మహామహావాళ్ళు ముదుళ్ళకింద ఉంటే పుల్లాకునాగతేమి అన్నట్లు.

mahamahavallu mudullakinda unte pullakunagatemi annatlu.

Translation

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

Meaning

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.

Related Phrases

A dry twig supported by a blade of grass.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone who is already weak or in a precarious position receives help from someone who is equally weak or insignificant. It highlights that the assistance provided is trivial or insufficient to make a real difference, often used in a sarcastic or self-deprecating context.

When one walked with high-lifted steps, they ended up stepping on a used leaf plate.

This expression is used to describe a person who puts on a great show of being careful, superior, or sophisticated, yet ends up doing something trivial, foolish, or embarrassing. It highlights the irony of someone's pretense versus their actual outcome.

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.

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.

When crowbars themselves are being blown away by the wind, a leaf plate asked 'What will happen to me?'

This proverb is used to describe a situation where even the strongest or most powerful entities are suffering or failing, making the concerns of the weak or insignificant seem obvious yet trivial. It highlights a scale of disaster where if the indestructible is perishing, the fragile has no hope.

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 the crowbars were blown about by the wind, the leaf- platter said " What is to become of me ?" Pullâku is a cast away leaf-dish which has been once used. A mean person thinking of his own loss when his superiors are suffering.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where even the strongest or most powerful entities are facing destruction or failure. In such a context, it is trivial or foolish for someone small or insignificant to worry about their own minor troubles. It highlights a scale of disaster where the small should realize their vulnerability is a given if the mighty are falling.

When heavy iron crowbars are being blown away by the wind, the leaf plate asked 'What about my fate?'

This proverb is used to describe a situation where even the strongest or most powerful entities are being destroyed or defeated by a massive force. In such a scenario, it is foolish or redundant for someone weak or insignificant to worry about their safety, as their destruction is already a foregone conclusion. It is often used to mock people who express petty concerns during a major catastrophe.

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.

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.