గోచి పాతల రాయుడు దొంగల మిండడు

gochi patala rayudu dongala mindadu

Translation

The man in a loincloth is the master of thieves

Meaning

This proverb highlights that a person who has absolutely nothing to lose (a pauper or a man with only a loincloth) is the most difficult person for a thief to deal with. It implies that when a person is at their simplest or has no material possessions, they are immune to robbery or exploitation. It is used to describe the power or freedom that comes from having no worldly attachments.

Related Phrases

Wealth is the paramour of all castes.

This proverb suggests that wealth transcends social hierarchies and caste boundaries. It implies that a person's financial status often carries more weight and influence than their traditional social standing or lineage, effectively stating that 'money is the ultimate power'.

A rich man is sought after by all. Rich people are every where at home. (German.)†

There is no poverty greater than wearing a loincloth.

This expression is used to describe a state of extreme or absolute poverty where one possesses nothing but the barest minimum of clothing (a loincloth). It highlights the lowest point of financial or material destitution.

The man wearing only a loincloth is the master of thieves.

This proverb refers to a person who has absolutely nothing to lose. Since he owns nothing but a small piece of cloth (loincloth), even the most skilled thieves cannot steal anything from him. It is used to describe a situation where a person is immune to threats, extortion, or loss because they possess no worldly wealth or assets.

A thief is a companion to another thief

This expression is used to describe how people with similar bad habits, questionable characters, or dishonest intentions tend to support and protect each other. It is equivalent to the English proverb 'Birds of a feather flock together' or 'Honor among thieves', often used in a negative context to highlight collusion between wrongdoers.

A stubborn tree doesn't bend for the wind, and a naked man cannot be robbed by thieves.

This proverb is used to describe people who have nothing to lose or are extremely stubborn. Just as a dead, leafless stump (stubborn tree) cannot be swayed by the wind, and a person with no clothes or possessions cannot be looted by thieves, an individual who is already at their lowest or has no attachments is immune to threats or losses.

Thieves' wealth ends up in the hands of rulers.

This proverb implies that wealth acquired through illegal or unethical means will never be enjoyed by the person who took it; instead, it will eventually be confiscated by authorities, lost to others, or spent on fines and legal issues. It is used to suggest that ill-gotten gains do not stay with the wrongdoer.

A master fit for a skulk.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where an extremely stubborn or difficult person finally meets someone who can control, match, or overpower them. It is equivalent to the English expression 'To meet one's match' or 'Diamond cuts diamond.'

Mr. Clout-Ragamuffin is the robbers' master.

This proverb refers to a person who possesses nothing of value and is therefore immune to being robbed. It is used to describe a situation where someone's extreme poverty or lack of assets serves as their greatest security, as there is nothing for others to take from them.

He that has nothing is frightened at nothing. There is no stripping a naked man. (German.)‡ * For meget og for lidt fordsarver alting. † Nicht zu wenig, nicht zu viel. ‡ Eimen Nackten Arzt man nicht ansehen,

A man wearing only a loincloth is a master to thieves.

This proverb describes a person who possesses nothing of value and is therefore immune to being robbed. It is used to highlight that when someone has nothing to lose, even the most skilled criminals or threats cannot harm them. It signifies the safety found in extreme simplicity or poverty.

A man wearing only a loincloth is a master to thieves.

This expression refers to someone who has nothing to lose. Since a person wearing only a loincloth possesses no wealth or valuables, even the most skilled thieves cannot steal anything from him. It is used to describe a situation where a person is immune to threats or exploitation because they lack worldly possessions or have reached a state of total simplicity.