రాజుగారి బావమరిది హోదా, సానిదాని తమ్ముడు సోకు.

rajugari bavamaridi hoda, sanidani tammudu soku.

Translation

Status like the King's brother-in-law, and grooming like the brother of a courtesan.

Meaning

This expression is used to describe a person who behaves with a high level of arrogance or self-importance despite having no actual substance, merit, or personal achievement. It mocks someone who acts superior based on reflected glory or superficial vanity, essentially being a 'worthless person with high airs'.

Related Phrases

Even if a cartload of wealth is given, a relationship without a brother-in-law is useless.

This expression highlights the cultural importance of the 'Bavamardi' (brother-in-law) in Telugu families. It suggests that material wealth cannot replace the joy, companionship, and dynamic social support provided by certain close familial bonds, particularly the playful and supportive relationship shared with a brother-in-law.

To a completely naked man, a man with only a waist-thread is a beggar.

This proverb describes a situation where someone who has absolutely nothing looks down upon or considers someone else poor, even if that person has slightly more than them. It highlights the irony of people in desperate or inferior positions judging others who are marginally better off or in the same boat.

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.

Wife's brother for eating and enjoying, husband's brother for performing the father's funeral rites.

This proverb describes a double standard or opportunistic behavior where one chooses specific relatives based on convenience. It highlights a scenario where a woman prefers her own brother (ali tammudu) to share in food and festivities, but expects her husband's brother (magani tammudu) to take on the difficult, somber, or obligatory tasks like religious rituals. It is used to criticize those who seek out people for pleasure but delegate responsibilities to others.

Crop is the younger brother of dairy farming

This proverb highlights the interdependence of agriculture and animal husbandry. It suggests that where there is dairy (cattle), a good harvest naturally follows, as they complement each other's success and provide a holistic livelihood for a farmer.

Like saying the King's wife is a faithful woman.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone states something that is universally obvious, undisputed, or redundant. It suggests that certain things are so well-established by status or common knowledge that pointing them out is unnecessary or serves as a sarcastic commentary on stating the obvious.

If the king strikes the child of a commoner, God will strike the child of the king.

This proverb emphasizes the principle of divine justice and karma. It suggests that those in power are not immune to consequences; if an authority figure treats a defenseless person unfairly, they or their legacy will eventually face retribution from a higher power. It serves as a warning against the misuse of power.

Whether one is the brother-in-law of a King or the brother of a courtesan, it is all profit.

This proverb is used to describe a person who occupies a position where they enjoy benefits and influence without having any actual responsibilities or accountability. It highlights how being closely associated with people in power or those in lucrative, albeit unconventional, professions can lead to an easy life of perks and protection.

One must either be the son of a king or the brother of a courtesan.

This proverb refers to the privilege of living a life of leisure and luxury without manual labor. It suggests that such a comfortable lifestyle is typically reserved for those born into royalty (power/wealth) or those who live off the earnings and influence of someone highly sought after (historically referring to the status of a 'Sani' or courtesan's family members who were often pampered). It is used to describe someone who enjoys benefits without working for them.

There is no relative greater than a brother-in-law.

This proverb highlights the unique and close bond shared between a man and his brother-in-law (specifically his wife's brother or sister's husband) in Telugu culture. It suggests that this relationship is often characterized by friendship, mutual support, and a lack of the formal tensions sometimes found in other familial ties.