రాజ్యం కోల్పోయినా బోగందాని బురుజు నిలిచిందిట

rajyam kolpoyina bogandani buruju nilichindita

Translation

Even though the kingdom was lost, the courtesan's tower remained standing.

Meaning

This proverb is used to describe a situation where, despite a massive failure or the loss of everything significant, something trivial, minor, or unnecessary remains intact. It highlights misplaced priorities or the irony of small things surviving when the foundations are gone.

Related Phrases

Seeing the stone pot, the clay pot ran away.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone realizes they are significantly weaker, less durable, or less capable than their opponent and chooses to withdraw to avoid certain destruction. It highlights the vulnerability of the weak (clay) when faced with the unshakable strength of the powerful (stone).

Like saying which king for which kingdom

This expression is used to describe a situation where the quality or nature of a leader (or outcome) is perfectly matched to the nature of the people (or circumstances). It often implies that a group of people gets the kind of leadership or consequences they deserve based on their own behavior or character.

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.

When a courtesan's mother dies, everyone visits to offer condolences; but when the courtesan herself dies, no one even glances her way.

This proverb highlights the opportunistic nature of people. People visit a person of influence (the courtesan) to maintain their relationship or gain favor when she is in mourning. However, once the person of influence herself is gone, there is no longer any personal gain to be had, so no one cares to visit. It is used to describe fair-weather friends and those who act only out of self-interest.

Even if the clouds scatter, the rainwater remains.

This expression is used to describe situations where the consequences, effects, or influence of an event persist long after the event itself has concluded. It is often used in the context of someone's legacy, the lasting impact of a major crisis, or how the reputation of a person stays in the minds of people even after they are gone.

One bow to the donor who gives, a thousand bows to the miser who stays.

This proverb is used sarcastically to describe the frustration of dealing with a miser. While a donor gives what is asked and moves on, a person who refuses to give (a miser) often stays back and demands more attention, time, or negotiation, ironically requiring more 'bows' or effort to deal with than the generous person.

The kingdom is gone, the royal dignity is gone, what else is left to lose?

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone has already lost their wealth, status, or most important possessions. It reflects a state of resignation or indifference toward further minor losses because the 'essentials' are already gone. It is often used to comment on someone who continues to face setbacks after a major downfall.

The time of the day passes, but the word spoken remains.

This proverb emphasizes the lasting impact of words compared to the temporary nature of time. While moments pass and hardships are forgotten, a promise made or a hurtful word spoken stays in people's memories forever. It is used to advise someone to be careful with their speech and to honor their commitments.

The dead buffalo used to give a potful of milk.

This proverb is used to describe the tendency of people to exaggerate the value or qualities of something or someone only after they are gone or lost. It highlights how people romanticize the past or overestimate the worth of a missed opportunity.

The courtesan liked by the king became the queen of the kingdom.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone gains power, status, or authority not because of their merit or qualifications, but simply because they are favored by someone in a high position. It highlights how personal favoritism can elevate an undeserving person to a significant role.