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.
Related Phrases
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.
తనతో వచ్చింది తనియాలు, రానన్నది వెలయాలు
tanato vachchindi taniyalu, ranannadi velayalu
What came with him are coriander seeds; she who refused to come is a courtesan.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone experiences a loss or a failed expectation but tries to hide their disappointment or pride by making excuses or belittling the value of what they lost. It highlights the tendency to rationalize a failure by claiming that what was obtained is sufficient or that what was lost wasn't worth having anyway.
ఎవరు తీసుకున్న గోతిలో వారే పడతారు.
evaru tisukunna gotilo vare padataru.
The one who digs a ditch to harm someone falls into it oneself.
If one plans to harm others, he will be harmed himself. It is therefore advisable to wish the welfare of all.
అందరూ అందలము ఎక్కితే మోసేవారు ఎవరు?
andaru andalamu ekkite mosevaru evaru?
If everyone climbs into the palanquin, who will be there to carry it?
This proverb is used to highlight the necessity of a division of labor. It means that in any society or project, everyone cannot be a leader or enjoy high status simultaneously; some people must perform the actual work or supportive tasks for the system to function. It is often used when everyone wants to be the boss but no one wants to do the work.
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.
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
[ 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.
పెద్దలతో వాదు, పితరులతో పోరు
peddalato vadu, pitarulato poru
Argue with elders, fight with ancestors.
This proverb warns against the futility and disrespect of engaging in constant arguments with elders or ancestors. It suggests that such conflicts are destructive, lead to bad reputation, and result in mental unrest since elders possess more experience and ancestors represent one's roots.
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.