పెద్ద తల లేకపోతే, గొర్రె తల తెచ్చుకొమ్మన్నారు.

pedda tala lekapote, gorre tala techchukommannaru.

Translation

If you can't get a head for the family get a sheep's head.

Meaning

This proverb emphasizes the necessity of having someone in charge, even if they aren't the most qualified. It suggests that a group or organization cannot function without a head or leader (pedda tala), and in the absence of a wise elder, even a mediocre or symbolic leader is better than having no leadership at all to maintain order.

Notes

Better than nothing. When you can't get bread, oat cakes are not amiss. ( Spanish. )*

Related Phrases

If a wise elder's head is not available, at least bring the head of a ram.

This proverb emphasizes the necessity of having an elder or a leader figure in a household or group to maintain order and provide guidance. It suggests that even if a truly wise person is unavailable, one should at least have someone who can command authority or act as a figurehead to prevent chaos.

When asked for a solution, he told them to bring a hangman's noose.

This proverb describes a situation where someone asks for helpful advice or a solution to a problem, but receives a suggestion that is destructive, fatal, or worsens the situation. It is used to criticize foolish or malicious advice that leads to one's own downfall.

If you have no common food, [give me] the best; if you have no common cloth, [give me] a silk one.

This is a sarcastic expression used to describe someone who, when they lack basic necessities, demands or expects high-end luxuries instead of seeking practical alternatives. It highlights the irony of having extravagant tastes or unrealistic expectations while being in a state of poverty or deprivation.

Said by an impertinent beggar when refused assistance by a stingy person.

Like saying the head is crooked because one doesn't know how to tie a turban

This expression describes a situation where someone blames external factors or others for their own lack of skill or failure. It is similar to the English proverb: 'A bad workman always blames his tools.'

Like bringing the very ropes that will be used to tie oneself up.

This proverb describes a situation where a person's own actions, decisions, or words inadvertently lead to their own downfall, trouble, or restriction. It is used when someone creates the very tools or circumstances that others eventually use against them.

If an elder is not present, they say to at least bring a Gotti head.

This proverb emphasizes the absolute necessity of having an elder or a wise person present during important events, discussions, or ceremonies to provide guidance and maintain order. 'Gotti' refers to a prickly shrub (Ziziphus xylopyrus), implying that even if a real elder isn't available, one should find a substitute or a symbol of authority to ensure things proceed correctly.

Like scratching and inviting an itch.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone unnecessarily interferes in something or creates a problem for themselves where there wasn't one before. It is similar to the English idiom 'To look for trouble' or 'To stir a hornet's nest'.

They say to sell the mother-in-law and to measure the daughter-in-law.

This proverb highlights the human tendency to favor the new or the younger generation over the old. It describes a situation where the mother-in-law (representing the old/worn out) is discarded or undervalued, while the daughter-in-law (representing the new/productive) is meticulously valued and welcomed. It is used to mock people's opportunistic or biased nature.

If you want to start a quarrel, they say give a loan.

This expression suggests that lending money is a sure way to ruin a relationship and create conflict. It is used to caution people that when you lend money to friends or relatives, it often leads to arguments, bitterness, and the eventual loss of both the money and the friendship.

If there is no elderly head, the status of elderliness is insufficient.

This proverb emphasizes the importance of having an experienced or wise person at the helm. It suggests that without a wise leader (a big head) to guide and make decisions, simply holding a position of authority or seniority (elderliness) is not enough to manage a family or a group effectively.