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.
Related Phrases
మహా మహా వారు మదుళ్ల కింద ఉంటే, గోడ చాటు వారికి శరణు శరణు.
maha maha varu madulla kinda unte, goda chatu variki sharanu sharanu.
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.
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.
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.
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.
ఆనందమహారాజును ఎరిగినవాడికి అగ్రహారం ఉండబోదు.
anandamaharajunu eriginavadiki agraharam undabodu.
For one who has known the King of Bliss, there will be no land-grant (Agrahara).
This proverb highlights that once a person experiences supreme spiritual bliss or true inner peace (Ananda), they no longer crave material wealth, property, or worldly possessions. It is often used to describe how a profound spiritual awakening or a superior experience makes one indifferent to smaller, temporary worldly benefits.
మహారాజువారని మనవి చేసుకుంటే, మరి రెండు వడ్డించమన్నాడట.
maharajuvarani manavi chesukunte, mari rendu vaddinchamannadata.
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.
పాపమని పాతచీర ఇస్తే, గోడచాటుకు పోయి మూరవేసిందట.
papamani patachira iste, godachatuku poyi muravesindata.
When an old saree was given out of pity, she went behind a wall and measured its length.
This proverb is used to describe someone who is ungrateful or overly critical of a charitable act. It refers to a person who, instead of being thankful for a gift given out of kindness, immediately starts looking for flaws or checking its value/size to see if it meets their expectations.
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.
అరణంకంటే మరణమే మగవానికి శరణం
aranankante maraname magavaniki sharanam
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.
చంకలో బిడ్డను పెట్టుకొని ఊరంతా వెతికినట్టు
chankalo biddanu pettukoni uranta vetikinattu
Like carrying a child in one's arms and searching for them throughout the village
This proverb describes a situation where someone searches for something everywhere, unaware that it is right with them or already in their possession. It is commonly used to mock forgetfulness or a lack of situational awareness.