మహా మహా వారు మదుళ్ల కింద ఉంటే, గోడ చాటు వారికి శరణు శరణు.

maha maha varu madulla kinda unte, goda chatu variki sharanu sharanu.

Translation

When great men are under the coping, “Saraṇu! Saraṇu!” [is said] to those who live under the wall. Saraṇu Saraṇu here means “ you may go, you may go.” When a superior is in want, an inferior must expect to be neglected.

Meaning

This proverb is used to comment on a situation where even the most powerful or influential people are facing severe downfall or ruin. In such circumstances, it is ironic or futile for smaller, insignificant people to expect safety or seek protection. It highlights that if the mighty cannot survive a disaster, the weak stand no chance.

Related Phrases

When sought after, many become proud.

This expression describes a situation where someone acts overly important or stubborn because they are being pursued, invited, or catered to. It is used when people take advantage of someone else's politeness or need by acting difficult or 'playing hard to get'.

When great people are under the eaves, those behind the walls are seeking refuge.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where even the most powerful or influential people are suffering or in a vulnerable position. It implies that if the giants are struggling to find shelter, common or insignificant people have no chance at all and are desperately seeking any help they can get. It highlights a state of extreme crisis or overwhelming odds.

I will grant a boon to those who come, and cast a stone on those who do not come. Supposed to have been said by a deity. Used threateningly by a great personage.

This expression is used to describe a person who shows extreme favoritism or bias. It implies that the person rewards those who comply with their wishes or approach them, while actively punishing or sabotaging those who do not follow their lead or stay away. It highlights a dual nature of being overly generous to allies and hostile to others.

When a request was made to the Emperor, he ordered two more servings to be served.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone approaches a superior or authority figure for relief from a burden or help with a problem, but instead of receiving help, they are burdened with even more work or responsibility. It highlights the irony of seeking mercy and receiving a double dose of the original trouble.

What is Friday to visitors ? If a married woman goes away from a house on Friday, the Hindus say that the goddess of fortune quits the house with her. The above is an excuse made by a casual visitor, who wished to get away. Lame excuses.

This proverb is used to criticize people who overstay their welcome or visit at inappropriate times without considering the convenience or the specific customs/taboos of the host (as Friday is traditionally a busy or sacred day for rituals in Telugu households). It highlights a lack of common sense or courtesy in guests.

When great people are under the feet, what is the fate of a leaf plate?

This proverb is used to describe a situation where even highly influential or powerful people are suffering or being crushed, implying that common people or those of lower status stand no chance at all. It highlights total chaos or a hierarchy of suffering.

Death is a better refuge for a man than living on a dowry.

This proverb emphasizes the social stigma and loss of self-respect associated with a man living off his wife's wealth or dowry (Aranam). It suggests that for a man with dignity, death is preferable to the humiliation of being dependent on his in-laws' property or a dowry-based lifestyle.

When even the greatest people are under someone's control, one must bow down to those hiding behind walls.

This expression is used to describe a situation where even highly influential or capable individuals are being suppressed or dominated by a stronger force. In such cases, people with lesser power or those who usually hide (opportunists) must be treated with extreme caution or subservience to survive. It highlights the shifting of power dynamics during times of crisis or when a superior authority takes control.

There are many great souls, salutations to all of them.

This expression is used to show deep humility and respect towards all the great people who have contributed to a field or society. It was famously coined by Saint Tyagaraja in his Pancharatna Kritis. In daily life, it is used when one wants to acknowledge that they are standing on the shoulders of many predecessors or when honoring a large group of distinguished individuals without singling anyone out.

Dying and being ruined

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone has to put in an immense, exhausting amount of effort or struggle to complete a task. It is similar to the English idiom 'toil and moil' or 'with great difficulty'.