మహామహావాళ్లు మడుగులో పడుతూంటే, కోణంగి దాసరి కోనేటిలో పడెనంట!
mahamahavallu madugulo padutunte, konangi dasari konetilo padenanta!
When great people are falling into deep pools, the funny beggar fell into the temple tank!
This proverb is used to mock someone who tries to gain attention by exaggerating a minor trouble when much more capable or important people are facing significant disasters. It highlights the absurdity of a common person mimicking the struggles of the great, or failing in a simple task when others are struggling with much harder ones.
Related Phrases
రొట్టి విరిగి నేతీలో పడ్డట్టు
rotti virigi netilo paddattu
Cake (roti) breaking only to fall in clarified butter.
When good fortune smiles on one, even usually harmful acts turn out to be helpful.
గుడ్డివాడి చేతి నూలు కదుట్లో పడుతుందో దిండులో పడుతుందో.
guddivadi cheti nulu kadutlo padutundo dindulo padutundo.
Whether the thread in a blind man's hand falls on the spindle or on the pillow.
This expression is used to describe a situation where the outcome is purely a matter of chance or luck rather than skill or certainty. It refers to an unpredictable result where one cannot be sure if an effort will hit the target or miss it completely.
మహామహా వారు మదుళ్ళకింద ఉంటే, గోడ చాటు వారికి శరణు శరణు.
mahamaha varu madullakinda unte, goda chatu variki sharanu sharanu.
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.
మంచి మంచి వారంతా మడుగులో మునిగితే, కోణంగి దాసరి కోనేటలో మునిగెనట
manchi manchi varanta madugulo munigite, konangi dasari konetalo munigenata
When all the noble people bathed in a pond, the foolish clown bathed in a holy temple tank.
This proverb is used to mock people who try to outdo others or show off their supposed superiority by performing grander gestures than necessary, especially when they lack the actual merit or character of the people they are trying to surpass. It highlights pretentious behavior or 'one-upmanship' by someone who is fundamentally foolish or unqualified.
కదుటిలో పడదు, దిండులోనూ పడదు.
kadutilo padadu, dindulonu padadu.
Neither falling into the spinning wheel nor falling into the pillow.
This expression describes a state of indecision or a situation where someone is stuck between two choices and ends up benefiting from neither. It is used when a person is inconsistent, unreliable, or fails to commit to a specific path, resulting in total unproductive outcome.
కొండకు కట్టెలు, కోనేటికి నీళ్ళు మోసినట్లు.
kondaku kattelu, konetiki nillu mosinatlu.
Like carrying firewood to a mountain and water to a pond.
This proverb is used to describe a redundant or futile action. It refers to providing something to a place that already has it in abundance, similar to the English expression 'carrying coals to Newcastle'. It highlights the pointlessness of doing something unnecessary.
కొండ కట్టెలు, కోనేటి నీళ్ళు మోసినట్టు
konda kattelu, koneti nillu mosinattu
Like carrying wood from a hill and water from a temple pond.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone performs a task that is redundant, unnecessary, or involves carrying something to a place where it is already abundant. It highlights the futility or lack of common sense in doing work that provides no additional value or brings resources to their own source.
మహామహావాళ్ళే మన్ను మూకుళ్ళు అయితే, నీవొక జల్లిమూకుడివి
mahamahavalle mannu mukullu ayite, nivoka jallimukudivi
If the greatest of people are earthen pans, you are but a sieve-pan.
This expression is used to humble someone who is being overly arrogant or acting superior. It implies that when people much greater and more capable than the subject have failed or are considered insignificant, the subject's self-importance is laughable. It highlights the vast difference in caliber between truly great people and the person being addressed.
మహామహావాళ్ళు ముదుళ్ళకింద ఉంటే పుల్లాకునాగతేమి అన్నట్లు.
mahamahavallu mudullakinda unte pullakunagatemi annatlu.
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.
మహామహావాళ్ళు ముదుళ్ళకింద ఉంటే, గోడచాటువారికి శరణు శరణు.
mahamahavallu mudullakinda unte, godachatuvariki sharanu sharanu.
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.