పాగా, పంచకట్టు చూచి, భద్రిరాజు వనుకున్నానే, వీర్రాజువటోయి పేర్రాజా

paga, panchakattu chuchi, bhadriraju vanukunnane, virrajuvatoyi perraja

Translation

Seeing your turban and dhoti style, I thought you were Bhadriraju, but you turned out to be Veeriraju, oh Perraju!

Meaning

This proverb is used to describe someone who tries to project a high status or noble character through their outward appearance (clothing, style, or speech), but whose true, perhaps mediocre or deceptive nature, eventually comes to light. It highlights the gap between superficial appearances and actual reality.

Related Phrases

As the king is, so are the people

This proverb suggests that the character, behavior, and values of a leader are reflected in their subjects or followers. It is used to emphasize that the quality of a community or organization depends on its leadership.

When a request was made to the Emperor, he ordered two more servings to be served.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone approaches a superior or authority figure for relief from a burden or help with a problem, but instead of receiving help, they are burdened with even more work or responsibility. It highlights the irony of seeking mercy and receiving a double dose of the original trouble.

If the king desires her, she is Rambha; if the king leaves her, she is a dried gourd.

This proverb highlights how the value of a person or an object often depends on the whims, preferences, or patronage of those in power rather than intrinsic worth. It is used to describe situations where something is considered precious only as long as it is favored by a powerful individual, and becomes worthless the moment that favor is withdrawn.

Kamaraju's granaries and Bhimaraju's garden beds.

This expression is used to describe a situation where there is an abundance of resources or wealth, typically referring to someone who possesses vast stores of grain (granaries) and extensive agricultural land (garden beds). It characterizes a state of being extremely well-off or having plenty of supplies.

He is a Timma Râzu (monkey-king) at eating; and a Pôta Râzu ( buffalo-king ) at work.

This proverb is used to describe a lazy person who is always first in line when it comes to eating or enjoying benefits, but disappears or becomes completely incompetent when there is work to be done. 'Thimmaraju' implies a regal presence at the dining table, while 'Potharaju' here signifies someone who avoids tasks or is useless at labor.

As greedy as a monkey and as lazy as a buffalo. Like the smith's dog, that sleeps at the sound of the hammer, and wakes at the crashing of the teeth. He eats till he sweats, and works till he freezes.

When someone was called 'King of Kings', they asked if it was for eating or for working.

This expression is used to mock people who are only interested in rewards, status, or benefits (like eating) but are unwilling to put in any effort or take responsibility (the work). It highlights a person's laziness or their tendency to seek privileges without performing duties.

To push aside and rule

This expression is used when someone or something is completely ignored, dismissed, or disregarded in favor of something else. It implies setting aside an established rule, person, or suggestion to move forward with a different choice.

In the wedding of Sarraju, Gurraju is the priest.

This expression is used to describe a situation where two people of similar character or nature come together, often implying that they are a perfect (though sometimes problematic) match for one another. It highlights how someone finds a partner or associate who is exactly like them.

When told 'The house is burning, Eerraja', he replied 'What do I lose, Sarasaraja?'

This expression is used to describe a person's extreme apathy, lack of responsibility, or detachment from a collective crisis. It highlights a selfish or foolish attitude where an individual fails to realize that they are also affected by a disaster, or simply doesn't care about the consequences of a situation they are part of.

When you wore the vibhuti (sacred ash) stripes, I thought you were Lord Vishnu! Turns out you are Lord Hanuman!

This is a humorous and sarcastic expression used to describe someone who tries to look sophisticated, wise, or godly, but ends up revealing their true clumsy, mischievous, or simplistic nature. It is often used to tease friends who dress up or act important but fail to live up to that image.