నెత్తిన నోరుంటే పెత్తనం సాగుతుంది

nettina norunte pettanam sagutundi

Translation

If there is a mouth on the head, authority/leadership will prevail.

Meaning

This proverb is used to describe a person who is extremely loud, talkative, or overbearing. It implies that in certain situations, people who shout the loudest or talk incessantly often end up dominating others or getting their way, regardless of whether they are right or wrong.

Related Phrases

Even if you sew the mouth of a gossip-monger shut, it won't stay quiet.

This proverb is used to describe a person who cannot keep secrets or stop talking ill of others. It implies that a habitual gossip or a person with a loose tongue will always find a way to blabber, regardless of any attempts to restrain or silence them.

If there are people to admire, one should wear jewelry; if there are people to help, one should have children.

This proverb highlights that certain actions or responsibilities are only feasible or rewarding when there is sufficient support or an audience. Just as jewelry is worn for others to see, raising children is easier and more practical when there are others (family/helpers) to assist with the workload.

Only if there are seeds, can there be management (authority).

This proverb highlights that one can only exercise authority or manage affairs if they possess the necessary resources or capital. In an agricultural context, it means without seeds to sow, there is no farm to manage; in a broader sense, it implies that financial stability is the foundation of influence and leadership.

Like breaking into the house of the person who fed you.

This expression describes extreme ingratitude or betrayal. It refers to a person who harms their benefactor or someone who has helped them in their time of need. It is used to condemn the act of biting the hand that feeds you.

The mouth that ate charcoal and the mouth that criticized others cannot stay quiet.

This proverb highlights that certain bad habits are hard to break. Just as someone who has eaten something messy (charcoal) cannot hide the evidence or stop the discomfort, a person habitual to gossiping or bad-mouthing others cannot restrain themselves from doing it again. It is used to describe people who are prone to constant criticism or spreading rumors.

A woman who does not give [ alms ] will never give ; what evil has happened to the jade who does give ?

This proverb describes a person who neither does a good deed themselves nor allows others to do it. It is used to criticize dog-in-the-manger behavior where someone obstructs progress or charity despite having no intention of contributing themselves.

Said by a beggar of one from whom he generally received alms.

Every day's travel is a waste of cold rice.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where there is a lot of preparation and effort, but no actual progress or movement. It refers to a person who keeps packing and getting ready to travel every single day but never actually departs, thereby wasting the food (curd rice) packed for the journey.

If carried on the hip, it is affection; if carried on the head, it is a nuisance.

This proverb highlights the importance of maintaining boundaries and limits. It suggests that while showing affection or giving support is good, over-indulging someone or giving them too much freedom/authority can lead to them becoming a burden or acting out of place. It is often used to warn against spoiling children or being overly lenient with subordinates.

When asked, 'Where did this authority come from?', he replied, 'It was in the corner, so I put it on my head.'

This proverb is used to mock someone who assumes authority or responsibility that was never given to them, or someone who takes control of a situation simply because it was neglected or vacant. It highlights the absurdity of self-appointed leadership or unearned bossiness.

If served, it is a wedding; if not, it is a divorce.

This proverb describes a fickle or opportunistic mindset. It refers to people who are only friendly and supportive as long as they are receiving benefits or being favored (represented by the wedding feast), but immediately turn hostile or sever ties when those benefits stop (represented by divorce). It highlights how some relationships are based solely on self-interest rather than genuine loyalty.