boundaries due to overconfidence or lack of discipline.