గుడ్డివాళ్ళ రాజ్యంలో ఒంటికంటివాడే రాజు.

guddivalla rajyamlo ontikantivade raju.

Translation

In the kingdom of the blind, the one-eyed man is king.

Meaning

This proverb is used to describe a situation where a person with limited or mediocre abilities is considered superior or exceptional because everyone else in that environment is completely unskilled or lacks knowledge. It highlights how competence is relative to the group one is in.

Related Phrases

Like a kingdom without Rama.

This expression describes a place or situation that lacks its true leader, soul, or essential guiding force. Just as the kingdom of Ayodhya felt desolate and directionless when Lord Rama was in exile, this phrase is used to describe a scene of emptiness, chaos, or lack of joy despite having all other material resources.

In Rama's kingdom there is a scarcity of gold, in Bharata's kingdom there is a scarcity of food.

This expression is used to highlight the irony of scarcity in places of abundance or to describe situations where basic needs or expected luxuries are surprisingly unavailable. It often points to poor distribution or specific hardships despite a generally good reputation.

Potharaju in a ruined village

This expression is used to describe a person who behaves like a great leader or a powerful figure in a place where there is no competition or among people of low caliber. It is similar to the English proverb 'In the kingdom of the blind, the one-eyed man is king.'

Is there a food shortage in the kingdom of Rama?

This expression is used rhetorically to imply that in a place of great prosperity, abundance, or good governance, basic necessities like food should never be scarce. It is often used when someone expresses a minor need or grievance in a situation where they are otherwise very well-provided for.

The kingdom belongs to the one who has a mouth.

This expression is used to describe a situation where people who are articulate, vocal, or assertive tend to dominate or succeed, regardless of their actual merit or the truth. It is similar to the English proverb 'The squeaky wheel gets the grease.'

As long as you have saplings, water, and speech, it is the same no matter which kingdom you are in.

This proverb emphasizes self-sufficiency and communication skills. It suggests that if a person has the means to farm (saplings and water) and the ability to speak effectively (to negotiate or stand up for themselves), they can survive and thrive anywhere in the world regardless of the political environment or location.

If kings go, do kingdoms disappear?

This expression is used to convey that the world or an organization does not stop functioning just because a leader or a specific individual is gone. It emphasizes that systems are larger than individuals and that life goes on despite the departure of those in power.

Like the fence itself grazing the crop

This expression is used to describe a situation where a protector or guardian ends up being the one who causes harm or exploits those they were meant to protect. It is typically applied to corrupt officials, untrustworthy guardians, or leaders who betray the trust placed in them.

One who possesses wealth is the king.

This expression highlights that in the material world, wealth often dictates power, social status, and authority. It is used to describe situations where influence follows financial means or to remark on the respect accorded to the wealthy.

Even if he is of the lowest caste, the one who possesses money is the king.

This proverb highlights the power of wealth in society. It suggests that economic status often overrides social hierarchy or caste, meaning that a wealthy person is respected and treated as a leader regardless of their social background or origin.