దొరసానికి దుప్పటిలేదు, తొత్తుకు తొగరు చీరట.

dorasaniki duppatiledu, tottuku togaru chirata.

Translation

The mistress has no blanket, but the maidservant has a crimson silk saree.

Meaning

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.

Related Phrases

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.

Like weaving a blanket for a person who keeps shrinking or pulling away.

This expression is used to describe a situation where all the effort put into helping someone or completing a task goes to waste because the subject is uncooperative, inconsistent, or constantly changing. It highlights the frustration of doing labor for someone who undermines the progress as quickly as it is made.

Everything is there, but the border lacks the red dye (Togaru).

This proverb is used to describe a situation where everything seems perfect or complete, yet one crucial or finishing detail is missing that makes the whole thing feel incomplete or inadequate. It is often used to critique something that has quantity but lacks a specific quality or a necessary finishing touch.

Brass is not gold, and a maid is not a lady.

This proverb is used to emphasize that external appearances or imitations cannot replace the value or dignity of the original. Just as brass may shine like gold but lacks its intrinsic worth, someone pretending to be of high character or status without having the actual virtues will eventually be revealed. It is often used to remind people to stay in touch with reality and not be fooled by superficial substitutes.

Even when going to beg, the arrogance didn't drop; even when the blanket was lost, the style of wearing the cloth didn't change.

This proverb describes a person who, despite being in a destitute or miserable condition, refuses to give up their false pride, vanity, or pretentiousness. It is used to mock people who maintain an air of superiority or maintain expensive habits even when they are bankrupt or in need of help.

The dancer is the queen, and the queen is the dancer.

This expression is used to describe a situation where roles or statuses are reversed or become indistinguishable. It signifies that someone in a high position is behaving like a commoner (or vice versa), or more commonly, it refers to an environment where there is no discipline or order, and everyone acts according to their whims regardless of their actual status.

A slave serving under another slave

This expression describes a situation where a person is forced to serve or obey someone who is themselves subordinate or lacks any real authority. It is used to mock a double-layered hierarchy of servitude or a situation that is particularly humiliating because the person in charge has no real power of their own.

He was without a cash, but raised his banner for a crore.

This proverb is used to describe a person who lacks even the most basic resources or money but makes grand, boastful claims or undertakes projects far beyond their means. It highlights the irony of having big aspirations or showing off when one cannot even afford the bare minimum.

A cash ( Kāsu ) equals about one fortieth of a penny. Penniless, but bragging of having a plum.

Will one keep a servant girl in the house and abduct the mistress?

This proverb is used to criticize someone who leaves a small or easy task unfinished while attempting a much larger, more difficult, or unethical one. It highlights the absurdity of ignoring a simple solution or accessible resource while committing a major folly or risk elsewhere.

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.