తమ తమ నెలవులు దప్పిన తన మిత్రులే శత్రులగుట
tama tama nelavulu dappina tana mitrule shatrulaguta
When one loses their own position or place, their own friends become enemies
This expression highlights how respect and relationships are often tied to one's status or position. Just as a tooth or hair loses its value once removed from its place, a person who loses their power or standing may find that even their allies turn against them or treat them poorly. It is used to caution that influence is often situational.
Related Phrases
తన కోపమే తన శత్రువు
tana kopame tana shatruvu
One's own anger is one's own enemy.
This is a popular proverb from Vemana Satakam emphasizing self-control. It means that an individual's inability to control their anger causes them more harm than any external enemy ever could. It is used to advise someone to stay calm and realize that outbursts of rage only lead to personal loss and damaged relationships.
అన్నదమ్ముల శత్రుత్వం, అక్కచెల్లెండ్ర మిత్రత్వం.
annadammula shatrutvam, akkachellendra mitratvam.
Enmity between brothers, friendship between sisters.
This proverb contrasts the stereotypical nature of sibling relationships based on gender. It suggests that brothers often engage in competition or rivalry (often over property or ego), whereas sisters tend to maintain a supportive and lasting bond throughout their lives.
పుడుతూ పుత్రులు, పెరుగుతూ శత్రువులు
pudutu putrulu, perugutu shatruvulu
Sons at birth, enemies as they grow.
This proverb highlights the irony and disappointment parents may face when children they lovingly raised turn against them or become troublesome as they grow older. It is used to describe situations where someone nurtured by you eventually causes you grief or opposition.
పుట్టు శాస్త్రులా, పెట్టు శాస్త్రులా?
puttu shastrula, pettu shastrula?
Is he a born Śāstrî or a deplomated Śāstrî ? Said also of a Somayājī ( No. 2053 ).
This expression is used to question whether someone's skills, status, or behavior are natural and inherent (by birth) or artificial and acquired through external effort or pretense (put on). It highlights the difference between genuine character and a facade.
వర్గరహితమైనదే శత్రువు
vargarahitamainade shatruvu
The one without a class is the enemy
This phrase is often used in political or sociological contexts, particularly in Marxist or class-struggle ideologies. It suggests that individuals who do not belong to a defined social or economic class, or who ignore the existence of class distinctions, are seen as obstacles or enemies to the progress of a specific group's movement.
అన్నదమ్ముల శత్రుత్వం, అక్కచెల్లెళ్ళ మిత్రత్వం
annadammula shatrutvam, akkachellella mitratvam
Enmity among brothers, friendship among sisters
This proverb contrasts the nature of sibling relationships. It suggests that brothers often end up as rivals or enemies (usually due to property disputes or ego), whereas sisters tend to maintain a deep, lifelong bond and friendship.
తన కోపమె తన శత్రువు తన శాంతమె తనకు రక్ష.
tana kopame tana shatruvu tana shantame tanaku raksha.
One's own anger is their enemy; one's own calmness is their protection.
This is a famous moral teaching from Vemana Satakam. It suggests that self-control is the greatest virtue. Uncontrolled anger causes harm to oneself more than others, acting as an internal enemy, while maintaining a peaceful and calm composure serves as a shield against life's troubles.
నిన్నటి పరమమిత్రుడే నేటి పరమశత్రువు
ninnati paramamitrude neti paramashatruvu
Yesterday's greatest friend is today's greatest enemy
This expression is used to describe how relationships can change drastically over time. It highlights the irony or bitterness of life where someone who was once a close confidant or best friend has now become a bitter rival or enemy, often due to betrayal or changing circumstances.
తప్పులెన్నేవారు తమ తప్పులెరుగరు
tappulennevaru tama tappulerugaru
Those who count others' faults do not know their own.
This expression is used to highlight hypocrisy. It points out that people who are quick to criticize or find flaws in others are often blind to their own shortcomings. It is a reminder to practice self-reflection before judging others.
నడిస్తే ఊరంతా మిత్రులు, పడుకుంటే చాపకూడా శత్రువే.
nadiste uranta mitrulu, padukunte chapakuda shatruve.
If you walk, the whole village is your friend; if you lie down, even the mat becomes your enemy.
This proverb emphasizes the importance of being active and productive. As long as you are hardworking and successful (walking), everyone wants to be your friend. However, if you become lazy or fall into hard times (lying down), even the simplest things and closest people may turn against you or become a burden.