వేసరపుజాతిగాని, దాసికొడుకైనగాని కాసులు గలవాడె రాజు.

vesarapujatigani, dasikodukainagani kasulu galavade raju.

Translation

Whether of a low breed or the son of a maidservant, he who possesses wealth is the king.

Meaning

This proverb highlights the power of money in society. It suggests that social status, caste, or lineage are often overlooked if a person is wealthy, as wealth brings authority and respect regardless of one's background. It is used to describe the influence of financial power.

Related Phrases

Even for a great king, only a trusted person must serve food.

This expression emphasizes the paramount importance of trust and loyalty. It suggests that regardless of one's power, wealth, or status, a person is ultimately vulnerable and must rely on those they trust for their basic needs and safety. It is often used to highlight that loyalty is a more valuable asset than authority.

The kingdom belongs to the one with the voice; the buffalo belongs to the one with the stick.

This proverb highlights that power and success often belong to those who can speak assertively or those who possess physical strength. In the first part, it implies that the person who can communicate effectively or shout the loudest often dominates social situations or politics. In the second part, it refers to 'might is right,' where the person with the most force or resources gets to claim ownership.

Like the fence itself grazing the crop

This expression is used to describe a situation where a protector or guardian ends up being the one who causes harm or exploits those they were meant to protect. It is typically applied to corrupt officials, untrustworthy guardians, or leaders who betray the trust placed in them.

Either a widow's son or a king's son is needed.

This proverb highlights the importance of having influence or survival skills to navigate the world. A king's son has power and resources through his status, while a widow's son is often perceived as someone who has grown up tough, resourceful, and street-smart out of necessity. It implies that to succeed or get things done, one needs either authority or grit.

Are there any burrows unknown to foxes or any hidden holes unknown to cobras?

This expression is used to describe experts or experienced people who know every nook and cranny of their field. Just as a fox knows every hole in the forest and a cobra knows every crevice, an experienced person cannot be easily fooled or hidden from regarding matters in their domain.

A man with money is a king though he be the son of a slave girl.

This proverb highlights the power and social influence of wealth. It suggests that in the eyes of society, financial status often outweighs one's lineage or humble origins. It is used to describe how money can grant authority and respect to anyone, regardless of their background.

One who possesses wealth is the king.

This expression highlights that in the material world, wealth often dictates power, social status, and authority. It is used to describe situations where influence follows financial means or to remark on the respect accorded to the wealthy.

One must either be the son of a king or the brother of a courtesan.

This proverb refers to the privilege of living a life of leisure and luxury without manual labor. It suggests that such a comfortable lifestyle is typically reserved for those born into royalty (power/wealth) or those who live off the earnings and influence of someone highly sought after (historically referring to the status of a 'Sani' or courtesan's family members who were often pampered). It is used to describe someone who enjoys benefits without working for them.

In the kingdom of the blind, the one-eyed man is king.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where a person with limited or mediocre abilities is considered superior or exceptional because everyone else in that environment is completely unskilled or lacks knowledge. It highlights how competence is relative to the group one is in.

Even if he is of the lowest caste, the one who possesses money is the king.

This proverb highlights the power of wealth in society. It suggests that economic status often overrides social hierarchy or caste, meaning that a wealthy person is respected and treated as a leader regardless of their social background or origin.