కూటికి లోకువైతే, కులానికి లోకువా?

kutiki lokuvaite, kulaniki lokuva?

Translation

If one is poor enough to lack food, does it mean they are inferior to their community?

Meaning

This expression highlights that being economically poor or struggling for basic necessities (food) does not justify a loss of self-respect or social dignity. It is used to assert that poverty should not be equated with a lack of status or character within one's social circle.

Related Phrases

Broken grain porridge for the person who is submissive.

This proverb describes how people take advantage of someone who is weak, submissive, or easily accessible by offering them the lowest quality of treatment or resources. It highlights the tendency of society to provide the bare minimum to those who do not or cannot demand better.

I am below all, but Nambi Râmâya is below me.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone who is constantly bullied or looked down upon by everyone else finds someone even weaker or more vulnerable to dominate. It illustrates the human tendency to seek a sense of superiority even when one is at the bottom of the social hierarchy.

The whole village is inferior to father - but father is inferior to mother.

This expression is used to describe a person who appears powerful or authoritative to the outside world but is completely dominated or humble at home by their spouse. It highlights the hierarchy of influence and the idea that everyone has someone they answer to, regardless of their status elsewhere.

The giver is undervalued by the receiver.

This proverb describes a situation where a person's generosity or kindness is taken for granted. It implies that when someone gives or helps continuously, the recipient loses respect for them or begins to treat them as inferior/subservient rather than being grateful. It is used to caution against being over-generous to those who do not appreciate the value of the gesture.

I am inferior to everyone. Nambi Singaraya is inferior to me.

This proverb describes a social hierarchy of belittlement. It refers to a situation where a person is bullied or looked down upon by everyone else, and in turn, they find someone even weaker or lower in status to dominate. It highlights the human tendency to seek someone to feel superior over, even when one is at the bottom of the ladder.

A woman who crosses the threshold of her house is looked down upon by the world.

This is a traditional proverb reflecting historical social constraints. It suggests that once a woman steps outside the protective boundaries or privacy of her home, she becomes vulnerable to public scrutiny, gossip, or disrespect. In a modern context, it is often used to discuss social stigmas or the judgmental nature of society towards women's independence.

Though a man be poor, will he lose caste ?

This expression is used to remind others that being economically disadvantaged or lacking wealth does not mean a person lacks self-respect, dignity, or cultural identity. It suggests that poverty affects one's physical needs, but should not diminish their social standing or the respect they deserve.

No matter how strong or powerful a husband is, he is still subordinate or susceptible to his wife.

This proverb suggests that regardless of a man's physical strength, social status, or power in the outside world, he is often easily influenced or managed by his wife at home. It highlights the subtle influence and domestic power women hold over their spouses.

A poor man is even lower than a beggar.

This proverb describes the harsh reality of social hierarchies, implying that someone who is down on their luck or lacks resources is often looked down upon or disrespected even by those who are considered to be at the bottom of society. It is used to highlight how vulnerability invites mistreatment from everyone.

Even if poor in food, is one poor in caste/status?

This proverb is used to express that even if someone lacks financial resources or basic necessities like food, they still maintain their self-respect, dignity, or social standing. It highlights the idea that poverty does not equate to a loss of character or heritage.