ఎవరి జానతో వారు ఎనిమిది జానలే
evari janato varu enimidi janale
[ Measured ] with his own span, every man is eight spans high.
This proverb highlights that everything is relative and subjective. Just as a person's height is always proportional to their own hand-span regardless of their actual stature, people often judge situations or others based on their own personal standards, experiences, or limitations. It is used to describe how people see themselves as the 'standard' for measurement.
Related Phrases
అయ్యవారి జందెం అయ్యవారికే ముప్పు
ayyavari jandem ayyavarike muppu
The priest's own sacred thread becomes a threat to the priest himself.
This proverb describes a situation where a tool, rule, or action intended for protection or benefit ends up causing harm or trouble to the person who created or owns it. It is used when someone's own expertise or identity becomes the source of their downfall.
విస్తళ్లు ఎత్తమంటే, భోజనం చేసినవారు ఎంతమంది అని అడిగినట్లు.
vistallu ettamante, bhojanam chesinavaru entamandi ani adiginatlu.
When told to remove the leaves, he asked how many people had dined. An impertinent question.
This proverb describes a person who tries to avoid work or a simple task by asking unnecessary, irrelevant questions to delay or shirk their responsibility. It is used when someone makes a simple job seem complicated to get out of doing it.
ఎవరి నీళ్లలో వారు మునగాలి.
evari nillalo varu munagali.
Every man must dip in his own waters. Every one must bear his own troubles. Each cross hath its inscription. Every one bears his cross. (French.)
This expression means that every individual is responsible for their own actions and must personally face the consequences, whether good or bad. It is often used to suggest that one should mind their own business or handle their own problems independently.
అందరూ అందలం ఎక్కితే, మోసేవారు ఎవరు?
andaru andalam ekkite, mosevaru evaru?
If all get into the palankin, who will be the bearers ? You a lady, I a lady, who is to drive out the sow? (Ollician.)
This proverb highlights the necessity of a social hierarchy and division of labor. It implies that if everyone wants to be the leader or hold a position of comfort and authority, no one will be left to do the actual work. It is used when everyone in a group expects to be served or wants a high-status role without contributing effort.
గుడిపూడి జంగాలు
gudipudi jangalu
The Jangams of Gudipudi
This expression refers to a group of people who lack unity and act according to their own individual whims. It originates from a story where a group of 'Jangams' (mendicants) in the village of Gudipudi couldn't agree on a common task, leading to chaos. It is used to describe a situation where a lack of coordination or conflicting opinions among members of a group leads to failure or inefficiency.
ఎవడి జందెం వాడికి ముప్పు
evadi jandem vadiki muppu
One's own sacred thread is a danger to oneself.
This proverb describes a situation where a person's own characteristic, possession, or identity becomes the cause of their downfall or trouble. It is used when someone is trapped or harmed by their own tools or status.
తద్దినము నాటి జంధ్యము
taddinamu nati jandhyamu
The sacerdotal thread given on the day of obsequial rites. It is worn temporarily by Sûdras on such occasions. Said of any temporary honor.
This proverb describes procrastination or lack of foresight. It refers to someone who starts making essential preparations at the very last moment when the event is already taking place, leading to unnecessary stress and potential failure. It is used to criticize those who do not plan ahead.
నిత్యం చచ్చేవారికి ఏడ్చేవారెవరు?
nityam chachchevariki edchevarevaru?
Who are the mourners over people that die every day ? Those who always say their death is near. Said of a man continually requiring to be corrected in his work.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where a person constantly creates or faces the same trouble. When someone is perpetually in a state of self-inflicted misery or repetitive drama, others eventually lose sympathy and stop caring or helping. It highlights the exhaustion of empathy toward those who do not learn from their mistakes or who constantly complain about recurring issues.
ఎవరి జానతో వారు ఎనిమిది జానలే.
evari janato varu enimidi janale.
Everyone is eight spans long by their own hand-span.
This proverb highlights the relativity of perspective and self-importance. Just as everyone's body, when measured by their own hand-span (jana), equals exactly eight spans regardless of their actual height, everyone feels their own problems, efforts, or status are significant. It is used to suggest that everyone is unique yet equal in their own context, or to point out that personal metrics are often subjective.
తద్దినంనాటి జందెం వలె.
taddinamnati jandem vale.
Like the sacred thread on the day of a funeral ceremony.
This expression is used to describe something that is done at the very last minute or is desperately sought when it is already too late. It refers to the ritual requirement of having a new sacred thread for a ceremony, but only realizing it's missing or trying to prepare it exactly when the ritual is supposed to start.