పొగాకు అడుక్కోవాలి, అందలం బయట పెట్టరా అన్నట్లు

pogaku adukkovali, andalam bayata pettara annatlu

Translation

Asking for tobacco while ordering someone to bring out the palanquin.

Meaning

This expression is used to describe a person who behaves with excessive pride or maintains a high status ego even when they are in a state of poverty or are begging for basic needs. It highlights the irony of someone who lacks even a bit of tobacco but still speaks in a commanding tone as if they are royalty.

Related Phrases

One must search exactly where they fell

This expression emphasizes that the solution to a problem is often found at its source. It is used to advise someone to look for a lost item or resolve a failure by retracing their steps to the exact point where the mistake occurred or the item was lost.

A daughter's behavior reveals the mother's character.

This expression suggests that a child's upbringing and behavior serve as a reflection of their parents, specifically the mother in this context. It is used to imply that the virtues or flaws of a mother can be seen through the actions and nature of her daughter.

If you ask why the flirtatious acting, it's for the tobacco.

This proverb describes a situation where someone puts on an elaborate act, shows off, or behaves pretentiously just to obtain something very minor or trivial. It is used to criticize people whose dramatic efforts are disproportionate to their small, selfish goals.

Help in times of danger, share in times of wealth.

This proverb emphasizes the reciprocal nature of relationships and fairness. It means that if you want a share in someone's prosperity or inheritance (property), you must also be willing to stand by them and provide support when they are in trouble or facing a crisis.

Like passing through a danger and the fetus coming out safely.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone has successfully survived a life-threatening crisis or a very difficult ordeal. It compares overcoming a massive obstacle to the relief and safety felt after a complicated or dangerous childbirth.

Like escaping a danger and the fetus coming out safely.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone has successfully survived a major crisis or a life-threatening ordeal. It originates from the relief felt after a difficult childbirth where both mother and child survive. It is commonly used when a high-stakes project is completed or a severe problem is resolved after much anxiety.

Like a ghost appearing when digging a well

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone starts a simple or necessary task but ends up facing an unexpected, significant problem or an unforeseen disaster. It highlights a scenario where a solution-seeking action inadvertently leads to more trouble.

When her dance went well in the market, she credited it to the drum player being outside.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone fails to give credit where it is due, or perversely blames their success on an irrelevant external factor. It can also imply a person who tries to hide their lack of skill by making excuses or blaming their equipment/accompaniment even when things go right.

A tiger outside, a cat inside

This expression describes a person who acts brave, fierce, or authoritative in public or in front of strangers, but is timid, submissive, or easily intimidated at home or in front of their family members. It is often used to mock someone's false bravado.

Until mother gives four (hits), the small winnowing basket won't be brought out.

This proverb describes someone who is extremely stubborn or lazy. It refers to a person who will not perform a necessary task or change their behavior until they are scolded, punished, or forced by authority. It is used in contexts where discipline is the only way to get a result.