ఎక్కడిదిరా ఈ పెత్తనం, అంటే మూలనుంటే నెత్తిన వేసుకున్నానన్నాడట.

ekkadidira i pettanam, ante mulanunte nettina vesukunnanannadata.

Translation

When asked, 'Where did this authority come from?', he replied, 'It was in the corner, so I put it on my head.'

Meaning

This proverb is used to mock someone who assumes authority or responsibility that was never given to them, or someone who takes control of a situation simply because it was neglected or vacant. It highlights the absurdity of self-appointed leadership or unearned bossiness.

Related Phrases

Like an elephant pouring sand on its own head

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone brings trouble upon themselves or ruins their own reputation through their own foolish actions, despite having power or status. Just as an elephant takes a bath and immediately throws dust on itself, it refers to self-destructive behavior.

When the elephant is in rut, he throws earth on his head. Pride goes before and shame follows after.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where a person, blinded by arrogance, power, or anger, acts in a way that is ultimately self-destructive. Just as a rogue elephant ruins its own majesty by covering itself in dirt, a person's lack of self-control or ego leads to their own downfall or loss of reputation.

When asked to lift a straw, he supposedly asked for the head count of people available to help.

This proverb describes an extremely lazy person who looks for excuses or demands unnecessary help even for the smallest and easiest of tasks. It is used to mock someone who overcomplicates a simple job to avoid doing it themselves.

Even if you compete, compete for something that is worth getting branded for.

This proverb suggests that if one chooses to compete or strive for something, it should be for a prize or goal that is truly valuable and worth the sacrifice or effort involved. It discourages wasting energy on trivial competitions.

When told 'The wedding is over,' he replied, 'The anxiety has finally subsided.'

This proverb is used to describe a sense of relief after a major, stressful task or responsibility is completed. It highlights the mental burden one carries until a significant event (like a wedding in the family) is successfully concluded, after which the person can finally find peace of mind.

When an elephant goes into musth, it throws dust on its own head.

This proverb describes how an arrogant or intoxicated person often brings about their own downfall or ruin. Just as a rogue elephant in musth (a state of aggression) blindly tosses dirt on itself, a person blinded by pride or power will make foolish decisions that harm their own reputation and well-being.

If carried on the hip, it is affection; if carried on the head, it is a nuisance.

This proverb highlights the importance of maintaining boundaries and limits. It suggests that while showing affection or giving support is good, over-indulging someone or giving them too much freedom/authority can lead to them becoming a burden or acting out of place. It is often used to warn against spoiling children or being overly lenient with subordinates.

If there is a mouth on the head, authority/leadership will prevail.

This proverb is used to describe a person who is extremely loud, talkative, or overbearing. It implies that in certain situations, people who shout the loudest or talk incessantly often end up dominating others or getting their way, regardless of whether they are right or wrong.

If you give authority to a dog, it will bite all the sandals.

This proverb is used to describe the consequences of giving power or responsibility to an incompetent, unworthy, or foolish person. Instead of performing the duties properly, such a person will only cause destruction or focus on their base instincts, similar to how a dog given authority over a house would simply ruin the footwear.

When told 'well done, fellow', he took the boon and put it on his head.

This proverb is used to describe someone who takes a small compliment or a casual word of encouragement too far and becomes over-confident or arrogant. It refers to a person who doesn't know how to handle praise modestly and starts acting as if they are superior or have been granted a divine favor.