మాచర్ల రాజులకు మీసాలు లేవంటే పల్నాటి రాజుల మిద్దెలకు వాసాలు లేవన్నాడట.

macharla rajulaku misalu levante palnati rajula middelaku vasalu levannadata.

Translation

When someone said the kings of Macherla do not have moustaches, another replied that the palaces of Palnadu kings do not have rafters.

Meaning

This proverb describes a situation where one person makes a negative or mocking comment about someone, and another person retaliates with an equally baseless or exaggerated insult. It is used to illustrate tit-for-tat arguments where logic is ignored in favor of mutual disparagement, or when someone tries to cover up one flaw by pointing out a non-existent or irrelevant flaw in another.

Related Phrases

How long does a king's intimacy last?

This expression warns that the favor or friendship of powerful people is often fickle and temporary. It is used to suggest that one should not overly rely on the patronage of superiors, as their affection can change in an instant.

The lords of Macherla have no mustaches, and the lords of Palnadu have no rafters.

This is a satirical historical proverb reflecting on a period of extreme poverty or decline. Mustaches are traditionally symbols of pride and masculinity (lords), while rafters (vasalu) are essential for building a house. It implies that the rulers lost their dignity and the common people lost their shelter, used to describe situations where everyone, regardless of status, is lacking basic necessities or pride.

If there is a king like Bhoja, only then will there be a poet like Kalidasa.

This expression emphasizes that greatness requires patronage and the right environment. Just as the legendary poet Kalidasa flourished under the appreciation and support of King Bhoja, talent can only truly shine when there is someone capable of recognizing and nurturing it. It is used to highlight that a leader's quality determines the quality of the talent they attract.

If kings go, do kingdoms disappear?

This expression is used to convey that the world or an organization does not stop functioning just because a leader or a specific individual is gone. It emphasizes that systems are larger than individuals and that life goes on despite the departure of those in power.

The wealth of kings goes to stones and harlots. Kings addicted to debauchery spent their wealth in constructing houses, temples, &c. and also lavished much on their concubines instead of spend- ing their Revenue for the good of people they governed.

This proverb highlights how ill-managed or excessive wealth is often squandered on unproductive vanity projects (like grand stone monuments/forts) or hedonistic pleasures. It is used to caution against the misuse of resources and the inevitable waste that occurs when power and money are not directed toward the welfare of the people.

Like the fence itself grazing the crop

This expression is used to describe a situation where a protector or guardian ends up being the one who causes harm or exploits those they were meant to protect. It is typically applied to corrupt officials, untrustworthy guardians, or leaders who betray the trust placed in them.

Giving even a small copper coin is greatness for kings in this Kali era.

This expression refers to the nature of charity in the current age (Kali Yuga). It suggests that even the smallest act of generosity or the donation of a tiny amount is considered a significant and noble deed, given the rarity of selfless giving among those in power.

We are emperors, but the stove does not light up

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone has high status, titles, or pride, but lacks the basic resources or means to survive. It highlights the irony of being 'rich' in name but poor in reality, or having a prestigious position without the actual benefits or functionality of it.

No legs to the tale, no ears to the pot. Said of a story that one cannot make head or tail of. A story without a head. (Greek.)

This proverb is used to describe a story, explanation, or excuse that lacks logic, consistency, or a proper foundation. It refers to something that is nonsensical or a 'cock and bull story' where the details don't add up or have no basis in reality.

Giving a daughter in marriage to kings is like giving her to stones.

This proverb highlights that being associated with powerful or busy people often means a lack of emotional warmth or personal attention. Just as a stone has no feelings, a ruler consumed by power or state affairs may have no time or empathy for family bonds, leaving the bride neglected.