రాజు భార్య మేడ యెక్కితే, కుమ్మరవాడి కోడలు గుడిశె యెక్కినది.

raju bharya meda yekkite, kummaravadi kodalu gudishe yekkinadi.

Translation

When the king's wife went on the top of the palace, the potter's daughter-in-law went on the top of the hut.

Meaning

This proverb describes people who blindly imitate others who have more status or resources, without considering their own limitations or the practicality of the situation. It highlights the absurdity of competitive behavior when one lacks the means to match the person they are copying.

Related Phrases

When the king's wife climbed the palace, the potter's daughter-in-law climbed her hut.

This expression is used to mock someone who blindly tries to imitate people far above their status or means, often in a way that is ridiculous or unnecessary. It highlights the folly of mindless competition without considering one's own circumstances.

How can the potter's bride help coming to the kiln ? She must appear in public, however bashful.

This proverb implies that people will eventually return to their roots, their inherent nature, or the place where they belong based on their background and circumstances. It is used to describe a situation where someone's actions are predictable given their professional or familial environment.

Will the lady who cannot get up into the sling get up into heaven ?

This proverb is used to mock someone who makes grand claims or aspires for monumental tasks when they are incapable of performing even the simplest of daily chores. It highlights the gap between one's actual abilities and their lofty ambitions.

Utti is a net work sling hung up in Hindu houses at a height of seven or eight feet, to keep earthen pots containing food in. He that can't ride a gentle horse, must not attempt to back a mad colt.

When the King's wife went up to the balcony, the potter's wife climbed onto the attic.

This proverb is used to mock people who blindly imitate others who are far more capable or wealthy, without considering their own status or limitations. It highlights the absurdity of trying to match someone else's lifestyle or actions when one doesn't have the same means.

Beating her husband and then lodging a complaint against him.

This proverb describes a situation where the person at fault acts like the victim or takes the offensive to divert attention from their own wrongdoings. It is similar to the English expression 'The best defense is a good offense' or 'The pot calling the kettle black,' specifically used when someone commits a mistake and then loudly protests or blames others first to gain sympathy or avoid consequences.

When the fowl flew, it only mounted a branch.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone moves from a low or humble position to a slightly higher one and behaves with excessive pride, or when a person reaches a level that is just barely above their previous status but acts as if they have achieved something monumental. It highlights the triviality of the achievement compared to the arrogance displayed.

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He who rides on a bullock is Lingaḍu (Śiva), he who rides on a kite is Rangaḍu (Vishṇu). i. e. the two are but one under different forms. Said by Smārtas.

This expression emphasizes that people are recognized and defined by their unique status, vehicles, or attributes. Just as Shiva is identified by his bull (Nandi) and Vishnu by his eagle (Garuda), everyone has their own distinct identity or role that defines them. It is used to suggest that individuals should be judged or identified by their specific characteristics or accomplishments.

Like a sickle carried in the waist of a man climbing up a hill. An additional danger and difficulty.

This expression refers to adding an unnecessary burden or a dangerous hindrance to someone who is already performing a difficult and strenuous task. It describes a situation where instead of helping someone in a struggle, a person adds more risk or trouble to their journey.

* El secreto de Anchuelos. ( See Kelly's "Proverbs of all Nations" p. 178. )

When he mocked you where were you maimed ? Words break no bones.

This expression is used to tell someone not to take petty insults or mockery to heart. It implies that verbal taunting doesn't cause physical damage or lessen one's value, suggesting that one should ignore such trivial behavior instead of getting offended.

When Akkanna and Mâdanna mounted their state palan- kin, Sarappa got on the bund of the tank to make him- self equal.

This proverb is used to mock people who try to imitate the success or status of great people through trivial or foolish actions. Akkanna and Madanna were powerful ministers who earned the right to travel in palanquins (symbols of high status), while Sarappa, in a vein attempt to feel equal, merely climbed a hillock or pond bank. It highlights the absurdity of blind imitation without having the necessary merit or context.

Envying and mocking the wealthy. Puppies imitating their mistresses. (Lalita.)