కలిమి గలిగెనేమి కాముగా జూతురు

kalimi galigenemi kamuga juturu

Translation

So what if one has wealth? They are seen with lust or desire.

Meaning

This expression suggests that no matter how much wealth or status a person acquires, people often look at them with greed, envy, or hidden motives. It highlights that material abundance does not necessarily bring genuine respect or peace, but often attracts superficial or opportunistic attention.

Related Phrases

What does it matter if the Vempali plant flowers or bears fruit?

This proverb refers to things or actions that are completely useless or have no impact on anyone. The Vempali (Wild Indigo) plant is considered useless for consumption or major utility; hence, whether it flourishes or not makes no difference to the world. It is used to describe an insignificant person's presence or a redundant effort.

Wealth is the paramour of all castes.

This proverb suggests that wealth transcends social hierarchies and caste boundaries. It implies that a person's financial status often carries more weight and influence than their traditional social standing or lineage, effectively stating that 'money is the ultimate power'.

A rich man is sought after by all. Rich people are every where at home. (German.)†

It is the strength of the position, not one's own strength.

This expression is used to describe a situation where a person's power, influence, or authority comes entirely from the position or office they hold rather than their personal merit or capability. It highlights that once the individual leaves that specific role or location, they no longer possess that same power.

Friendship with a Velama is like wealth seen in a dream.

This proverb suggests that certain friendships or alliances might be unreliable or illusory. Just as wealth gained in a dream disappears upon waking, this expression implies that the benefits or the relationship itself might not hold up or remain tangible in reality when most needed. It is used to caution someone about trusting a connection that lacks a solid, lasting foundation.

It is the strength of the position, not the strength of the person.

This expression emphasizes that a person's power or influence often comes from the position or office they hold rather than their innate abilities. It is used to remind people that once they lose their status or position, their perceived power will also vanish.

It is the strength of his position, not his own strength.

This proverb implies that an individual's influence or power often comes from the position they hold or the situation they are in, rather than their innate ability. It is used to remind people to stay humble, as their authority might vanish once they leave that specific role or environment.

Desired results are achieved only when you possess (resources or effort).

This expression emphasizes that one must have the necessary means, resources, or internal drive to achieve their desires. It suggests that success doesn't happen in a vacuum; you must 'have' or 'possess' the foundation to reap the fruits of your labor.

The power of the place is greater than the power of the man. Every man is powerful in his own house. Every one is a king in his own house. (Portuguese.)

This proverb highlights that the environment, position, or support system a person occupies often provides more power and security than their individual physical or mental strength alone. It is used to explain why someone in a strategic position or a supportive territory can overcome even those who are individually more powerful.

What does it matter whether the kingdom he has not pos- session of prospers or decays?

This proverb is used to describe a sense of total indifference or detachment toward things that one has no stake in or ownership over. It highlights the human tendency to only care about outcomes when they directly affect their own personal interests or property.

A merchant (Komati) has no poverty, and a goldsmith (Kamsali) has no wealth.

This proverb reflects traditional social observations. It suggests that a merchant is usually prudent enough to never be truly broke, while a goldsmith, despite handling precious metals, rarely becomes exceptionally wealthy because they often live on commissions or work for others.