పరుగెత్తేవాణ్ని చూస్తే తరిమే వాడికి లోకువ

parugettevanni chuste tarime vadiki lokuva

Translation

The man that runs away, is inferior to the man who follows him.

Meaning

This proverb suggests that showing fear or retreating encourages an aggressor or a bully to become more dominant. It is used to advise that one should stand their ground because appearing weak or submissive only invites further exploitation or intimidation by others.

Related Phrases

I am below all, but Nambi Râmâya is below me.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone who is constantly bullied or looked down upon by everyone else finds someone even weaker or more vulnerable to dominate. It illustrates the human tendency to seek a sense of superiority even when one is at the bottom of the social hierarchy.

Will an inauspicious direction stop a man running for his life?

This proverb is used to describe a situation where a person in extreme danger or emergency does not care about superstitions, omens, or minor obstacles. 'Vaarashoola' refers to an astrological belief that traveling in certain directions on certain days is unlucky. The saying suggests that when survival is at stake, such trivial rules are ignored.

The giver is undervalued by the receiver.

This proverb describes a situation where a person's generosity or kindness is taken for granted. It implies that when someone gives or helps continuously, the recipient loses respect for them or begins to treat them as inferior/subservient rather than being grateful. It is used to caution against being over-generous to those who do not appreciate the value of the gesture.

For the one who asks, the one who answers seems inferior in status.

It is easier to put questions than to answer them. It is therefore necessary to be considerate to others and raise only genuine doubts for proper clarification.

I am inferior to everyone. Nambi Singaraya is inferior to me.

This proverb describes a social hierarchy of belittlement. It refers to a situation where a person is bullied or looked down upon by everyone else, and in turn, they find someone even weaker or lower in status to dominate. It highlights the human tendency to seek someone to feel superior over, even when one is at the bottom of the ladder.

If you see a person running, the one chasing will find him an easy target.

This proverb means that if you show fear or act like a victim, people will take advantage of you or continue to bully you. It is used to suggest that one should stand their ground because weakness invites more aggression from others.

A woman who crosses the threshold of her house is looked down upon by the world.

This is a traditional proverb reflecting historical social constraints. It suggests that once a woman steps outside the protective boundaries or privacy of her home, she becomes vulnerable to public scrutiny, gossip, or disrespect. In a modern context, it is often used to discuss social stigmas or the judgmental nature of society towards women's independence.

If one is poor enough to lack food, does it mean they are inferior to their community?

This expression highlights that being economically poor or struggling for basic necessities (food) does not justify a loss of self-respect or social dignity. It is used to assert that poverty should not be equated with a lack of status or character within one's social circle.

A poor man is even lower than a beggar.

This proverb describes the harsh reality of social hierarchies, implying that someone who is down on their luck or lacks resources is often looked down upon or disrespected even by those who are considered to be at the bottom of society. It is used to highlight how vulnerability invites mistreatment from everyone.

Only the running ox is driven faster

This expression describes a situation where a person who is already working hard or performing well is given even more work or pressure, while those who are idle are ignored. It is used to highlight the tendency to overburden the efficient.