ఇంతమంది దొరలు చావకపోతే నేను మాత్రం చస్తానా, నాకూ అక్కరలేదు అన్నాడట.

intamandi doralu chavakapote nenu matram chastana, naku akkaraledu annadata.

Translation

If so many great people don't die, shall I alone die? I don't want it.

Meaning

This is a humorous proverb used to describe people who blindly follow others even in illogical situations, or those who display a 'sour grapes' attitude. In the story behind the proverb, a poor man thinks dying is a luxury or a requirement that even the rich aren't fulfilling, so he refuses to 'participate' in it. It highlights foolish competitiveness or a lack of understanding of natural laws.

Notes

Said by a man when unwillingly refusing to eat something because Velamas did the same. Never be ashamed to eat your meat. He that is ashamed to eat is ashamed to live. ( French. )*

Related Phrases

If so many masters/rich people haven't died, why would I die? I am in no hurry either, he said.

This proverb is used to mock someone who foolishly procrastinates or avoids responsibility by observing that others haven't done it yet. It highlights a false sense of security or laziness where a person justifies their inaction or lack of urgency by pointing at others who are equally stagnant, even when the task or situation is inevitable.

A dog's tail is crooked; it said it won't change its nature.

This expression is used to describe a person who refuses to change their inherent bad habits or character, regardless of how much advice they receive or how much effort is made to reform them. It is similar to the English proverb 'A leopard cannot change its spots'.

The fox hasn't even been born for four weeks, yet it said it has never seen such a storm.

This expression is used to mock someone who is very young or inexperienced but speaks as if they have a lifetime of wisdom and experience. It highlights the irony of a novice making authoritative or exaggerated claims about rarity or history.

If there is no Brahman within a hundred miles, I'll conduct the sacrifice. An ignorant professor gets on well in the absence of the learned.

This expression is used to describe someone who makes grand, empty promises or boasts about doing something difficult only when they are certain that the necessary conditions or resources (in this case, a priest) are unavailable. It highlights hypocrisy or a lack of genuine intent to follow through.

When a wife said "If I had not been born, you would not have had a wife," the husband replied "If you had not been born, I should have married your mother." i. e. a better woman.

This is a witty and biting comeback used to silence someone who is being overly boastful or arrogant about their importance in a situation. It highlights that no one is indispensable and that there are always alternatives, even if the alternatives suggested are humorous or absurdly provocative.

A relative who does not come to your aid is not needed; a god who does not grant a boon when prayed to is not needed.

This proverb emphasizes practicality and utility in relationships. It suggests that a relative who fails to help during a time of need is of no value, just as a deity who does not answer prayers or provide help is considered redundant. It is used to describe situations where something or someone fails to fulfill their primary purpose or duty when it matters most.

When told her presence wasn't needed at the gathering, she said she would come wearing a gold-bordered saree.

This proverb describes a situation where someone is so thick-skinned or desperate to be involved that they ignore a direct rejection. It is used to mock people who try to impose themselves on others or participate in events where they are clearly unwelcome.

When she said 'If I hadn't been born, you wouldn't have had a wife at all', he replied 'If you hadn't been born, I would have married your mother'.

This is a humorous and sarcastic Telugu proverb used to describe a witty or sharp-tongued retort to an arrogant or self-important claim. It highlights how someone's attempt to show their indispensability can be met with a crushing and absurd counter-argument, often used to silence someone who is bragging about their role in a situation.

If you refuse to admit me to the entertainment given in your house for the poor, I will come to dinner in a rich dress.

This expression describes a situation where someone is being overly persistent or intrusive despite being clearly unwelcome or rejected. It highlights the audacity of trying to impress or participate in an event where one's very presence has been declined.

Said by a poor woman to a rich man.—At many Brahminical cere- monies gifts and food are distributed to the wives of the Vaidikas while a superior entertainment is provided for those of the Laukikas of the Niyyogi class. Forcing oneself upon another.

I for singing, my eldest sister for beauty. Said by an ass of itself and the camel by way of praise. Applied to a braggart. Did you ever before hear an ass play upon a lute ?

This expression is used sarcastically to describe people who boast about their own non-existent talents or qualities. It often refers to a situation where two individuals claim to be experts in something they are actually quite bad at, highlighting their shared delusions or incompetence.