శేరు దొరకు, మణుగు బంటు.

sheru doraku, manugu bantu.

Translation

The master is a seer, the servant is a maund.

Meaning

This proverb is used to describe a situation where a servant or subordinate is far more capable, hardworking, or influential than their master or employer. It highlights the irony of a small leader having a much more substantial assistant.

Notes

The servant is the master.

Related Phrases

For one seer a seer and a quarter. A greater ruffian than another. To a rogue a rogue and a half. (French.)

This expression is used to describe a situation where one person meets their match or encounters someone even more capable, clever, or aggressive than themselves. It is equivalent to the English proverb 'Diamond cuts diamond' or 'To meet one's match.'

A thief has a thief's thoughts, a gentleman has a gentleman's thoughts.

This proverb means that a person's behavior and thinking are dictated by their character and inherent nature. A person with bad intentions will always act according to their devious nature, while a person of noble character will act with dignity and honor, regardless of the situation.

He has no tail, but he is as great a servant (or warrior) as Hanuman.

This expression is used to describe someone who is exceptionally capable, hardworking, or loyal, comparing them to the legendary Hanuman despite lacking the physical attribute (the tail). It is often used to praise someone's strength and dedication.

If caught, he is a thief; if not caught, he is a lord.

This proverb highlights the irony of social status based on being caught. It is used to describe a situation where someone's reputation depends entirely on whether their dishonest actions are discovered. As long as their crimes are hidden, they are respected as a gentleman or 'Dora' (lord), but the moment they are caught, they are labeled a thief.

Don't come, don't go, golden parrot.

This is a traditional Telugu expression or nursery rhyme phrase used to describe someone who is being indecisive or is in a state of idle hesitation. It is often used playfully or teasingly to address someone who is just standing there without taking any action or making a move in either direction.

For a seer, a seer and a quarter.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone meets their match or encounters someone even more capable, cunning, or stronger than themselves. It implies that for every expert, there is always someone better.

Who is the master of price?

This expression is used to signify that the value or price of an item is subjective and depends entirely on the buyer's need or the seller's demand. It implies that there is no fixed 'authority' over a price; if someone is willing to pay, that becomes the price. It is often used in negotiations or when discussing unique, antique, or high-demand items.

A companion to the thief, a witness for the lord.

This expression is used to describe a person who plays both sides or colludes in a crime. It refers to someone who assists a criminal (thief) in their act while simultaneously acting as a false witness to the authority (lord) to cover up the crime or mislead the investigation.

A thief has a thief's mentality, a gentleman has a gentleman's mentality.

This proverb states that a person's character and actions are determined by their innate nature or social standing. It is used to explain that individuals will consistently act according to their established traits or upbringing, whether those are dishonest or noble.

The deity weighs one and a quarter seer, while the lingam weighs one seer.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where the accessories, subordinates, or rituals are more expensive, complex, or heavy than the main subject or the principal person itself. It highlights a disproportionate relationship where the overhead exceeds the core entity.