మింటికన్నా పొడుగు, నగరి కన్నా ధాష్టీకము లేదు.
mintikanna podugu, nagari kanna dhashtikamu ledu.
There is no greater height than the sky, there is no greater oppression than that of the palace.
This proverb is used to describe the absolute power and authority of the government or those in power. Just as there is nothing higher than the sky, there is no force more dominant or overbearing than the law or the state's authority. It reflects on the helplessness of common people against the might of the ruling establishment.
Related Phrases
ఇంటికన్నా గుడి భద్రము.
intikanna gudi bhadramu.
A temple is safer than the house.
Sometimes, one’s place of work or stay elsewhere is better than living in one’s own house, especially when domestic harmony is absent.
దాష్టీకానికి ధర్మంలేదు, కాయకంటికి చూపులేదు.
dashtikaniki dharmamledu, kayakantiki chupuledu.
There is no righteousness in tyranny, and there is no sight in a cataract.
This proverb is used to describe a person who is blinded by power or arrogance. Just as a physical cataract prevents a person from seeing the world, an oppressive or tyrannical mindset prevents a person from seeing what is fair, moral, or just. It emphasizes that power-hungry individuals often lose their sense of right and wrong.
మింటికన్నా పొడుగు, నగరికన్నా ధాష్టీకం లేవు
mintikanna podugu, nagarikanna dhashtikam levu
There is nothing taller than the sky, and nothing more arrogant than a city (or government).
This proverb describes the ultimate scale of things. Just as the sky represents the absolute height, a city or a ruling administration (Nagari) often displays the peak of power or dominance. It is used to remark on the vastness of nature or the overwhelming bureaucracy and power dynamics of urban/political systems.
రాజు కన్నా చిన్న, మంత్రి కన్నా పెద్ద.
raju kanna chinna, mantri kanna pedda.
Smaller than the king, but bigger than the minister.
This expression is used to describe a middle-ground position or an intermediary status where one is subordinate to the top authority but holds power over others. It is often used as a riddle answer for 'the finger' (the middle finger is next to the forefinger) or in a social context to describe middle management or individuals who are stuck between two different levels of hierarchy.
ఇంటికన్నా గుడి పదిలము
intikanna gudi padilamu
The temple is stronger than the house. Said by a ruined man who had been obliged to take refuge in a temple, but pretended that he had gone there for the safety of his property. Make a virtue of necessity.
This proverb is used sarcastically to describe a situation where a person is so troubled or miserable at home that they find more peace or safety staying elsewhere. It can also imply a state of homelessness or having nothing left to lose, suggesting that one's house is no longer a viable shelter.
తాడూ లేదు, బొంగరమూ లేదు
tadu ledu, bongaramu ledu
Neither a string nor a top
This expression is used to describe a person who is irresponsible, lacks roots, or has no attachments or accountability. Just as a spinning top cannot be controlled or operated without a string, it refers to someone who is wandering aimlessly or a situation that has no proper foundation or control.
బుడ్డగోచి కన్న మించిన దారిద్ర్యం లేదు, చావుకన్న మించిన కష్టం లేదు
buddagochi kanna minchina daridryam ledu, chavukanna minchina kashtam ledu
There is no poverty greater than a small loincloth, and no hardship greater than death.
This proverb is used to define the extremes of the human condition. It suggests that absolute poverty is symbolized by having nothing but the barest essential clothing (buddagochi), and that death is the ultimate suffering or end of all struggles. It is often cited to put one's problems into perspective or to describe a state of total destitution.
ధాష్టీకానికి ధర్మము లేదు, గుడ్డి కంటికి చూపు లేదు.
dhashtikaniki dharmamu ledu, guddi kantiki chupu ledu.
There is no justice in oppression, and no sight in a blind eye.
This proverb is used to describe people who act with arrogance, tyranny, or brute force. It implies that just as it is naturally impossible for a blind eye to see, it is impossible for a person acting out of sheer dominance or malice to follow the path of justice or ethics.
అందం చిందినట్టు, నాగరికం నష్టమయినట్టు.
andam chindinattu, nagarikam nashtamayinattu.
His beauty has overflowed and his politeness has gone.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone's attempt to look beautiful or sophisticated results in a loss of dignity or culture. It highlights a scenario where external decoration or modern pretense leads to the destruction of one's innate grace or traditional values. It is often used to criticize superficiality.
Said ironically of an ugly ruffian.
మాటలకు పేదరికము లేదు
matalaku pedarikamu ledu
He is not wanting in words.
This proverb means that speaking or making promises costs nothing. It is used to describe situations where people talk big or offer hollow words because talking is free and requires no actual resources or effort.
He ruins himself in promises, and clears himself by giving nothing. ( French. )*