సత్రం కూటికి అయ్యగారి ఆజ్ఞ
satram kutiki ayyagari ajnya
The master's permission for the free food at a shelter
This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone acts as if they have authority over things that are free or do not belong to them. It mocks people who unnecessarily try to control or dictate terms in matters where they have no personal stake or ownership.
Related Phrases
శివుని ఆజ్ఞ లేక చీమైన కుట్టదు.
shivuni ajnya leka chimaina kuttadu.
Everything happens according to the Lord’s will: even an ant does not bite without His
This reiterates the potency of God and His will. But all the same, one should perform one’s duty (karma) and leave the result to God.
మామిళ్ళ కాజ్ఞగాని, గుక్కిళ్ళకు ఆజ్ఞా?
mamilla kajnyagani, gukkillaku ajnya?
An order for mangoes, but is there an order for swallowing?
This proverb is used to point out the absurdity of trying to control or restrict something that is natural, involuntary, or beyond one's authority. While one might have control over the distribution of fruits (mangoes), they cannot control the basic bodily function or the urge of the person eating (swallowing). It highlights that certain things happen naturally and cannot be governed by rules or commands.
ఆశలేని కూటికి ఆకలి లేదు
ashaleni kutiki akali ledu
There is no appetite for food unhoped for.
This expression suggests that if you have no interest or hope in obtaining something, you won't feel the need or 'hunger' for it. It is used to describe a state of indifference or detachment, where the lack of expectation leads to a lack of desire.
చింతకాయలు కాజ్ఞగాని, గ్రుక్కిళ్ళ కాజ్ఞా?
chintakayalu kajnyagani, grukkilla kajnya?
There may be a command (restriction) on tamarinds, but is there a command on swallowing (saliva)?
This proverb is used to point out that while one can restrict or control access to physical resources or external actions, one cannot control a person's natural reactions, thoughts, or internal desires. It is often used when someone tries to impose impossible or overreaching restrictions on others.
ఓగును ఓగే మెచ్చును, అజ్ఞానిని అజ్ఞానే మెచ్చును.
ogunu oge mechchunu, ajnyanini ajnyane mechchunu.
The wicked appreciates the wicked, and the ignorant appreciates the ignorant.
This proverb highlights that people with similar traits, often negative ones, tend to admire and support each other. Just as a wicked person finds common ground with another wicked person, an ignorant individual is more likely to be impressed by someone equally lacking in knowledge or wisdom, rather than someone truly wise.
కృష్ణా స్నానానికి కొండుభొట్ల ఆజ్ఞా?
krishna snananiki kondubhotla ajnya?
Does one need Kondubhotlu's permission to bathe in the Krishna river?
This proverb is used to question why one should seek permission or wait for someone's approval to do something that is naturally accessible, universally permitted, or obviously beneficial. It highlights the absurdity of unnecessary bureaucracy or seeking validation for common rights.
పరమానందయ్య గారి శిష్యులు
paramanandayya gari shishyulu
The disciples of Paramanandayya
This expression is used to describe a group of people who are exceptionally foolish, naive, or prone to making silly blunders while trying to be helpful. It originates from popular Telugu folklore about a teacher named Paramanandayya and his incredibly dim-witted yet loyal students.
తలకు మించిన ఆజ్ఞ లేదు
talaku minchina ajnya ledu
There is no sentence beyond the head. Do your worst, you can but cut my head off.
This expression is used to signify that the ultimate authority or the highest order must be obeyed without question. It implies that once a final decision or a supreme command is given, there is no further room for argument or appeal. In a historical or administrative context, it refers to an order that is absolute.
విద్యలేని అయ్యగారికి వినయంలేని బంట్రోతు.
vidyaleni ayyagariki vinayamleni bantrotu.
An uneducated teacher gets an arrogant servant.
This proverb highlights that a leader's lack of competence or qualification often results in subordinates who lack discipline or respect. It is used to describe situations where the quality of leadership directly dictates the poor behavior or performance of those being managed.
అయ్యగారిని చేయబోతే కోతి అయినట్లు
ayyagarini cheyabote koti ayinatlu
Trying to make an idol of a God, but ending up with a monkey instead.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone's attempt to improve or create something noble results in a complete failure or a ridiculous mess. It highlights unintended negative consequences of unskilled or over-ambitious work.