రాజుగారి గుట్టమైతే మాత్రం తొక్కితే కాలు నొవ్వదా

rajugari guttamaite matram tokkite kalu novvada

Translation

Even if it is the King's hill, won't your leg hurt if you step on it?

Meaning

This proverb implies that the physical nature of things doesn't change based on who owns them. It is used to suggest that even if a task is being done for a powerful person or an important cause, the inherent difficulties, risks, or physical pain involved remain the same.

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.

Like a fool operating a water lever

This expression is used to describe a person who continues to do a task mechanically or pointlessly without knowing when to stop or understanding the purpose of the work. Just as a foolish person might keep treading a water lever (etam) even after the fields are flooded or the vessel is empty, it refers to mindless repetition or inefficient effort.

If he mounts, he is a horse rider; if he dismounts, he is a foot soldier.

This expression describes a person's extreme versatility or their ability to adapt to any situation, no matter how high or low. It is often used to refer to someone who is a 'jack of all trades' or someone who can carry out a task with great dignity but is also willing to do the humble grunt work when required.

Does every thing that comes from milk possess good qua- lities? Good qualities are not always possessed by people of high birth.

This expression implies that noble birth or being born into a wealthy or virtuous family does not automatically guarantee that a person will possess good character or virtues. It emphasizes that character is determined by one's own nature and actions rather than lineage.

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.

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.

Even if it is the Lord's offering, should it be this bitter?

This expression is used when someone or something we respect or love goes beyond a reasonable limit or becomes unbearable. It implies that just because something comes from a respectable source doesn't mean one should tolerate extreme defects or poor quality.

Just because you hold the vessel, will the hanging basket come down on its own?

This proverb is used to emphasize that things do not happen just by wishing or by superficial actions. Even if you reach out for something, success requires genuine effort or the right conditions to be met; it implies that results don't come for free or without the necessary hard work.

Why punch a stone and why suffer a hand injury?

This expression is used to advise someone against taking on a task or engaging in a conflict that is clearly beyond their capability or bound to result in self-harm. It questions the wisdom of starting a fight with a much stronger opponent or attempting an impossible task that will only lead to personal pain or failure.