పాగావంటి బంధువుడూ లేడు, అంగరకావంటి హరాంభోరూ లేడు.

pagavanti bandhuvudu ledu, angarakavanti harambhoru ledu.

Translation

There is no relation like your turband, there is no scamp equal to your jacket. A turband can be tied so as to hide all holes, which is not the case with the jacket; the turband is therefore likened to a trustworthy friend, and the jacket to an unfaithful fellow.

Meaning

This is a traditional proverb reflecting on social status and the burden of maintenance. A turban (paga) represents one's honor and dignity, staying close like a loyal relative. In contrast, an 'Angaraka' (a traditional long coat) requires constant care and cleaning, much like a person who consumes resources without giving back (harambhoru/freeloader).

Related Phrases

There is no light like the eye, and no support like the earth.

This proverb highlights fundamental truths of existence. It means that physical sight (the eye) is the ultimate source of enlightenment/perception for an individual, and the earth (soil) is the ultimate foundation that sustains all life. It is used to emphasize the importance of vision and the basic necessity of nature.

If it is not his own gold, it has no colour and no touch ( fineness. ) The purchaser depreciates the value of an article brought for sale.

This expression is used to describe a person who behaves recklessly or carelessly because they have no personal stake or investment in a situation. It highlights the lack of responsibility one feels when dealing with someone else's property or efforts.

There is no light like the eye, and there is no support like the earth.

This proverb highlights the fundamental necessities of life. It signifies that our eyes are the primary source of vision (enlightenment) and that the earth/soil is the ultimate foundation for all living beings, providing food and stability.

There is no disciple like Siddappa, no teacher like Brahmamgari, and no yogi like Vemana.

This expression is used to highlight the absolute pinnacle or ideal standard of a specific role. It honors the legendary bond between Guru (Potuluru Veerabrahmendra Swamy) and Shishya (Siddappa), as well as the profound philosophical contributions of Yogi Vemana. It is often cited to emphasize excellence, loyalty, and spiritual mastery.

Neither a string nor a top.

This expression is used to describe someone who lacks any ties, responsibilities, or assets. It often refers to a person who is roaming aimlessly without any sense of direction or accountability, or to a situation that is completely disorganized and lacks a proper basis.

There is no vegetable like the eggplant, and there is no God like Lord Shiva.

This is a popular Telugu saying used to emphasize the excellence or superiority of something. Just as the eggplant (Brinjal) is considered the 'king of vegetables' for its versatility and taste in Telugu cuisine, Lord Shiva is regarded as the supreme deity. It is used to highlight that certain things are incomparable in their respective categories.

Neither a string nor a top

This expression is used to describe a person who is irresponsible, lacks roots, or has no attachments or accountability. Just as a spinning top cannot be controlled or operated without a string, it refers to someone who is wandering aimlessly or a situation that has no proper foundation or control.

There is no disciple like Siddappa, no teacher like Brahmamgaru, and no yogi like Vemana.

This expression is used to highlight the ultimate standards of excellence in specific roles. It emphasizes the perfect bond of devotion (Siddappa), the height of spiritual guidance (Potuluri Veerabrahmendra Swamy), and the pinnacle of philosophical detachment and wisdom (Yogi Vemana). It is often cited to describe ideal relationships or unmatched mastery in a field.

There is no relative greater than a brother-in-law.

This proverb highlights the unique and close bond shared between a man and his brother-in-law (specifically his wife's brother or sister's husband) in Telugu culture. It suggests that this relationship is often characterized by friendship, mutual support, and a lack of the formal tensions sometimes found in other familial ties.

There is no god like Rama, and there is no demon like Ravana.

This expression is used to describe the extremes of character or quality. It highlights that Rama represents the absolute pinnacle of virtue and divinity, while Ravana represents the ultimate level of villainy and ego. In a broader sense, it is used to compare someone to the best or worst of their kind.