మహామహావాళ్ళే మన్ను మూకుళ్ళు అయితే, నీవొక జల్లిమూకుడివి

mahamahavalle mannu mukullu ayite, nivoka jallimukudivi

Translation

If the greatest of people are earthen pans, you are but a sieve-pan.

Meaning

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.

Related Phrases

The pumpkins have become rotten, the mustard plants have spread. Said when the base and wicked rise in power and the great and good disappear.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where great or powerful entities have fallen or perished, while small, insignificant, or weak entities are thriving or taking over. It highlights the irony of time or circumstances where the mighty fail and the lowly flourish.

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.

Like people from various food sources becoming leaders.

This proverb refers to a situation where people from diverse, often humble or unrelated backgrounds, come together and suddenly assume positions of authority or leadership. It is often used to describe a disorganized group of people who have gained power or status without the traditional qualifications or a cohesive background, sometimes implying a lack of genuine unity or merit.

If the earth and sky become one, where is the life for humans?

This expression is used to describe a catastrophic or overwhelming situation where everything is in chaos. It implies that when natural order is disrupted or when massive troubles converge from all sides, survival becomes impossible. It is often used to describe extreme weather like heavy rains or a series of great misfortunes.

When bowed to a widow, she said 'Live for a thousand years like me'; when bowed a second time, she said 'Live like my husband'

This proverb highlights the irony of seeking blessings or advice from someone who is in a miserable or unfortunate state. It suggests that a person who has lost everything cannot truly wish a better fate for others than what they have experienced. It is used to caution against following the guidance of those whose own lives are in ruin.

There is no lid big enough to cover the world's mouth.

This proverb is used to convey that it is impossible to stop people from gossiping or talking about others. No matter what you do, someone will always have something to say, so it is better to ignore the critics and move on with your work.

When the husbands of Mopuru people died, the people of Talamanchi broke their wedding threads.

This proverb describes a situation where someone reacts unnecessarily or excessively to a situation that does not involve them or doesn't affect them directly. It is used to mock people who mimic others' grief or actions without any logical reason or personal connection.

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.

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.

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.