నల్లంబి దురాయి పెట్టితే నిలుస్తుందా?

nallambi durayi pettite nilustunda?

Translation

If a black beetle issues a command, will it stand?

Meaning

This proverb is used to describe situations where a command or prohibition is issued by someone who lacks the authority, status, or power to enforce it. Just as a small beetle's 'prohibition' is ignored by others, the words of an insignificant or powerless person carry no weight in a society or a specific situation.

Related Phrases

What the priest serves is the sacred offering.

This expression is used to describe a situation where one has no choice but to accept whatever is given or decided by an authority figure. It implies that regardless of the quality or quantity, one must be content with what is offered because they are not in a position to demand more or question the source.

When the drum sounded "tuḍum, tuḍum" a man called out "durāyi, durāyi."

This expression is used to describe a situation where people are engaging in repetitive, meaningless, or tit-for-tat arguments. It highlights a lack of constructive dialogue where both parties are simply echoing or countering each other without reaching a resolution.

Tudum is the ( onomatopoetic ) name of a kind of drum ( Tom-tom ). Durāyi is a form of adjuration in the name of Government. * Qui se sent galeux, se gratte,

Water lies in the low ground.

This proverb suggests that opportunities, wealth, or help naturally gravitate toward those who are humble or those who have a genuine need. It is often used to imply that benefits flow to the deserving and well-prepared, or that good things settle where there is a receptive and grounded environment.

Truth will out at last.

Whatever the priest serves is the sacred offering.

This expression implies that one must accept whatever is given by a person in authority or a provider, without questioning the quality or quantity. It is used in situations where a person has no choice but to be satisfied with what is offered to them.

If the nose doesn't stay when coughing, will it stay when sneezing?

This expression is used to describe a situation that is already fragile or failing under minor pressure, suggesting it will certainly collapse under greater stress. It implies that if someone cannot handle a small problem, they surely cannot handle a bigger one.

If a nose falls off just by blowing it, how long will it last?

This proverb is used to describe something that is extremely fragile, temporary, or unstable. It suggests that if a foundation or a situation is so weak that even a minor pressure causes it to fail, it is bound to collapse sooner or later.

A crop on the riverbank, will it remain if the river overflows?

This proverb highlights vulnerability and the inevitability of loss when one's assets or efforts are placed in a high-risk position. It is used to describe situations where something is destined to be destroyed because it lacks a safe foundation or protection from predictable disasters.

Will a pasted mustache stay on forever?

This proverb is used to say that artificial or fake things are never permanent. It implies that borrowed status, false appearances, or temporary fixes will eventually fail and cannot replace something natural or genuine.

When someone says 'Tudum Tudum', the other replies 'Durayi Durayi'.

This expression is used to describe a situation where people are communicating or acting in a repetitive, stubborn, or nonsensical manner without reaching any conclusion. It refers to a tit-for-tat exchange or a situation where two parties are just making noise or arguing without listening to each other, much like the rhythmic but non-verbal sounds of a drum.

Time passes away, but the word remains

This expression emphasizes the permanence and importance of one's promises or speech. While time is fleeting and situations change, the words you speak—especially promises or insults—leave a lasting impact and are remembered long after the moment has passed. It is used to advise someone to be careful with their words or to honor their commitments.