పుర్రు కారుతూ ఉంటే, పోతరాజు శివమాడినట్టు.

purru karutu unte, potaraju shivamadinattu.

Translation

When a man was dying from diarrhœa, some one played pranks as if possessed by Pôta Râzu.

Meaning

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone tries to act grand, perform a task, or show off despite being in a pitiable, embarrassing, or physically weak condition. It highlights the irony of maintaining a heroic or ritualistic facade while suffering from an undignified ailment.

Related Phrases

The stain of plantain [can never be effaced], the grum- bling of cousins never ceases.

This proverb highlights that animosity or rivalry between close relatives (gnati) is extremely persistent and difficult to get rid of, just like the stubborn stains caused by banana stem juice on clothes.

The service of Potti Pôta Râzu.

This expression is used to describe a place or situation where there is no discipline, order, or decorum. It typically refers to a chaotic environment where everyone talks at once or where the rules are constantly ignored, much like a disorganized royal court.

A worrying fellow, of whom it is said that when his followers were behind him, he abused them for treating him as their ( Pariah ) guide ; when they went before him, he accused them of acting as if they were his superiors ; and when they travelled at each side of his palankin, he repri- manded them for daring to place themselves on an equality with himself.

By Maha Shivaratri, the cold departs saying 'Shiva Shiva'.

This is a popular seasonal saying in Telugu culture indicating that the peak winter season ends with the Maha Shivaratri festival. It suggests that the intensity of the cold weather significantly diminishes after this day, marking the transition into spring and summer.

By Maha Shivaratri, the cold leaves saying 'Shiva Shiva'.

This is a popular Telugu saying indicating that the winter season officially ends and the weather starts warming up after the festival of Maha Shivaratri. It describes the seasonal transition from winter to spring.

In a ruined village, the leg of a bed is Pôta Râzu.

This proverb describes a situation where, in the absence of capable leaders or quality options, even someone or something insignificant or mediocre is treated as superior or authoritative. It is used to mock the lack of standards in a declining or poor environment.

Pôta Râzu is a rustic deity.

If you do tell a lie, let it be like a wall.

This proverb suggests that if one must lie, the lie should be consistent, firm, and believable, much like a solid wall. It is used to point out that a person's deception should at least be logically sound or well-constructed to be effective, or to criticize someone whose lies are easily seen through due to inconsistency.

He is a Timma Râzu (monkey-king) at eating; and a Pôta Râzu ( buffalo-king ) at work.

This proverb is used to describe a lazy person who is always first in line when it comes to eating or enjoying benefits, but disappears or becomes completely incompetent when there is work to be done. 'Thimmaraju' implies a regal presence at the dining table, while 'Potharaju' here signifies someone who avoids tasks or is useless at labor.

As greedy as a monkey and as lazy as a buffalo. Like the smith's dog, that sleeps at the sound of the hammer, and wakes at the crashing of the teeth. He eats till he sweats, and works till he freezes.

When there is a king like Râma, a servant like Hanumân will at once be found.

This expression highlights the reciprocal relationship between a leader and their subordinates. It implies that a loyal, dedicated, and hardworking follower is often a reflection of a virtuous, capable, and inspiring leader. Good leadership naturally attracts and cultivates excellence in its team.

Speaking with the mouth but mocking with the forehead. Insincerity.

This expression is used to describe a person whose facial expressions or non-verbal cues contradict their spoken words. It highlights hypocrisy or insincerity, suggesting that even though someone is saying something polite or agreeable, their true feelings of contempt or disagreement are visible on their face.

Pretend to condole when you cauterize.

This proverb describes a situation where someone pretends to be sympathetic or helpful while actually causing harm or dealing a severe blow. It is used to describe a calculated action that appears kind on the surface but is intended to teach a painful lesson or inflict damage, or to describe someone who acts with duplicity.