వేలంవేస్తే అధికారి దండోరావేస్తే ఊరికాపరి
velamveste adhikari dandoraveste urikapari
If there's an auction, it's the officer; if there's an announcement, it's the village watchman.
This proverb describes a situation where high-ranking officials take credit for significant or profitable tasks, while low-level workers are left to do the actual labor or the noisy, tedious work. It is used to highlight hierarchies and the division of credit versus effort.
Related Phrases
కాలికి వేస్తే వేలికి, వేలికి వేస్తే కాలికి
kaliki veste veliki, veliki veste kaliki
If tied to the leg, it moves to the finger; if tied to the finger, it moves to the leg.
This expression describes a person who is extremely manipulative, slippery, or cunning. It is used for someone who always has a counter-argument or a way to twist words to escape accountability, making it impossible to pin them down to a single point.
వేలికి వేస్తే మెలిక, కాలికి వేస్తే బంధం
veliki veste melika, kaliki veste bandham
If put on the finger it's a twist, if put on the leg it's a shackle.
This proverb describes someone who is extremely cunning, manipulative, or versatile in making excuses. It refers to a person who can adapt their behavior or arguments to any situation just to get their way—if you try to catch them one way, they twist out of it; if you try another, they bind you instead.
కాలికి వేస్తే మెడకు, మెడకు వేస్తే కాలికి
kaliki veste medaku, medaku veste kaliki
He removes the rope from the leg to the neck, and from the neck to the leg. Attempting to entrap a person by unfair questions.
This expression is used to describe a person who is extremely cunning, slippery, or argumentative. It refers to someone who can twist any situation or argument to their advantage, making it impossible to pin them down or hold them accountable. It depicts a 'shifty' character who always finds a loophole or a way to deflect blame.
వేలుకు వేస్తే కాలికి, కాలికి వేస్తే వేలికి.
veluku veste kaliki, kaliki veste veliki.
If put on the finger it goes to the toe, and if put on the toe it goes to the finger.
This expression is used to describe a person who is extremely manipulative, inconsistent, or shifty in their speech. It refers to someone who changes their story or logic constantly to suit their convenience, making it impossible to pin them down to a single fact or commitment.
ఎంచివేస్తే ఆరి తరుగునా?
enchiveste ari taruguna?
Will the number decrease by drying ? A reply given to a cheat who thus attempted to account for a deficiency in the quantity of vegetables.
This expression is used to signify that constant worrying or repeatedly calculating a loss does not diminish the intensity of the problem. It implies that certain natural or inevitable processes cannot be altered simply by overthinking or obsession; action or patience is required instead.
వెన్ను వేస్తే వైరుకర్ర పొన్నువేస్తే చేతికర్ర
vennu veste vairukarra ponnuveste chetikarra
If it grows a grain-ear it is a straw-stalk, if it is fitted with a ferrule it is a walking-stick.
This proverb highlights the versatility and utility of an object based on how it is developed or used. In a broader sense, it refers to how a person's potential or a situation's outcome depends on the direction it takes or the finishing touches provided.
భిక్షాధికారికి లక్షాధికారికి ఎందుకు పోలిక?
bhikshadhikariki lakshadhikariki enduku polika?
Why compare a beggar with a millionaire?
This expression is used to highlight a vast disparity or mismatch between two people, situations, or objects. It suggests that it is illogical or unfair to compare things that are fundamentally different in status, quality, or scale.
భిక్షాధికారి అయినా కావలె, లక్షాధికారి అయినా కావలె.
bhikshadhikari ayina kavale, lakshadhikari ayina kavale.
One must be a master of alms or a master of lakhs. i. e. either a beggar or a very rich man.
This proverb emphasizes that one should aim for extremes rather than being stuck in the middle. It suggests that a person should either be completely detached from worldly possessions (like a master ascetic/beggar) or be immensely wealthy (a millionaire), as both positions command a certain type of freedom or influence, whereas being in the middle often brings struggle and dissatisfaction.
భిక్షాధికారి అయినా కావాలి, లక్షాధికారి అయినా కావాలి
bhikshadhikari ayina kavali, lakshadhikari ayina kavali
One should either become a master of begging or a millionaire.
This expression emphasizes that one should aim for extremes or total mastery in their chosen path rather than being mediocre. It suggests that there is no point in being 'in-between' or average; one should either reach the pinnacle of wealth or, if choosing a humble path, be the most detached or humble version of it. It is often used to encourage commitment to a goal.
ఎంచివేస్తే ఆరి తరుగుతుందా?
enchiveste ari tarugutunda?
Will the quantity decrease if you count them?
This expression is used when someone is reluctant to share or reveal a large quantity of items out of fear that counting or showcasing them will somehow diminish their value or amount. It highlights the irrationality of being overly secretive or stingy when nothing is actually lost by being transparent or acknowledging the truth.