ఓగును ఓగే మెచ్చును, అజ్ఞానిని అజ్ఞానే మెచ్చును.

ogunu oge mechchunu, ajnyanini ajnyane mechchunu.

Translation

The wicked appreciates the wicked, and the ignorant appreciates the ignorant.

Meaning

This proverb highlights that people with similar traits, often negative ones, tend to admire and support each other. Just as a wicked person finds common ground with another wicked person, an ignorant individual is more likely to be impressed by someone equally lacking in knowledge or wisdom, rather than someone truly wise.

Related Phrases

Everything happens according to the Lord’s will: even an ant does not bite without His

This reiterates the potency of God and His will. But all the same, one should perform one’s duty (karma) and leave the result to God.

The master's permission for the free food at a shelter

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone acts as if they have authority over things that are free or do not belong to them. It mocks people who unnecessarily try to control or dictate terms in matters where they have no personal stake or ownership.

An order for mangoes, but is there an order for swallowing?

This proverb is used to point out the absurdity of trying to control or restrict something that is natural, involuntary, or beyond one's authority. While one might have control over the distribution of fruits (mangoes), they cannot control the basic bodily function or the urge of the person eating (swallowing). It highlights that certain things happen naturally and cannot be governed by rules or commands.

The pig likes mud - the lady likes rose-water

This proverb highlights how different individuals have different tastes and standards based on their nature or upbringing. It is used to explain that what is delightful to one person might be repulsive or trivial to another, emphasizing that everyone has their own unique preferences.

A pig likes mud; will it ever like rose water?

This proverb is used to describe people with low tastes or vulgar habits who cannot appreciate refined, noble, or high-quality things. It suggests that one's inherent nature dictates their preferences, and a person accustomed to 'dirt' or negativity will never understand the value of something 'pure' or superior.

What the king likes is the law, and who the husband likes is Rambha.

This proverb highlights the subjectivity of beauty and authority. It means that power determines what is right, and personal affection determines what is beautiful. Just as a king's word is final regardless of logic, a person's preference defines their standard of beauty or excellence, regardless of objective reality.

That's the word, which pleases the king; she is Rambhâ, who is loved by her husband.

This proverb highlights the subjectivity of taste and authority. It means that power and personal affection define value. If a king approves of something, it becomes the rule or truth; similarly, if a man loves his wife, she is as beautiful as a celestial nymph (Rambha) to him, regardless of others' opinions.

Like carrying fire tied in the fold of one's garment

This expression is used to describe a person or a situation that brings trouble, danger, or destruction along with them. Just as carrying live embers in a cloth is dangerous and will eventually burn the person carrying it, inviting a troublemaker or initiating a risky plan will lead to self-destruction.

There is no sentence beyond the head. Do your worst, you can but cut my head off.

This expression is used to signify that the ultimate authority or the highest order must be obeyed without question. It implies that once a final decision or a supreme command is given, there is no further room for argument or appeal. In a historical or administrative context, it refers to an order that is absolute.

Eat to please yourself, behave to please others

This proverb suggests that personal choices like food should be according to one's own taste, but social behavior and conduct should be respectable and acceptable to society. It emphasizes the balance between personal freedom and social responsibility.