ఏనుగునెక్కినవాడు దిడ్డికంత దూరగలడా?
enugunekkinavadu diddikanta duragalada?
Can a person riding an elephant pass through a small wicket-gate?
This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone who has attained a high status or is involved in a massive undertaking cannot fit into or resort to small, narrow, or petty ways. It emphasizes that great positions come with certain limitations and one cannot expect the same flexibility as someone in a minor position.
Related Phrases
ఎద్దు ఎక్కినవాడే లింగడు, గద్దె నెక్కినవాడే రంగడు.
eddu ekkinavade lingadu, gadde nekkinavade rangadu.
The one who mounts the bull is Shiva, and the one who sits on the throne is the King.
This proverb highlights that power, position, or status is often defined by the seat or authority one occupies. It suggests that once a person reaches a position of power (the throne), they are automatically respected or recognized as the ruler, regardless of their prior identity. It is often used to describe how people's perception of an individual changes based on their newfound status or authority.
ఎక్కిన వానికి ఏనుగే లొజ్జు.
ekkina vaniki enuge lojju.
The elephant is subject to the man who has mounted it.
This proverb suggests that practical experience is the best teacher. Once you are actually performing a task or in a situation, you learn how to handle it through direct involvement rather than just theoretical knowledge. It is used to emphasize that one learns the nuances of a job only by doing it.
నాలుక ఉన్నవాడు నాలుగు దిక్కులు తిరుగగలడు
naluka unnavadu nalugu dikkulu tirugagaladu
One who has a tongue can travel in all four directions.
This proverb emphasizes the power of communication. It suggests that a person who can speak well, ask questions, and interact with others can navigate through any situation or place in the world without getting lost or stuck. Communication skills and the ability to seek help are key to survival and success.
మెట్ట దున్నినవాడు, లొట్టె త్రాగినవాడు ఒకటే.
metta dunninavadu, lotte traginavadu okate.
The one who plows rain-fed land and the one who drinks toddy are the same.
This proverb highlights the uncertainty and futility of certain actions. Plowing 'Metta' (dry/rain-fed land) is risky because the harvest depends entirely on unpredictable rain, often leading to no result. Similarly, a person who drinks 'Lotte' (toddy/liquor) loses their senses and ends up with nothing. It is used to describe situations where hard work or actions are likely to go to waste due to unfavorable conditions or bad habits.
ఏనుగెక్కినవాడు కుక్క మొరుగుడుకు జడియడు
enugekkinavadu kukka moruguduku jadiyadu
The man who has mounted an elephant will not be afraid at the bark of a dog. He who is in favor with the great will not fear the enmity of the mean.
This proverb suggests that a person of high character, power, or confidence should not be bothered by the petty criticisms or insults of small-minded people. It is used to advise someone to ignore insignificant distractions or critics when they are focused on a great goal.
చద్ది కంటే ఊరగాయ ఘనం
chaddi kante uragaya ghanam
The best part of the cold food is the pickle.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where a side-dish or a secondary accompaniment overshadows the main meal. Metaphorically, it refers to instances where accessories or trivial additions are given more importance or are more impressive than the main subject or person.
ఏనుగును ఎక్కినవాడు కుక్క కూతకు జడియడు.
enugunu ekkinavadu kukka kutaku jadiyadu.
One who is riding an elephant will not be scared by the barking of a dog.
This proverb describes a person of high status, great character, or strong resolve who remains unbothered by petty criticisms or the noise of insignificant detractors. It is used to encourage someone to stay focused on their large goals without worrying about small-minded opposition.
చద్ది కంటే ఊరగాయ ఘనం
chaddi kante uragaya ghanam
The pickle is greater than the leftover rice
This proverb is used to describe a situation where a secondary or trivial thing is given more importance, or seems more impressive, than the primary or essential thing. It's often applied when an accessory or an accompaniment overshadows the main subject.
ద్విపదకావ్యంబు ముదిలంజె దిడ్డికంత
dvipadakavyambu mudilanje diddikanta
The couplet poem (dvipada) has grown old for the side-door.
This expression is used to describe a situation where a simple or mediocre thing is elevated to an undeserving status, or when something long and tedious is wasted on an insignificant audience or purpose. In a historical context, it refers to the decline in quality of literary works or providing an elaborate explanation for something trivial.
దిమాకు ఎక్కినవాడు దిక్కులు చూస్తే, పల్లకి ఎక్కినవాడు ప్రక్క చూచినాడట
dimaku ekkinavadu dikkulu chuste, pallaki ekkinavadu prakka chuchinadata
While the arrogant one stares at the horizons, the one in the palanquin looks to the side.
This proverb highlights the difference between hollow arrogance and actual status. It is used to describe a person who is overly conceited or 'high-headed' (dimaku) without any real accomplishment, contrasting them with someone who actually holds a position of importance but is more grounded or observant.