రండరాజునకు గొండడు దళవాయి.

randarajunaku gondadu dalavayi.

Translation

For a weak king, a person of low status or character becomes the commander.

Meaning

This proverb is used to describe a situation where an incompetent leader is supported or served by equally incompetent or unsuitable subordinates. It highlights how a leader's character often reflects in the quality of their council or army.

Related Phrases

A barren woman has a loud voice.

This proverb describes people who lack personal experience or results in a particular matter, yet compensate by being the loudest or most critical. It is used to mock those who give unsolicited advice or shout loudly despite having no standing or contribution in the situation.

Dung ink for a bad handwriting.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where the quality of the tools or materials matches the poor quality of the work being done. It implies that if someone's writing is already illegible or bad, using low-quality 'ink' like dung doesn't make it any worse. It is often applied to mock situations where a poor effort is met with poor resources.

One who protects the land and the king will never perish.

This proverb emphasizes the importance of loyalty and responsibility. It suggests that those who faithfully guard or cultivate their land (livelihood) and remain loyal to their leadership/authority (employer or state) will always be secure and prosperous in life.

If you have support, you can cross mountains.

This proverb emphasizes the power of having backing or support (financial, social, or emotional). It suggests that with the right assistance or a strong foundation, one can overcome even the most formidable obstacles that would be impossible to tackle alone.

A stubborn tree doesn't bend for the wind, and a naked man cannot be robbed by thieves.

This proverb is used to describe people who have nothing to lose or are extremely stubborn. Just as a dead, leafless stump (stubborn tree) cannot be swayed by the wind, and a person with no clothes or possessions cannot be looted by thieves, an individual who is already at their lowest or has no attachments is immune to threats or losses.

It reaches not the leaf, it suits not the nut. Quite inadequate.

This expression is used to describe someone or something that is caught in the middle and is useless for either of two intended purposes. It refers to the preparation of a betel leaf (pan), where one fails to get both the leaf and the areca nut, rendering the effort futile. It is often applied to people who are indecisive or situations that lack clear direction and utility.

Like the fence itself grazing the crop

This expression is used to describe a situation where a protector or guardian ends up being the one who causes harm or exploits those they were meant to protect. It is typically applied to corrupt officials, untrustworthy guardians, or leaders who betray the trust placed in them.

He is a Timma Râzu (monkey-king) at eating; and a Pôta Râzu ( buffalo-king ) at work.

This proverb is used to describe a lazy person who is always first in line when it comes to eating or enjoying benefits, but disappears or becomes completely incompetent when there is work to be done. 'Thimmaraju' implies a regal presence at the dining table, while 'Potharaju' here signifies someone who avoids tasks or is useless at labor.

As greedy as a monkey and as lazy as a buffalo. Like the smith's dog, that sleeps at the sound of the hammer, and wakes at the crashing of the teeth. He eats till he sweats, and works till he freezes.

A person with two tongues

This expression is used to describe a hypocrite or a person who is deceitful. It refers to someone who says different things to different people or someone who goes back on their word (double-tongued).

One who possesses wealth is the king.

This expression highlights that in the material world, wealth often dictates power, social status, and authority. It is used to describe situations where influence follows financial means or to remark on the respect accorded to the wealthy.