తన బలిమికన్నా స్థాన బలం మేలు

tana balimikanna sthana balam melu

Translation

The strength of the position is greater than one's own physical strength.

Meaning

This proverb emphasizes that environment, context, or the position one holds often provides more power and advantage than individual physical or mental strength. It is used to describe how a person becomes more influential or protected due to the place or status they occupy, similar to how a crocodile is powerful in water but weak on land.

Related Phrases

It is the strength of the position, not one's own strength.

This expression is used to describe a situation where a person's power, influence, or authority comes entirely from the position or office they hold rather than their personal merit or capability. It highlights that once the individual leaves that specific role or location, they no longer possess that same power.

Positional strength is greater than one's own strength.

This proverb emphasizes that the environment or position one occupies often provides more power and influence than individual physical or mental strength alone. It is used to explain how someone might appear powerful or successful primarily because of the support system, status, or location they are in.

When wealth comes, strength comes; when wealth goes, strength goes.

This expression highlights the social reality that a person's influence, status, and perceived power are often directly tied to their financial standing. It is used to describe how people respect and follow someone when they are rich, but abandon or overlook them once they lose their fortune.

It is the strength of the position, not the strength of the person.

This expression emphasizes that a person's power or influence often comes from the position or office they hold rather than their innate abilities. It is used to remind people that once they lose their status or position, their perceived power will also vanish.

It is the strength of his position, not his own strength.

This proverb implies that an individual's influence or power often comes from the position they hold or the situation they are in, rather than their innate ability. It is used to remind people to stay humble, as their authority might vanish once they leave that specific role or environment.

The power of the place is greater than the power of the man. Every man is powerful in his own house. Every one is a king in his own house. (Portuguese.)

This proverb highlights that the environment, position, or support system a person occupies often provides more power and security than their individual physical or mental strength alone. It is used to explain why someone in a strategic position or a supportive territory can overcome even those who are individually more powerful.

An obstinate person is stronger than a king. The power of importunity.

This proverb suggests that a stubborn or persistent person can be more powerful than even a king because they do not listen to reason, fear consequences, or yield to authority. It is used to describe situations where someone's sheer obstinacy makes them impossible to manage or defeat through logic or power.

Like forcing someone to enjoy music through sheer coercion and force.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone is forced to participate in or appreciate something against their will, particularly when it comes to art, entertainment, or ideas. It highlights the absurdity of trying to mandate enjoyment or agreement through intimidation.

The ox's strength is its own strength (or the strength of its owner).

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone derives their strength, power, or confidence from an external source or a superior authority. It implies that a person is acting boldly not because of their own merit, but because of the support or backing they receive from someone more powerful.

He said it's the strength of the position, not his own strength.

This proverb is used to describe situations where a person's power, influence, or success is derived entirely from their current position, office, or environment rather than their innate abilities. It highlights that once removed from that specific context or role, the individual might be powerless.