ఏటివొడ్డు నక్క కాగానే, పాటిరేవు ఎరుగునా?
etivoddu nakka kagane, patirevu eruguna?
Although the jackal lives near the river, will it know where the ford is ? Applied to ignorant persons in high position.
This expression is used to describe a person who lives close to something or someone important but lacks actual knowledge, depth, or wisdom regarding it. It highlights that proximity does not necessarily equal expertise or understanding.
Related Phrases
ఏటికాడ నక్కకు పాటిరేవేమి తెలుసు?
etikada nakkaku patirevemi telusu?
What does the fox at the river know about the proper laundry ghat?
This proverb is used to describe a person who lacks specialized knowledge or discernment in a particular field, yet attempts to judge or involve themselves in it. Just as a fox roaming the riverbank cannot distinguish a specific washing area (ghat) from any other spot, an amateur cannot understand the nuances or value of professional work.
నక్కలలో నక్కగా నటించవలె
nakkalalo nakkaga natinchavale
One must act as a fox among foxes.
This expression suggests that one must adapt to their surroundings and the company they are in to survive or succeed. It is similar to the English proverb 'When in Rome, do as the Romans do,' but with a specific emphasis on using cunning or matching the behavior of those around you, especially when dealing with shrewd people.
ఏనుగులు ఏట కుంకితే, పాటిరేవు అడుగవచ్చిందట నక్క
enugulu eta kunkite, patirevu adugavachchindata nakka
When elephants were bathing in the river, a fox came to check if the water level had decreased.
This proverb is used to mock people with limited abilities or status who try to compare themselves to great people or interfere in matters far beyond their capacity. Just as a fox's presence is irrelevant to the water displaced by giant elephants, small-minded people cannot affect or measure the impact of great individuals.
ఒక్కప్రొద్దు మాట కుక్క యెరుగునా?
okkaproddu mata kukka yeruguna?
Does a dog know what a fast means ?
This proverb is used to point out that someone who lacks character, discipline, or depth cannot understand or appreciate the value of sacred traditions, sacrifices, or high principles. Just as a dog only cares about its next meal and cannot grasp the spiritual purpose of fasting, an ignorant or base person cannot understand noble intentions.
* Una bugia ne tira diect.
హేమాహేమీలు ఏటివెంట కొట్టుకుపోతుంటే, నక్క పాటిరేవు అడిగిందట
hemahemilu etiventa kottukupotunte, nakka patirevu adigindata
When giants are being swept away by the river, a fox asked for a shallow crossing point.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where great or powerful people are struggling to survive a disaster, yet an insignificant or weak person foolishly asks for minor comforts or trivial details. it highlights a lack of situational awareness and the irony of small people being overly concerned with their petty needs during a massive crisis.
వంకాయ రుచి తోటవాడు ఎరుగును, అరటికాయ రుచి రాజు ఎరుగును.
vankaya ruchi totavadu erugunu, aratikaya ruchi raju erugunu.
The gardener knows the taste of the brinjal; the king knows the taste of the plantain. Brinjals should be cooked and eaten fresh from the garden. Plantains when used in an unripe state as a vegetable, should be kept a few days. Before the brinjals are set before a king they have lost some of their flavour, and as the gardener cannot afford to keep the plantains he plucks, he cooks them before they are ready for the pot.
This proverb highlights how appreciation and value vary based on perspective and social standing. The gardener knows the true quality of the eggplant because he grows it and sees it daily (practical knowledge), while the King appreciates the banana as it is a staple of royal feasts and luxury (refined or final enjoyment). It is used to say that different people have different expertise or preferences based on their life experiences.
సంతపాక తొత్తు సన్న్యాసిని ఎరుగునా?
santapaka tottu sannyasini eruguna?
Does the wretched harlot know [the virtues of] the Sannyâsi?
This proverb is used to describe a situation where a person of low character, limited exposure, or base habits fails to recognize or appreciate the greatness, sanctity, or virtue of an evolved soul or a person of high character. It highlights how one's own limitations can prevent them from understanding something noble.
గుడ్డి నక్క ఉరిలో పడ్డట్టు
guddi nakka urilo paddattu
Like the blind jackal falling into the snare.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone who is already in a helpless or disadvantaged state falls into even deeper trouble due to a lack of awareness or sheer bad luck. It highlights the vulnerability of an individual when misfortune strikes repeatedly.
కన్ను ఎరుగకున్నా కడుపు ఎరుగుతుంది
kannu erugakunna kadupu erugutundi
Although the eye does not see, the belly finds. A man's want leads him to seek and find a livelihood. A hungry man sees far. A hungry man discovers more than a hundred lawyers. (Spanish.)
This proverb is used to describe the instinctual bond between a mother and her child. It implies that even if a mother cannot see her child's suffering or needs with her eyes, she can feel them intuitively in her gut or heart. It is often used to emphasize maternal intuition and the deep, invisible connection of parenthood.
ఊరి జబ్బు చాకలి ఎరుగును, ఉద్యోగపు జబ్బు బంట్రోతు ఎరుగును.
uri jabbu chakali erugunu, udyogapu jabbu bantrotu erugunu.
The washerman knows the reduced state of the village; the peon knows the reduction [ of his superiors ] in office.
This proverb suggests that subordinates or those who handle the personal chores of others are often the first to know the hidden secrets, scandals, or weaknesses of a community or an organization. Just as a washerman sees the stains on everyone's clothes, an assistant or peon observes the internal politics and flaws of a workplace.