పెద్దలేని ఊరికి పోతురాజే పెద్ద
peddaleni uriki poturaje pedda
In a village with no elders, Pothuraju (the village deity) is the elder.
In the absence of competent leaders or wise people, even an unqualified or insignificant person can assume a position of power or authority. It is used to describe a situation where someone takes charge simply because there is no one better available.
Related Phrases
పాడు ఊరికి మంచపుకోడే పోతురాజు
padu uriki manchapukode poturaju
In a ruined village, the leg of a cot is the powerful deity Pothuraju.
In a place where there is a complete lack of talent or leadership, even a mediocre or worthless person is considered great or powerful. It is used to describe a situation where someone with very little skill becomes the leader because there is no better competition available.
దిక్కులేనివాడు - ఊరికి నక్కే పోతురాజు!
dikkulenivadu - uriki nakke poturaju!
For a place with no protector, a fox is the village deity!
In a place where there are no capable leaders or guardians, even an insignificant or cunning person becomes the supreme authority. It is used to describe situations where a lack of quality competition allows someone unworthy to hold a position of power.
దేవుడి పెండ్లికి అందరూ పెద్దలే.
devudi pendliki andaru peddale.
At the marriage ceremony of a god all are rulers. Where there is no head, every one does what he likes.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where there is no clear leader or hierarchy, and everyone acts as if they are in charge or equal in authority. It is often applied to social gatherings or collaborative tasks where everyone gives orders but no one follows them, or where no specific person is assigned the responsibility of a host.
ఆబోతు కండలకు పెడతారా?
abotu kandalaku pedatara?
Will they feed the bull for its muscles?
This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone is working hard or performing a duty, but the benefits or rewards are not meant for them personally. It implies that just as a bull is fed to work in the fields and not for its own growth or meat, some efforts are purely functional and don't result in personal gain for the individual doing the work.
ఉన్నవాడు ఊరికి పెద్ద, చచ్చినవాడు కాటికి పెద్ద
unnavadu uriki pedda, chachchinavadu katiki pedda
The one who is alive is the head of the village; the one who is dead is the head of the graveyard.
This proverb is used to describe the harsh reality of social status and hierarchy. It implies that a person's power, influence, and authority only exist as long as they are alive. Once a person dies, their worldly status vanishes, and they are merely the most prominent entity in a graveyard. It is often used to remind people to remain humble or to comment on how quickly influence fades after death.
దేవుడు లేని ఊళ్ళో మంచపుకోడే పోతురాజు
devudu leni ullo manchapukode poturaju
In a village without a god, the leg of a cot is the guardian deity.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where, in the absence of a competent leader or a superior authority, an insignificant or incompetent person assumes control and acts as if they are powerful. It highlights how mediocrity shines when there is no true excellence present.
దిక్కులేని నాడు ఊరికి నక్కే పోతురాజు
dikkuleni nadu uriki nakke poturaju
In a village with no protector, even a fox is the Pothuraju (mighty deity).
This proverb describes a situation where, in the absence of a capable leader or authority figure, an unworthy or cunning person assumes power and acts as if they are the ruler. It is used to mock the authority of someone who has gained importance only because there are no better alternatives available.
ఉన్నవాడు ఊరికి పెద్ద, చచ్చినవాడు కాటికి పెద్ద.
unnavadu uriki pedda, chachchinavadu katiki pedda.
He that is alive is the head man of the village, and he that is dead is the head man of the burial ground. A taunt used to one who tries to make out that he is very highly connected.
This proverb highlights the transient nature of power and social status. It suggests that authority and leadership are only relevant while a person is alive and present in society; once deceased, their worldly influence vanishes and they belong only to the graveyard.
ఇంటికి పెద్దకొడుకు, పెద్ద అల్లుడే లెక్క
intiki peddakoduku, pedda allude lekka
In a family, only the eldest son and the eldest son-in-law are taken into account.
This expression highlights traditional social dynamics where the eldest son and the eldest son-in-law are given the highest priority, responsibility, and respect in family matters and decision-making. It is often used to emphasize their leadership role or the heavy expectations placed upon them.
పెద్దతల లేకుంటే పెద్దరికం చాలదు
peddatala lekunte peddarikam chaladu
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.