పాడు ఊరికి నక్క తలారి
padu uriki nakka talari
A jackal is the watchman of a ruined village.
In a place where there is no leadership or the situation is already beyond repair, incompetent or cunning people end up in charge. It is used to describe a situation where a worthless person assumes a position of authority in a worthless or dysfunctional environment.
Applied to a person who gets on well with his work when there is no one to question him.
Related Phrases
తలారి పగ తలతో తీరుతుంది.
talari paga talato tirutundi.
A Talâri's hate ends with one's head. Talâri is a village watchman.
This expression suggests that certain rivalries or grudges held by powerful or stubborn individuals will only end in total destruction or extreme consequences. It is used to describe a situation where an enemy will not stop until they have achieved complete revenge, implying that one should be cautious of making enemies with those in positions of authority or those who harbor deep-seated resentment.
ఆ వూరివారు ఈ వూరికి రారంటే ఈ వూరివారు ఆ వూరు పోరన్నారట
a vurivaru i vuriki rarante i vurivaru a vuru porannarata
When told that the people of that village won't come to this village, the people of this village said they won't go to that village either.
This expression is used to describe a situation of mutual stubbornness or reciprocal indifference. It highlights a tit-for-tat attitude where one party refuses to cooperate or show interest simply because the other party did the same first. It is often used to mock petty pride or a lack of initiative in resolving conflicts.
ఈ ఊరికి ఆ ఊరెంతో, ఆ ఊరికి ఈ ఊరంతే.
i uriki a urento, a uriki i urante.
The distance between that village and this village is the same as that between this village and that village.
This expression is used to highlight symmetry, reciprocity, or equality in relationships or situations. It implies that if one party expects respect, effort, or a certain distance from another, the same applies in return. It is often used to remind someone that a relationship is a two-way street or to point out a redundant or obvious comparison.
Six of one and half a dozen of the other.
దిక్కులేని నాడు ఊరికి నక్కే పోతురాజు
dikkuleni nadu uriki nakke poturaju
In a village with no protector, even a fox is the Pothuraju (mighty deity).
This proverb describes a situation where, in the absence of a capable leader or authority figure, an unworthy or cunning person assumes power and acts as if they are the ruler. It is used to mock the authority of someone who has gained importance only because there are no better alternatives available.
పాడు వూరికి మంచపు కోడు పోతరాజు
padu vuriki manchapu kodu potaraju
In a ruined village, the leg of a bed is Pôta Râzu.
This proverb describes a situation where, in the absence of capable leaders or quality options, even someone or something insignificant or mediocre is treated as superior or authoritative. It is used to mock the lack of standards in a declining or poor environment.
Pôta Râzu is a rustic deity.
ఉన్నవాడు ఊరికి పెద్ద, చచ్చినవాడు కాటికి పెద్ద.
unnavadu uriki pedda, chachchinavadu katiki pedda.
He that is alive is the head man of the village, and he that is dead is the head man of the burial ground. A taunt used to one who tries to make out that he is very highly connected.
This proverb highlights the transient nature of power and social status. It suggests that authority and leadership are only relevant while a person is alive and present in society; once deceased, their worldly influence vanishes and they belong only to the graveyard.
గుడ్డి నక్క ఉరిలో పడ్డట్టు
guddi nakka urilo paddattu
Like the blind jackal falling into the snare.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone who is already in a helpless or disadvantaged state falls into even deeper trouble due to a lack of awareness or sheer bad luck. It highlights the vulnerability of an individual when misfortune strikes repeatedly.
ఆ ఊరి దొర ఈ ఊరికి తలారి
a uri dora i uriki talari
The landlord of that village is a watchman for this village.
This proverb is used to describe a person who held great power or status in one place or time, but holds a very humble or subordinate position in a different context. It highlights the relativity of status and how one's influence is often limited by geography or circumstances.
ఒక ఊరికి వెయ్యి దొవలు
oka uriki veyyi dovalu
There are a thousand ways to a village. Every man in his way. There are more ways to the wood than one.
This expression is used to signify that there are many different ways or methods to achieve the same goal or reach the same destination. It encourages flexibility and emphasizes that one should not be discouraged if one particular path is blocked, as alternatives exist.
ఆలికి అన్నము పెట్టడం ఊరికి ఉపకారమా?
aliki annamu pettadam uriki upakarama?
Is feeding one's wife a benefit to the village ?
This proverb is used to criticize people who claim credit for fulfilling their basic, mandatory personal or family responsibilities as if they are doing a great service to society. It highlights that taking care of one's own household is a duty, not a public act of charity.