పందిళ్ళ పైన పరువులెత్తనా

pandilla paina paruvulettana

Translation

Should I lift my honor/reputation over the wedding canopies?

Meaning

This expression is used to describe someone who is making a public spectacle of their self-respect or dignity, often in an arrogant or overly dramatic way during social gatherings. It suggests that the person is trying too hard to show off their status or pride in a place where it is unnecessary or inappropriate.

Related Phrases

The days of bedding are gone, the days of straw have come. The reverses of fortune.

This expression is used to describe a transition from a period of prosperity, ease, or high quality to a period of hardship, low quality, or difficult times. It signifies that the 'golden days' are over and one must now deal with inferior or challenging circumstances.

A crop without fertilizer, a farmer without dignity.

This proverb highlights the essential nature of self-respect and integrity for an individual. Just as a crop cannot grow healthy or yield results without proper manure/fertilizer, a person (metaphorically referred to as a farmer) cannot truly thrive or lead a meaningful life without honor and social standing.

No men die from the falling of a Pandili; no men live after the falling of a house.

This proverb is used to describe the nature of risks and consequences. It implies that minor accidents (like a canopy falling) are harmless, whereas major disasters (like a house collapsing) are inevitably fatal. It is often used to emphasize that one cannot escape the consequences of a truly large-scale problem, or to put minor issues into perspective.

When asked to lift a straw, he supposedly asked for the head count of people available to help.

This proverb describes an extremely lazy person who looks for excuses or demands unnecessary help even for the smallest and easiest of tasks. It is used to mock someone who overcomplicates a simple job to avoid doing it themselves.

A tree knows no drought, and a merchant knows no burden.

This proverb highlights the inherent resilience or nature of certain entities. A tree provides shade and fruit regardless of external conditions, and a savvy merchant (traditionally referred to as Komati) always finds a way to manage their trade or load without feeling the 'weight' or loss. It is used to describe situations where people are naturally equipped to handle specific hardships or roles.

Will a canopy built over a scaffold stop the rain?

This proverb is used to describe efforts that are futile or insufficient for a larger problem. Just as a small thatch or canopy over a crop-watching platform cannot prevent the entire field from getting wet during a downpour, small-scale solutions cannot solve systemic or massive issues.

Give honor, get honor.

This expression emphasizes the principle of reciprocity in social interactions. It means that if you want others to treat you with dignity and honor, you must first treat them with the same respect. It is commonly used as advice to maintain healthy relationships and personal reputation.

A loan is not an almshouse, a canopy is not a house.

This proverb emphasizes that borrowed items or temporary arrangements are not permanent solutions. Just as a guest house (satram) offers free shelter while a loan must be repaid, and a temporary shed (pandiri) cannot provide the security of a permanent home, one should not rely on borrowed things as if they are their own property.

An extra expense on top of a festival expense

This expression is used to describe a situation where an unexpected or unnecessary additional expense occurs at a time when one is already spending heavily, typically during a celebration or crisis. It signifies the burden of 'wasteful' costs added to already high costs.

Will a canopy built for dew withstand a heavy downpour?

This proverb highlights the difference between small preparations and major challenges. It means that measures taken to handle trivial or mild issues (like dew) are completely inadequate when facing a severe crisis or a larger problem (like a heavy rainstorm). It is used to suggest that one must be prepared with sufficient strength or resources to face significant obstacles.