ఎలుక సంసారం చూచి పిల్లి మూర్చబోయిందట.

eluka samsaram chuchi pilli murchaboyindata.

Translation

Seeing the rat's household, the cat fainted.

Meaning

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone with very little resources manages things so elaborately or has so many children/possessions that even a more powerful person is shocked or overwhelmed. It is often used to mock someone who lives beyond their means or creates a complex life despite their small stature.

Related Phrases

Look at the mother before choosing the daughter, look at the teeth before buying the cattle.

This proverb advises that one can judge the character, health, and future potential of something by looking at its origins or physical indicators. Just as a mother's traits often reflect in her child, or a cow's teeth indicate its age and health, we should evaluate the background and fundamental health of an entity before making a commitment.

While the woman who ate once a day endured with patience, the woman who ate three times a day fainted.

This proverb highlights the difference in resilience and endurance. It suggests that those accustomed to hardships or simplicity often handle difficulties better than those who are pampered or live in luxury. It is used to mock someone who complains despite having plenty, or to praise the grit of the underprivileged.

Seeing the house, the cat attained puberty (reached maturity).

This proverb is used to describe someone who becomes arrogant or starts demanding more importance after seeing the wealth or prosperity of the place they have entered. It reflects a situation where a person's attitude changes based on the luxury or opportunities available to them.

Good conduct and family life.

This expression highlights that a person's good character (Nalasaramu) and their family/domestic life (Samsaramu) are the two pillars of a respectable existence. It is used to emphasize that one's reputation depends equally on individual integrity and how they manage their household.

Look at the mother before you take the daughter; see how much milk the buffalo gives before you buy her.

This proverb suggests that the character and qualities of a person are often inherited or influenced by their upbringing and ancestry. It is commonly used in the context of marriage or forming long-term alliances, implying that observing the parents (background) provides a reliable preview of the individual's nature.

A rat testifying for a cat.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where a culprit or an untrustworthy person produces a witness who is equally biased, unreliable, or under their control. It signifies a deceptive alliance where the witness is unlikely to speak the truth against the perpetrator.

A perfect housewife supposedly plastered the house floor with urine.

This sarcastic proverb is used to mock people who pretend to be extremely frugal, efficient, or 'perfect' but end up doing something disgusting, counterproductive, or foolish in their attempt to save resources. It highlights the irony of someone claiming to be a great homemaker while violating basic common sense or hygiene.

Will the cat faint at the death of the rat ? Indifference.

Used to highlight hypocrisy or fake sympathy. It points out that an enemy or someone who benefits from your misfortune will never truly grieve for you, even if they pretend to. It suggests that certain reactions are unnatural and unbelievable.

One who doesn't even give alms to a cat

This expression is used to describe an extremely stingy or miserly person who lacks even the smallest amount of generosity. It implies that the person is so greedy that they wouldn't even share a tiny scrap of food with a stray animal.

They apply bindi by looking at the face, and place a seat by looking at the person.

This proverb describes the reality of social bias or favoritism. It means that people are often treated based on their status, appearance, or perceived importance rather than equality. Rewards or hospitality are often adjusted according to the social standing of the recipient.