రాజుగారు ముష్టిదాన్ని మెచ్చారేమంటే, నా కళ్ళతో చూడు మంత్రీ అన్నాడట!

rajugaru mushtidanni mechcharemante, na kallato chudu mantri annadata!

Translation

When the King fell for a beggar woman and was questioned, he told the Minister, 'Look through my eyes'.

Meaning

This proverb highlights that 'beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder.' It is used when someone's choice or preference seems baffling or poor to others, but is perfectly justified to the person involved because of their unique perspective or emotional attachment.

Related Phrases

No matter how much one does, contemporaries will not appreciate it, right?

This expression is used to highlight the human tendency to envy or overlook the achievements of those who live in the same time period or social circle. It suggests that recognition often comes from outsiders or future generations, rather than from one's peers or equals who might be blinded by competition or familiarity.

Like [ a horse ] which opens its mouth for a morsel, and shuts it for the bridle.

This proverb is used to describe a person who is very eager and cooperative when there is a benefit or reward (like food) but becomes resistant or difficult when it is time to work or be disciplined (like putting on a horse's bridle). It highlights opportunistic or lazy behavior.

A pig likes mud; will it ever like rose water?

This proverb is used to describe people with low tastes or vulgar habits who cannot appreciate refined, noble, or high-quality things. It suggests that one's inherent nature dictates their preferences, and a person accustomed to 'dirt' or negativity will never understand the value of something 'pure' or superior.

What the king likes is the law, and who the husband likes is Rambha.

This proverb highlights the subjectivity of beauty and authority. It means that power determines what is right, and personal affection determines what is beautiful. Just as a king's word is final regardless of logic, a person's preference defines their standard of beauty or excellence, regardless of objective reality.

That's the word, which pleases the king; she is Rambhâ, who is loved by her husband.

This proverb highlights the subjectivity of taste and authority. It means that power and personal affection define value. If a king approves of something, it becomes the rule or truth; similarly, if a man loves his wife, she is as beautiful as a celestial nymph (Rambha) to him, regardless of others' opinions.

Among the fists, the fist of charity.

This expression is a play on words using 'Mushti' (which can mean both 'a fist' and 'begging/alms'). It highlights the ironic situation where someone who is already poor or a beggar themselves tries to help another beggar. It is used to describe an act of charity performed by those who have very little to give, emphasizing that even the smallest act of kindness from the poor is significant.

Like a person who has been poor for three generations coming to beg.

This proverb is used to describe someone who, despite having long-standing experience in a state of lack or misfortune, still manages to be clumsy, greedy, or inefficient when an opportunity finally arises. It often refers to someone who doesn't know how to handle a situation even after being in it for a very long time, or someone whose deep-rooted habits make them over-eager in a way that is counterproductive.

Barber's water is better than sacred/chanted water.

This proverb is used to emphasize that practical, tangible solutions are often more effective than rituals or superstitions. In the context of cleaning or physical needs, the water used by a barber (for shaving or washing) has immediate utility, whereas ritualistic water (mantrajalamu) may only have symbolic value.

Alms within alms, righteous alms

This expression refers to a situation where someone who is already in a state of seeking help or living on charity decides to share a portion of what they have received with someone even more needy. It signifies an act of extreme generosity or charity performed by a person who themselves has very little.

Eat to please yourself, behave to please others

This proverb suggests that personal choices like food should be according to one's own taste, but social behavior and conduct should be respectable and acceptable to society. It emphasizes the balance between personal freedom and social responsibility.