కలిగి ఉన్నవాడు రాజ్యాన్ని సున్నానికి తీసుకుంటానన్నట్లు

kaligi unnavadu rajyanni sunnaniki tisukuntanannatlu

Translation

Like a wealthy person saying they would buy a kingdom for just some lime (chunam).

Meaning

This expression is used to describe an arrogant or boastful attitude displayed by those with excessive wealth. It refers to a situation where a rich person underestimates the value of something grand or behaves as if their wealth makes anything easily attainable for a trivial price.

Related Phrases

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.'

Like hanging a life that was staying still.

This expression is used when someone unnecessarily invites trouble or complicates a peaceful situation by taking an uncalled-for action. It describes the act of creating a problem where none existed before.

Do not trust a woman who says she will come, nor a man who says he will give.

This traditional proverb suggests being cautious of empty promises. It highlights that intentions or verbal commitments regarding a woman's arrival or a man's generosity are often unreliable until they actually manifest. It is used as a cautionary advice against blind faith in words alone.

Let all your rice be chunam and all your cakes frogs ! A certain sage was, on account of his eccentricities, treated as a crazy fellow and not received into society. On one occasion, irritated by being refused admittance to an entertainment, he uttered the above imprecation which to the consternation of the assembled company took effect. They begged his pardon, whereupon he restored in the same miraculous manner the chunam into rice and the frogs into cakes ! The power acquired by austerities.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone is extremely ungrateful or dismissive of the food and hospitality provided to them. It suggests that despite being fed well, the person treats the main meals as nothing (zeros) and views the snacks or treats as a burden or tax (tributes) rather than a kind gesture.

The rich give to the rich, and even the poor give to the rich.

This proverb highlights a social irony where resources and gifts often flow toward those who already have plenty, rather than those in need. It is used to describe situations where people prioritize pleasing influential or wealthy individuals while ignoring the underprivileged.

When you are exhausted or worn out, stay away/rest.

This expression is used to advise someone that when they are tired, frustrated, or physically/mentally drained, it is best to distance themselves from tasks or social interactions to avoid errors or conflicts. It emphasizes the importance of taking a break and stepping back during difficult times.

Like saying which king for which kingdom

This expression is used to describe a situation where the quality or nature of a leader (or outcome) is perfectly matched to the nature of the people (or circumstances). It often implies that a group of people gets the kind of leadership or consequences they deserve based on their own behavior or character.

Do not believe the man who says he will give, nor the woman who says she will come.

This proverb warns against relying on verbal promises or superficial assurances regarding material gain or romantic interest. It suggests that people often make empty promises to please others or to get out of a situation, and one should only believe actions rather than words.

Like applying lime to someone who asked for food

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone asks for help or a basic necessity, but instead of being helped, they are treated cruelly or given something harmful. It highlights the act of adding insult to injury or responding to a genuine plea with a malicious action.

Neither the one with a mansion survives forever, nor the one in a hut dies instantly.

This proverb emphasizes the equality of life and death, suggesting that wealth (a mansion) doesn't guarantee immortality, and poverty (a hut) doesn't mean immediate demise. It is used to remind people that fate and time are the ultimate deciders, regardless of one's social or economic status.