ఏనుగు రొంపిలో కూరుకుపోతే, కాకికి కూడా లోకువే
enugu rompilo kurukupote, kakiki kuda lokuve
When an elephant gets stuck in the mud, even a crow can look down upon it.
This proverb describes how even the most powerful or influential person can become vulnerable and be mocked or bullied by the weak when they fall into difficult circumstances. It is used to highlight that status is often dependent on one's current situation and strength.
Related Phrases
అందరికీ నేను లోకువ, నాకు నంబి రామాయ లోకువ.
andariki nenu lokuva, naku nambi ramaya lokuva.
I am below all, but Nambi Râmâya is below me.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone who is constantly bullied or looked down upon by everyone else finds someone even weaker or more vulnerable to dominate. It illustrates the human tendency to seek a sense of superiority even when one is at the bottom of the social hierarchy.
పంది పంది గూడి పడుగదా రొంపిలో
pandi pandi gudi padugada rompilo
Does a pig not lie down in the mud along with other pigs?
This proverb is used to describe how people of similar (often bad) nature or habits tend to associate with each other. It suggests that individuals will naturally seek the company of those who share their same vices or character flaws, similar to the English expression 'Birds of a feather flock together'.
ఢిల్లీ పాచ్ఛా కూతురైనా పెళ్ళికొడుకుకి లోకువే
dhilli pachchha kuturaina pellikodukuki lokuve
Even if she is the daughter of the Emperor of Delhi, she is subordinate to the groom.
This proverb highlights traditional social dynamics where a bride, regardless of her high status or wealthy background, is expected to respect her husband and his family. It is used to suggest that personal status does not override the fundamental roles within a marriage or a specific relationship context.
పెత్తనం చేసేవాడు, పెంటి సంతానం కలవాడు అందరికీ లోకువే.
pettanam chesevadu, penti santanam kalavadu andariki lokuve.
One who exercises authority and one who has only female offspring are easy targets for everyone.
This traditional proverb suggests that a person in a position of responsibility is often criticized by everyone, and historically, a person with only daughters was perceived as vulnerable or lacking support, making both easy targets for public judgment or disrespect.
కనుమునాడు కాకి కూడా మునుగుతుంది
kanumunadu kaki kuda munugutundi
On Kanumu day, even a crow takes a dip.
This proverb refers to the third day of the Sankranti festival, called Kanumu. It highlights the tradition and belief that taking a ritual bath on this day is so essential that even a crow (known for its quick baths) dives deep into water. It is used to emphasize the importance of cleanliness or completing a task thoroughly on a specific auspicious day.
కాకి పిల్ల కాకికి ముద్దు
kaki pilla kakiki muddu
For the crow its young one is the loveliest.
The suggestion is that for the parents the ugly child is not ugly but very lovable. It is the unbounded love of parents for their offspring that is highlighted here.
ఎంత లావు మొగవాడైనా ఆడదానికి లోకువే.
enta lavu mogavadaina adadaniki lokuve.
No matter how strong or great a man is, he is subordinate to a woman.
This expression suggests that regardless of a man's physical strength, social status, or outward power, he ultimately has a vulnerability or softness towards the women in his life (like a mother, wife, or daughter). It is often used to highlight the subtle influence and domestic power women hold over even the most formidable men.
అందరికీ నేను లోకువ. నాకు నంబి సింగరాయ లోకువ.
andariki nenu lokuva. naku nambi singaraya lokuva.
I am inferior to everyone. Nambi Singaraya is inferior to me.
This proverb describes a social hierarchy of belittlement. It refers to a situation where a person is bullied or looked down upon by everyone else, and in turn, they find someone even weaker or lower in status to dominate. It highlights the human tendency to seek someone to feel superior over, even when one is at the bottom of the ladder.
కూటికి లోకువైతే, కులానికి లోకువా?
kutiki lokuvaite, kulaniki lokuva?
If one is poor enough to lack food, does it mean they are inferior to their community?
This expression highlights that being economically poor or struggling for basic necessities (food) does not justify a loss of self-respect or social dignity. It is used to assert that poverty should not be equated with a lack of status or character within one's social circle.
వెయ్యి మోపులు వేకుజాము కట్టకు లోకువే.
veyyi mopulu vekujamu kattaku lokuve.
A thousand bundles are still subservient to the dawn's rope.
This proverb implies that no matter how massive or overwhelming a task or a collection of problems might be, they can still be controlled or managed by a single, powerful, or appropriate tool/solution. It is often used to suggest that a small but effective force can overcome a large, unorganized mass.