గురువు నిలుచుండి తాగితే, శిష్యుడు పరుగెత్తుతూ తాగుతాడు.

guruvu niluchundi tagite, shishyudu parugettutu tagutadu.

Translation

If the Guru drink standing, the disciple will drink running. According to Hindu practice, water should always be drunk sitting.

Meaning

This proverb highlights how students or followers tend to amplify the bad habits or mistakes of their leaders or mentors. If a person in an influential position sets a poor example, those who follow them will likely exceed that bad behavior. It emphasizes the importance of setting a good example for the next generation.

Related Phrases

If the disciple grows, he will surpass the teacher.

This expression is used to describe a situation where a student or protege excels to such an extent that they become more skilled, famous, or capable than their own mentor. It signifies the success of the teacher's guidance while acknowledging the exceptional talent of the pupil.

The man that has eaten salt drinks water.

This proverb functions as a metaphor for the law of karma and accountability. It means that every action has a consequence, and one must eventually face the results of their deeds. Just as eating salt inevitably leads to thirst, committing an act (especially a wrong or illegal one) will inevitably lead to its natural repercussions or punishment.

It's better to stand and drink water, than to run and drink milk. A comfortable berth with a moderate salary, is better than a bad situation with a larger income.

This proverb emphasizes that it is better to do things slowly, safely, and correctly than to rush through something high-value or complex and risk failure. It highlights the importance of stability and patience over a hurried pursuit of success.

A disciple greater than his Guru.

This expression is used to describe a situation where a protege, student, or apprentice becomes more skilled, knowledgeable, or successful than their mentor. It is often used as a compliment to both the student's talent and the teacher's effective guidance.

Said of an insolent fellow.

A guru who wears a sacred thread and a disciple who is a Satani (a specific Vaishnavite sub-sect).

This proverb is used to describe a situation where two people are completely incompatible or mismatched in their roles, backgrounds, or ideologies, yet are forced to work together. It highlights a comical or ironic pairing where the traditional hierarchy or customs are inconsistent.

A disciple worthy of his Guru. Both blockheads.

This expression is used to describe a student who is as capable, skilled, or talented as their mentor. It can be used positively to praise excellence or sarcastically to imply that the student has inherited the same flaws or bad habits as the teacher.

Like a man who neglects his mother coming with a bold face to settle a dispute between others. Shamefacedness.

This proverb is used to criticize hypocrites who ignore their primary responsibilities at home but act like wise leaders or mediators in public affairs. It highlights the irony of someone trying to solve others' problems while failing at their most basic moral duties.

The disciples of Paramanandayya

This expression is used to describe a group of people who are exceptionally foolish, naive, or prone to making silly blunders while trying to be helpful. It originates from popular Telugu folklore about a teacher named Paramanandayya and his incredibly dim-witted yet loyal students.

A stubborn teacher and a stone-like (insensitive) disciple.

This proverb describes a situation where both the mentor and the student are unyielding and lack synergy or wisdom. It is used to mock a duo or partnership where one person is obstinate and the other is thick-headed or unresponsive to learning, making any progress impossible.

A disciple worthy of the teacher

This expression is used to describe a student or follower who is a perfect match for their teacher, often inheriting both their skills and their traits (positive or negative). It is similar to the English idiom 'Like father, like son' or 'A chip off the old block', specifically applied to a mentor-mentee relationship.