నడమంత్రపు సిరి నరాలమీది కురుపు

nadamantrapu siri naralamidi kurupu

Translation

Wealth acquired in the middle of life is like a boil on the nerves.

Meaning

This proverb describes wealth that is acquired suddenly or unexpectedly (new money). Just as a boil on a nerve causes immense pain and makes a person sensitive or irritable, sudden wealth often makes a person arrogant, unstable, and difficult to deal with. It implies that those not used to riches may handle them poorly.

Related Phrases

A man who acquired sudden wealth asked for a chariot drawn by lions.

This proverb is used to describe the behavior of people who attain sudden, unexpected wealth or status and immediately start making arrogant, unrealistic, or extravagant demands. It highlights the lack of humility and common sense that often accompanies 'new money' or a sudden rise in social standing.

Sudden wealth brings eyes to the top of the head.

This proverb describes a person who becomes arrogant and haughty after gaining unexpected or sudden wealth. It implies that the person has lost their humility and no longer recognizes their roots or shows respect to others due to their new financial status.

Nine in the east, ten in the west.

This expression is used to describe a situation of total confusion, lack of coordination, or when things are scattered and disorganized. It often refers to a household or a group where people are moving in different directions without a common goal or order.

A fortune obtained in middle age is like a boil on the sinews. It spoils a man.

This proverb describes the behavior of people who suddenly acquire wealth (nouveau riche). Just as a boil on a nerve is extremely painful and sensitive to the touch, people who gain sudden fortune often become overly sensitive, arrogant, and difficult to deal with, as they do not know how to handle their new status gracefully.

Sudden wealth brings eyes to the top of the head.

This proverb is used to describe a person who has recently acquired unexpected wealth or power and has become extremely arrogant or prideful as a result. It suggests that such people lose their sense of humility and look down upon others.

Will mangoes fall for mantras?

This rhetorical question is used to express skepticism toward someone who thinks results can be achieved through mere words or empty talk rather than actual hard work or practical action. It highlights that miracles or success don't happen just by wishing or chanting; they require effort.

A sore on the nerves and sudden, unexpected wealth are extremely painful/intense.

This proverb draws a comparison between physical and social discomfort. A sore on the nerves is excruciatingly painful. Similarly, 'Nadamantrapu Siri' (wealth acquired suddenly or through windfall) often makes a person extremely arrogant, restless, or difficult to deal with, causing misery to themselves and others around them. It is used to describe the volatile and overwhelming nature of sudden success in someone who lacks the character to handle it.

When sudden wealth arrives, he asked for an umbrella to be held at midnight.

This proverb is used to describe the arrogant or foolish behavior of people who suddenly become wealthy or acquire power. It mocks those who display their new status ostentatiously and unnecessarily, like asking for a sunshade (umbrella) in the middle of the night just to show off their importance.

Wealth acquired in the middle of life and a sore on a nerve are unbearable.

This proverb is used to describe how sudden wealth can make a person arrogant and unbearable to others, just as a wound directly on a nerve causes intolerable physical pain. It highlights that people who gain status or riches overnight often lack the humility to handle it gracefully.

Can unripe mangoes be made to drop by magic?

This expression is used to remind someone that results require hard work and practical effort rather than just empty talk or miracles. It is a sarcastic rhetorical question aimed at those who expect success without doing the necessary work.

Said of excessive leniency or ineffective measures.