ఇల్లు కాలింది జంగమయ్యా అంటే నా జోలె కప్పెర నా వద్దనే ఉన్నవిలే అన్నాడట

illu kalindi jangamayya ante na jole kappera na vaddane unnavile annadata

Translation

When told 'Jangamayya, your house is on fire', he replied 'My begging bag and bowl are with me anyway'.

Meaning

This proverb describes a person with a detached or nomadic mindset who has very few worldly attachments. It is used to describe someone who remains unbothered by a major loss (like a house) because their most essential possessions or their source of livelihood are safe. It can also imply a sense of indifference or lack of responsibility towards larger properties or societal structures.

Related Phrases

When one said "Kādu, Kādu" the other said "Nādi, Nādi."

This proverb describes a situation where someone persistently tries to claim ownership or credit for something even after being explicitly told it doesn't belong to them or is incorrect. It is used to mock people who are shamelessly stubborn or opportunistic despite being rejected.

Kādu in Telugu means " it is not," "no;" in Tamil it signifies " the ear." A Telugu man on one occasion accidentally stuck the barb of his spear into a Tamilian's ear, on which the latter cried out "Kādu! Kādu!" ( My ear! my ear! ) The Telugu man thinking he meant to say " Not yours, not yours" pulled at the spear all the harder, saying "Nādi! Nādi!" (It's mine! it's mine!). Said to a man who is obstinate in argument.

When the daughter-in-law said 'A flood of porridge has arrived, mother-in-law!', the mother-in-law replied 'The measuring basket is still in my hand, daughter-in-law.'

This proverb highlights excessive control, stinginess, or a refusal to let go of authority even when there is an abundance of resources. It describes a situation where a person in power insists on rationing or strictly controlling something even when it is available in plenty, or simply asserts their dominance for the sake of it.

When asked 'What is with this showing off, brother?', he replied 'I don't have a single paisa, younger brother.'

This proverb is used to mock people who boast or show off their status and lifestyle while actually being broke or having no resources. It highlights the irony of people maintaining a grand facade despite having an empty pocket.

When asked, "Come sir, have some food," he replied, "I have already gone back (declined/left)."

This expression is used to describe a person who is overly sensitive, unnecessarily prideful, or plays hard to get even when someone is being hospitable. It depicts a situation where a guest feels offended or acts dramatic over a perceived delay in an invitation, responding with a sarcastic or stubborn attitude despite actually wanting the favor.

If a daughter-in-law says she will give birth to a son, would any mother-in-law say no?

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone offers to do something that is universally beneficial or highly desired. It implies that no one in their right mind would refuse a proposal that brings mutual profit or happiness. It is often used when a deal or suggestion is so good that acceptance is a foregone conclusion.

When asked 'Why do you offer salutations every time you see me?', he replied 'What else would my hands do while sitting idle?'

This proverb is used to mock someone who performs actions without genuine intent or respect, but merely out of habit or because they have nothing better to do. It satirizes mindless repetitive behavior or superficial courtesy.

When asked 'How do fights start, Lingamayya?', he replied 'Give me alms, you bald widow!'

This proverb is used to describe a person who intentionally provokes a conflict or starts a fight for no reason. It highlights how someone can turn a normal situation into an argument by using offensive or insulting language unnecessarily.

When someone asked, 'Is this all the intelligence you have?', he replied, 'The rest is arriving on carrying poles.'

This expression is used to describe someone who is exceptionally foolish or slow-witted, yet remains oblivious to their lack of common sense. It mocks a person who thinks they have plenty of wisdom yet to be revealed, even though their current actions prove they lack even basic judgment. It is used to satirize arrogance combined with stupidity.

When told 'It is raining, dear,' the person replied 'Let it rain,' and further added 'Indeed, I will allow it to rain.'

This expression is used to mock someone who pretends to have control over natural events or situations they have no power over. It describes a person's arrogance or foolishness in 'giving permission' for something that is already happening and is completely beyond their authority.

When the Jangam was told that the house had caught fire, he replied "I have my bag and bowl with me." Selfish indifference.

This proverb describes a person who is completely detached or indifferent to a situation because they have no personal stake or property at risk. It is used to remark on individuals who remain unconcerned about a general disaster or collective loss because their own minimal belongings are safe, or to describe those who prioritize their small interests over a major catastrophe affecting others.