తప్పతాగి కులము మరిచినట్లు

tappatagi kulamu marichinatlu

Translation

Like forgetting one's caste after getting heavily drunk.

Meaning

This expression is used to describe a person who, due to arrogance, success, or intoxication (literal or metaphorical), forgets their roots, upbringing, or social boundaries. It refers to someone acting recklessly and losing their sense of identity or responsibility.

Related Phrases

Practice without ground, speech without mind.

This proverb describes actions that lack a practical foundation or logic. 'Nela vidichina samu' refers to practicing martial arts while jumping off the ground (losing balance/foundation), and 'mati vidichina mata' refers to speaking without thinking. It is used to criticize someone who ignores reality, lacks common sense, or makes impractical plans.

Like eating someone's food and then questioning their caste.

This proverb is used to describe an ungrateful person who accepts help or hospitality from someone and then insults or criticizes them based on their background or social status. It highlights hypocrisy and lack of gratitude.

When money is leaving or when a physical blow hits, one's senses do not function.

This proverb highlights human nature's lack of foresight or awareness during critical moments. It suggests that people often fail to be careful or sensible when they are in the process of losing their wealth or when they are about to face a misfortune/accident. It is used to remark on how hindsight is always clearer than foresight.

There are many to spoil one's caste (reputation), but none to offer a meal.

This proverb describes a situation where many people are ready to criticize, sabotage, or ruin someone's social standing or reputation, but no one is willing to step forward and provide actual help or sustenance when that person is in need. It is used to highlight the hypocrisy and lack of genuine support in society.

Those who speak the truth are young children and drunkards

This expression suggests that innocent children and people under the influence of alcohol lack the filters or inhibitions to lie. It is used to imply that truth often comes from the most unlikely or unfiltered sources.

After becoming poor, observe your wife's attitude.

This proverb suggests that the true character and loyalty of a spouse are tested during difficult financial times. It implies that while everyone is supportive during prosperity, only a truly devoted partner remains respectful and supportive when wealth is lost.

Like a temple snake biting or a sacred cow goring.

This expression refers to being harmed by someone or something that is generally perceived as harmless, saintly, or trustworthy. It describes an unexpected betrayal or injury from a source where one only expected goodness or safety.

Like forgetting and adding starter culture to buttermilk instead of milk.

This expression describes a redundant or useless action performed out of absent-mindedness. Just as 'chemiri' (starter/curd) is added to milk to turn it into curd, adding it to buttermilk (which is already a byproduct of curd) serves no purpose. It is used to mock someone who does something unnecessary or repeats a process that is already complete.

Eating to excess, he forgets his caste. Said of a man who, being sumptuously entertained, forgets his low origin.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone commits a mistake or falls into bad habits and consequently forgets their roots, values, or original identity. It specifically refers to how a single improper act or a lapse in judgment can lead to a complete loss of self-respect or social standing.

If you lose your food/livelihood for the sake of caste, your caste will not come and feed you.

This proverb highlights the folly of prioritizing caste-based pride or prejudices over one's own survival and basic needs. It warns that while a person might sacrifice their livelihood (koodu) to uphold caste rigidity, the caste community as an entity will not provide for them when they are hungry. It is used to advise people to prioritize practical necessities and humanity over social divisions.