వెట్టి గొలువరాదు విభుడెంత ఘనుడైన
vetti goluvaradu vibhudenta ghanudaina
One should not serve for free, no matter how great the leader is.
This expression emphasizes self-respect and the value of labor. It suggests that working without compensation (forced labor or 'vetti') is demeaning, and even if the master or leader is a powerful or great person, one should not provide their services for free or without basic rights/rewards.
Related Phrases
నమిలేవానికన్నా మింగేవాడు ఘనుడు.
namilevanikanna mingevadu ghanudu.
He who swallows is better off than he who chews. He gets along at a greater pace.
This proverb describes someone who is more efficient or cunning than another. While one person is busy working through details or struggling (chewing), the other person finishes the task instantly or takes the credit effortlessly (swallowing). It is often used to describe someone who outperforms another with less apparent effort.
Said of an energetic man.
ధీరుడైనా కావాలి, దీనుడైనా కావాలి
dhirudaina kavali, dinudaina kavali
One should either be a courageous person or a humble person.
This expression suggests that in life, to survive or succeed, one must possess either the strength and courage (Dheerudu) to face challenges head-on or the humility and submissiveness (Deenudu) to seek help and stay protected. It implies that being stuck in the middle with an ego but no strength is a recipe for failure. It is often used to advise someone on the attitude they should adopt depending on their circumstances.
మాట ఘనము, మానిక పిచ్చ.
mata ghanamu, manika pichcha.
Great words, but small measure.
This proverb is used to describe a person who speaks grandly or makes lofty promises but fails to deliver anything substantial or acts in a very stingy manner. It highlights the contrast between high-sounding talk and poor or insignificant actions.
A Mânika is a dry measure. The greatest talkers are always the least doers.
అతడికంటే ఘనుడు ఆచంట మల్లన్న
atadikante ghanudu achanta mallanna
Achanta Mallanna is even greater than him.
This expression is used to describe a situation where one person meets someone who is even more clever, powerful, or capable than themselves. It is often used to caution someone who is acting arrogant or boastful that there is always someone superior to them in the world.
పిట్ట కొంచెము కూత ఘనము
pitta konchemu kuta ghanamu
Little bird- loud cry.
One may be small in physical size, but one may be loud in speech. It is used both as a criticism of talkative person and as an appreciation of one whose achievements are higher than what one’s physical limitations would appear to permit.
* Un petit homme projette parfoia une grande ombre. ! Stakket Hund, kludet Ko, og liden Mand er gjerne hv modige.
అతడెంత ఘనుడైన అడుగక తీరదు.
atadenta ghanudaina adugaka tiradu.
No matter how great he is, one must ask.
This expression emphasizes that regardless of a person's status, wealth, or power, specific needs or permissions still require a formal request. It is often used to remind someone that things won't simply be handed over without communication or that certain protocols must be followed by everyone, no matter their importance.
విజయుండనువుదప్పి విరటుని గొలువడా
vijayundanuvudappi viratuni goluvada
Did even Arjuna, the winner, not serve King Virata when the time was not favorable?
This expression is used to emphasize that when times are unfavorable, even the most powerful or talented individuals may have to humble themselves or perform menial tasks. It originates from the Mahabharata, referring to Arjuna's exile where he worked as a dance teacher.
పవిభుండు కోపింపవచ్చు
pavibhundu kopimpavachchu
If the ruler/king becomes angry
This expression is part of a larger proverb 'పవిభుండు కోపింపవచ్చు, ప్రాణముల్ తీయవచ్చు' which suggests that those in power have the capability to be angry and take one's life, but they cannot change one's fate or character. It is used to describe the limitations of worldly power against destiny or integrity.
అతనికంటే ఘనుడు ఆచంట మల్లన్న
atanikante ghanudu achanta mallanna
Achanta Mallanna is greater than him.
This expression is used to describe a situation where one person encounters someone even more clever, skilled, or cunning than themselves. It is often used to imply that there is always someone superior or more formidable regardless of how great one thinks they are.
రాట్టల వాడికంటే తునకలవాడు ఘనుడు.
rattala vadikante tunakalavadu ghanudu.
The person with the pieces is greater than the person with the bones.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone who possesses the actual substance or the best parts of something is superior to someone who only has the large, hollow, or useless parts. It emphasizes quality and substance over sheer size or volume.