సిరి పోయినా చిన్నెలు పోలేదు

siri poyina chinnelu poledu

Translation

Although the wealth has gone, the finery has not gone. Hiding one's losses and keeping up the former style.

Meaning

This expression is used to describe someone who has lost their fortune, status, or power, yet continues to maintain the habits, pride, or mannerisms of their former prosperous state. It highlights that while material wealth can vanish quickly, one's character or deep-seated lifestyle habits often persist.

Related Phrases

Display of wealth depends on fortune; a woman's radiance depends on her husband.

This proverb suggests that one's lifestyle or standard of living is dictated by their wealth, just as a wife's happiness and status in traditional society were often seen as a reflection of her husband's well-being and treatment of her. It is used to explain that outward appearances and behaviors are usually a result of one's underlying circumstances or the support they receive.

The wealth is gone, but the elegant habits remain.

Used to describe someone who has lost their riches or status but continues to maintain their old lifestyle, pride, or sophisticated manners. It is often used to highlight that class or character doesn't disappear just because one's financial situation has changed.

The style of living is according to one's means ; a wife's decorations depend upon the husband. i. e. upon her love for him, and the amount of attention he pays her.

This proverb suggests that one's lifestyle or luxuries are proportional to their wealth, and a woman's status or happiness is often reflected through her husband's success and behavior. It is used to describe how external circumstances dictate the level of comfort or prestige one enjoys.

Even if the kingdoms are gone, the royal attitudes have not left.

This expression is used to describe people who have lost their power, wealth, or status but still cling to their old ego, arrogance, or bossy behavior. It highlights the irony of someone acting superior despite no longer having the means or position to justify it.

My sister's fortune is greater than mine, and my fortune is greater than my sister's. One no better off than the other.

This expression refers to a situation of mutual jealousy or comparison where individuals constantly feel that others have it better than them, or conversely, boast about their own superiority in a circular, never-ending argument. It describes the fickle nature of human perception regarding status and possessions.

*No diga la lengua por do pague la cabesa.

Neither the potter cares if the cattle are lost, nor the stepmother cares if the children are lost.

This proverb describes extreme indifference or lack of empathy. It highlights situations where individuals are completely unconcerned about losses that do not directly affect their personal interests or emotional bonds. It is used to criticize someone's cold-heartedness or apathy towards the misfortune of others.

Even after going to Kashi, one's fate/karma cannot be escaped.

This expression means that a person's destiny or the consequences of their past actions follow them regardless of where they go or what pilgrimages they undertake. It is used to describe situations where someone tries to escape their problems or bad luck by changing their location, only to find the same difficulties persisting.

The husband's worth determines the wife's radiance; wealth determines the lifestyle displays.

This traditional proverb suggests that a woman's happiness and beauty (glow) are reflective of her husband's character and status, just as a person's outward displays of luxury are reflective of their financial status. It is used to describe how external conditions or people influence one's appearance and behavior.

The milk given by the streaked goat which is dead filled the lost pot with a piece out.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone experiences a loss, and that loss ends up benefiting someone else who is already associated with that trade or situation. It signifies that once something is lost or destroyed, it is of no use to the owner and becomes the gain of the service provider or a third party.

If alms are given ten times in an enemy's house, so much the better.

This proverb suggests that one should not expect help or goodwill from an enemy. Even if they appear to give something or help you, it is likely temporary, unreliable, or comes with hidden strings that ultimately result in a loss for you. It emphasizes the importance of self-respect and the futility of depending on those who wish you ill.