మహారాజుకైనా నమ్మినవాడే అన్నం పెట్టాలి.

maharajukaina namminavade annam pettali.

Translation

Even for a great king, only a trusted person must serve food.

Meaning

This expression emphasizes the paramount importance of trust and loyalty. It suggests that regardless of one's power, wealth, or status, a person is ultimately vulnerable and must rely on those they trust for their basic needs and safety. It is often used to highlight that loyalty is a more valuable asset than authority.

Related Phrases

Even for God, the one who offers is the relative.

This proverb highlights human nature and social dynamics, suggesting that people—and metaphorically even deities—favor those who provide or give. It is used to describe situations where material generosity or offerings create closer bonds than actual kinship, implying that the world revolves around those who are charitable or provide benefits.

When requested, 'Mother-in-law, mother-in-law, please serve some food,' she replied, 'I will apply lime (chunam) instead.'

This proverb describes a situation where a person expects help or kindness but receives something harmful or insulting in return. It highlights the behavior of mean-spirited or heartless people who mock others' genuine needs or suffering instead of showing empathy.

Like breaking into the house of the person who fed you.

This expression describes extreme ingratitude or betrayal. It refers to a person who harms their benefactor or someone who has helped them in their time of need. It is used to condemn the act of biting the hand that feeds you.

One who trusts his mother and one who trusts the earth will never be ruined.

This proverb emphasizes the virtues of gratitude and hard work. It suggests that a mother's blessing and the rewards of agriculture (cultivating the land) are the most reliable foundations for a successful life. It is used to highlight that devotion to one's parents and an honest living through nature or labor will always provide security and prosperity.

He that ate prospered, and he that prospered became a Ma- hârâja.

This proverb emphasizes that health is the greatest wealth. It means that a person who can eat well (is healthy and has sufficient resources) is the one who can endure or live long, and such a healthy person is as happy and powerful as a king. It is often used to highlight the importance of nutrition and physical well-being over material riches.

One who trusts his mother and one who trusts the earth (land) will never be ruined.

This proverb highlights the reliability of two foundational elements: one's mother and the earth. It suggests that a mother's guidance and love are selfless and protective, while agriculture (or staying rooted to the land) provides a sustainable livelihood. Those who remain loyal to their roots and respect these life-givers will always prosper and never face ultimate downfall.

The one who gives is liked, the one who dies is free of debt.

This proverb reflects a pragmatic and somewhat cynical view of human nature. It suggests that people only like those who provide them with something or give them money. The second part implies that a person's debts are effectively canceled or their accounts are settled only when they pass away, often used to comment on the difficulty of recovering debts or the fleeting nature of social approval based on transactions.

Like applying lime to someone who asked for food

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone asks for help or a basic necessity, but instead of being helped, they are treated cruelly or given something harmful. It highlights the act of adding insult to injury or responding to a genuine plea with a malicious action.

A fox would even apply a religious mark (con) on Lord Narayana's forehead

This proverb is used to describe an extremely cunning or deceitful person. It suggests that a person is so crafty and manipulative that they would try to cheat or trick even the highest authority or God Himself. 'Naamam pettadam' is a common Telugu idiom for cheating or swindling someone.

Even to an educated person, only a farmer must provide food.

This proverb emphasizes the fundamental importance of agriculture and the farmer's role in society. It suggests that regardless of one's education, status, or intellectual achievements, everyone is ultimately dependent on the hard work of the farmer for their basic survival.