మిద్దె మీద పొట్టు, మీసాల మీద మెట్టు.

midde mida pottu, misala mida mettu.

Translation

Husks on the terrace, pride on the mustache.

Meaning

This proverb is used to describe a person who maintains a false sense of pride or prestige (symbolized by the mustache) despite being extremely poor or having nothing of value (symbolized by having only useless husks on their roof). It refers to people who prioritize outward appearances over their actual dire situation.

Related Phrases

The evil/burden on the person has transferred to the earth.

This expression is used when a person narrowly escapes a misfortune or when an object is broken/lost instead of a person getting hurt. It signifies that the bad luck or evil eye intended for the person was absorbed by the earth or a material object, resulting in a sense of relief.

Showing anger towards the mother-in-law on the earthen pot.

This proverb describes a situation where someone takes out their frustration or anger on an innocent person or an inanimate object because they cannot confront the actual person who caused the anger. It is used to highlight displaced aggression or venting on a weaker or easier target.

Desire for the porridge, desire for the mustache.

This proverb describes a person who wants two things that are mutually exclusive or incompatible. In the context of the saying, drinking porridge (ambali) would inevitably soil one's mustache; therefore, one cannot keep the mustache clean while enjoying the drink. It is used to mock someone who is indecisive or greedy, wanting to enjoy a benefit without accepting the necessary sacrifice or consequence.

Not a grain to eat, but scented oil for his mustaches.

This proverb is used to describe a person who lacks basic necessities (like food) but indulges in expensive luxuries or maintains a false sense of status to show off to others. It mocks superficial vanity and the act of maintaining appearances while suffering in poverty.

Love of outward show disproportionate to one's means.

Running on the terrace of a house. A hasty beginning.

This expression refers to a situation where there is a lot of effort or activity, but no real progress is made because one is confined to a limited space. It describes futile efforts or a 'running in circles' scenario where the movement doesn't lead to a destination.

Those in the gardens and those on the seats have no hesitation.

This proverb highlights two types of people who act without social inhibition: those who own or work in orchards/gardens (who speak freely or protect their crop) and those who are seated as guests of honor or elders (who feel entitled to speak their mind or demand service). It is used to describe situations where people act bluntly or assertively without worrying about social niceties.

God knows the truth, just as water knows the slope.

This proverb expresses that truth is inevitable and self-evident to a higher power or the natural order, just as it is the natural property of water to flow towards lower ground. It is used to assert one's honesty or to imply that the truth will eventually find its way out regardless of attempts to hide it.

Hands on the shop, eyes on the mother-in-law.

This proverb describes someone who is physically performing a task in one place (like working in a shop) but is mentally preoccupied or keeping a suspicious eye on someone else (the mother-in-law) to ensure they aren't being cheated or monitored. It is used to describe a person who lacks focus or is overly suspicious of others while working.

Desire for the wife, but the bed is on a mat.

This expression is used to describe a person who has high desires or grand ambitions but lacks the basic resources or means to fulfill them. It highlights the gap between one's wants and their actual capabilities or reality.

Running on the roof and shining the mustache.

This expression refers to someone who focuses on outward appearances, vanity, or superficial shows of status while lacking actual substance, property, or a solid foundation. It describes a person who prioritizes pride and showing off over practical stability.