గుడిలో గంట పోతే, నంబికేమి లోటు?

gudilo ganta pote, nambikemi lotu?

Translation

If the temple bell be lost what does it matter to the priest- ling ? A hireling cares not for the property of his master.

Meaning

This proverb is used to describe a situation where a person in charge or an intermediary is indifferent to a loss because they do not personally own the property or suffer the consequences. It highlights a lack of accountability or personal stakes in someone else's misfortune or public property.

Related Phrases

When I went for water, the well went deep.

This proverb is used to describe a stroke of extreme bad luck or a situation where a person's presence seems to make things go wrong. It implies that even a simple task becomes impossible or the resources disappear just when a specific person tries to access them, often used in a self-deprecating or sarcastic manner about one's own misfortune.

If the Shiva Lingam is gone from the temple, it is like the priest's livelihood is lost.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where the loss of a core entity or person results in the loss of relevance or livelihood for those dependent on it. It highlights that certain roles only have value as long as the central object of their service exists.

Even if there is no food to eat, there is no shortage of madness.

This proverb is used to describe someone who lacks basic necessities or means but still behaves with arrogance, stubbornness, or eccentric pride. It highlights the irony of a person having plenty of attitude or 'madness' despite their poor or desperate situation.

When the jade went to the well, the water was too low. Said of a lazy person glad of any excuse to get off work.

This proverb describes a streak of bad luck or extreme misfortune. It refers to a situation where even a simple, routine task becomes impossible or complicated the moment a particular person attempts to do it. It is often used to express frustration when circumstances seem to turn unfavorable exactly when one needs them to work.

The depth is not known until one enters (the water).

This expression means that one cannot truly understand the complexity or difficulty of a situation until they are personally involved or have started the task. It is used to advise against making superficial judgments or to explain that practical experience is necessary to grasp the reality of a problem.

If the Lingam in the temple is gone, what loss is it to the priest?

This proverb is used to describe a person who is an intermediary or a mere employee and does not have a personal stake or emotional investment in the core asset or mission. It implies that if the main object of value is lost, the person who only manages it loses nothing of their own, highlighting a lack of accountability or personal concern.

A cheat, literally one who swallows the temple as well as the deity inside.

When greed grows excessively, a person wishes to acquire all – without caring for the means to attain his immoral goal.

Only the one who sinks knows the depth of the water.

This proverb means that only the person who is actually experiencing a difficult situation or problem understands the true extent of its gravity. It is used to suggest that outsiders or observers cannot fully grasp the challenges or pain someone is going through until they are in their shoes.

For the one who knows how to swim, there is no depth.

This proverb implies that for a person who possesses the necessary skills or expertise in a particular field, no challenge is too daunting or insurmountable. It is used to emphasize that competence and confidence can overcome any difficulty.

If a diamond is set in brass, does it diminish the diamond's value?

The intrinsic value or greatness of a person or thing does not decrease simply because they are in a poor or unworthy environment. True quality remains constant regardless of the surroundings.