శక్తి ఎవరి సొమ్ము? యుక్తిచే సాధింప!

shakti evari sommu? yuktiche sadhimpa!

Translation

Whose property is strength? Achieve it through strategy!

Meaning

This proverb emphasizes that physical strength is not an exclusive possession of anyone and that intelligence or clever strategy (yukti) can overcome raw power (shakti). It is used to encourage using one's wit to solve problems that seem physically impossible or daunting.

Related Phrases

Whose property are victory and defeat?

This expression means that success and failure are not the permanent property of anyone; they are unpredictable and can happen to anyone at any time. It is used to suggest that one should remain humble in victory and resilient in defeat, as fortunes are constantly changing.

The rancour of a mother-in-law.

This expression refers to the constant nitpicking, psychological pressure, or harassment a woman faces from her mother-in-law. In a broader sense, it is used to describe any situation where someone in a position of domestic authority or seniority constantly criticizes or torments someone under their care or control.

Among Hindus the husband's mother, when living, rules the house, and to her the wife is subject. The husband's mother is the wife's devil. (German.)* * Des Mannes Mutter ist der Frau Teufel. 2 ( 9 )

Like acquiring a rabbit's horn

This expression is used to describe a person who claims to have achieved or found something that is actually impossible or non-existent. It is used to mock someone's false claims of an impossible feat, as rabbits do not have horns.

One's own money on Monday, others' money on Tuesday

This proverb describes a hypocritical or selfish attitude towards money and resources. It refers to a person who is very stingy and careful when spending their own money (Monday), but becomes incredibly reckless and extravagant when spending money belonging to others or the public (Tuesday). It is used to criticize those who do not value others' wealth as much as their own.

His own property is like Ippapindi, his neighbour's like fine molasses.

This proverb describes a miserly or selfish mindset where one's own possessions are treated as cheap or bitter (like Ippa flour), while the belongings of others are viewed as sweet and desirable (like jaggery). It is used to mock people who are stingy with their own resources but are eager to consume or take advantage of what belongs to others.

Ippapindi is the refuse of the nuts of the Ippa tree ( Bassia Latifolia ) and is remarkably bitter. Applied to a niggard.

The midwife's taunts and the mother-in-law's harassments.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where a person is suffering from multiple sources of trouble or constant criticism. It compares the temporary but sharp remarks of a midwife during labor to the long-term, persistent nagging or harassment from a mother-in-law, illustrating a state of being surrounded by unpleasantness or being constantly found fault with.

A miser's wealth goes to others; a traitor's wealth goes to the rulers.

This proverb highlights that ill-gotten or hoarded wealth never stays with the owner. A miser who refuses to spend even on necessities will eventually lose his wealth to strangers or relatives, while those who earn through betrayal or crime will eventually have their assets seized by authorities or the government.

Squirrel's devotion

This expression is used to describe a small but sincere contribution to a much larger cause. It originates from the Ramayana, where a small squirrel helped Lord Rama build the bridge to Lanka by carrying tiny grains of sand. It is used when someone wants to humbly acknowledge that while their help might be minimal in the grand scheme of things, it is offered with great sincerity.

Food for Madhvas, devotion for Vaishnavas, and logic for Advaitins.

This is a popular saying in South India that characterizes the three main schools of Hindu philosophy based on their perceived primary focus. It suggests that Madhvas (followers of Dvaita) give importance to ritualistic offerings and food, Vaishnavas (followers of Vishishtadvaita) are known for their intense emotional devotion, and Advaitins (followers of Monism) are recognized for their intellectual reasoning and logical discourse.

The one who lacks strength assumes the nature of a saint

This proverb is used to describe a person who pretends to be calm, forgiving, or non-violent only because they are too weak or powerless to retaliate or take action. It highlights how some people mask their inability to act behind a facade of righteousness or saintliness.