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.
Related Phrases
నట్టేట పుట్టి ముణిగినట్టు
natteta putti muniginattu
Like a basket boat sinking as it reached the middle of the river. A break down half way, in any business.
This expression describes a situation where someone experiences a total loss or failure just when they are at the most critical or deepest point of a task. It is used to express feelings of being completely helpless or facing a disaster at a crucial moment when there is no hope of rescue.
మంచి వారికి ఒక మాట, మంచి గొడ్డుకు ఒక దెబ్బ
manchi variki oka mata, manchi godduku oka debba
One word to a good man, one stroke to a good bullock. A nod for a wise man, and a rod for a fool.
This proverb emphasizes that an intelligent or sensible person understands and acts upon a single word of advice or instruction, just as a disciplined ox responds to a single stroke. It is used to suggest that wise people do not need repeated warnings or explanations to do the right thing.
మంచివాడు మంచివాడంటే, మంచమంతా కంతలు చేసినాడు.
manchivadu manchivadante, manchamanta kantalu chesinadu.
When called a good man, he made holes all over the cot.
This proverb describes a situation where someone takes undue advantage of the praise or kindness shown to them. It refers to people who, when trusted or given freedom due to their 'good' reputation, end up causing damage or acting irresponsibly. It is used to caution against blind trust or to describe someone who lacks common sense despite being called 'good'.
మోకాలు మునిగిందని ముక్కు ముంచుకుంటారా?
mokalu munigindani mukku munchukuntara?
Because the water is up to the knee are we to plunge above the nose ? Because we experience a little difficulty, are we to give way to despair ?
This proverb is used to criticize someone for making a mountain out of a molehill or taking extreme, unnecessary steps for a minor problem. It suggests that just because a small difficulty exists, one shouldn't resort to a solution that causes total self-destruction or overreaction.
మొదలు మునిగితే వడ్డి మునుగదా
modalu munigite vaddi munugada
If the principal amount is drowned, won't the interest be drowned too?
This proverb is used to illustrate that when the core foundation or the primary source of something is lost or destroyed, the secondary benefits or consequences associated with it will inevitably disappear as well. It is often applied in financial contexts or when discussing the root cause of a failure.
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.
నర్మదలో మునిగినా కర్మం తప్పదు
narmadalo munigina karmam tappadu
Even if you bathe in the Narmada river, your karma cannot be escaped.
This proverb emphasizes that one cannot escape the consequences of their actions (karma) simply by performing religious rituals or taking holy dips in sacred rivers. It is used to suggest that fate or the results of one's past deeds are inevitable and must be faced regardless of external purification acts.
ఆంతా మన మంచికే
anta mana manchike
Everything is only for our good.
Normally used in comforting someone, the statement indicates that acceptance of what befalls one is a positive attitude. Worrying about what is unavoidable serves no purpose. One should realize what will be, will be.
నీళ్ళలో మునిగి ఉన్న వానికి నిప్పు భయం లేదు
nillalo munigi unna vaniki nippu bhayam ledu
One who is submerged in water has no fear of fire
This proverb is used to describe a person who is already in a state of extreme misery or facing a massive problem, such that additional smaller problems or threats no longer bother them. It suggests that once a person has reached the lowest point or is fully overwhelmed, they become indifferent to further risks.
గంగలో మునిగినా కాకి హంస అవుతుందా?
gangalo munigina kaki hamsa avutunda?
Even if it dips in the Ganges, will a crow become a swan?
This proverb is used to convey that a person's fundamental nature, character, or inherent qualities do not change simply by changing their environment, performing religious rituals, or putting on external appearances. Just as a crow remains a crow regardless of where it bathes, a person with bad intentions or lack of merit cannot become noble just by association with something sacred.