ఏనుగు ఎత్తుబడ్డా గుట్టిమంత ఎత్తు.

enugu ettubadda guttimanta ettu.

Translation

Even if an elephant falls down, it is still as high as a hillock.

Meaning

This proverb is used to describe a person or entity that was once great, wealthy, or powerful. Even after facing a significant downfall or loss, their remaining stature, dignity, or assets are still far superior to those of an ordinary person.

Related Phrases

An elephant is as high as a hill even when it is lying down.

This proverb is used to describe a person of great stature, wealth, or influence. It suggests that even when such a person is at their lowest point or in a period of decline, they are still superior or more powerful than ordinary people. It emphasizes inherent greatness that doesn't disappear completely during tough times.

For a stubborn husband, a rebellious wife.

This proverb describes a couple where both partners are difficult or non-cooperative in their own ways. If the husband is argumentative or perverse in his behavior, the wife matches him by being unyielding or burdensome. It is used to describe a pair that is perfectly matched in their negative traits or lack of harmony.

Wealth is musk, poverty is common clay

This proverb contrasts the lives of the rich and the poor. It suggests that everything associated with a wealthy person is seen as fragrant and valuable like musk (Kasturi), whereas even the basic existence of a poor person is treated as worthless or common as dirt (Vettimannu). It is used to describe social inequality and how status dictates value.

If an elephant falls down, it must get up by itself; who else can lift it?

This expression is used to describe powerful or influential people who face a significant downfall. It implies that when a great person or a large entity faces a crisis, they must rely on their own inherent strength to recover, as others may lack the capacity or resources to help someone of that stature.

When the elephant fell down, the mosquito claimed it had caught it.

This proverb describes a situation where a powerful person faces a natural downfall or misfortune, and a weak, insignificant person takes credit for that downfall. It is used to mock those who boast about achievements that were actually caused by circumstances beyond their control.

Whether eyes are raised or the sky falls down, the work will not stop.

This expression describes an unwavering determination or a situation where a task will be completed regardless of any obstacles, distractions, or even catastrophic events. It signifies extreme commitment or an inevitable outcome.

Neither was it standing then, nor is it lifting up now.

This expression refers to a state of constant failure or persistent poverty. It is used to describe a situation where things were not stable in the past and show no signs of improvement or progress in the present. It implies that there has been no growth or positive change over time.

When a tiger falls into a pit (or is weakened), everyone throws a stone at it.

This proverb describes a situation where when a powerful or influential person falls from grace or faces a downfall, even the common or weak people who were previously afraid of them will take the opportunity to criticize, mock, or attack them. It is used to illustrate how people react to someone's loss of power or misfortune.

For a very short husband, a very tall wife.

This proverb describes a mismatch or an ill-suited pairing. It is used to point out situations where two entities, people, or things are completely incompatible or disproportionate to each other, making the combination look awkward or impractical.

If an elephant has fallen, can a mosquito lift it?

This proverb is used to describe a situation where a person of very low status or limited capability tries to help, challenge, or belittle someone of great stature or power who is facing a temporary setback. It highlights the vast difference in capabilities between two entities.