విద్యలేని అయ్యగారికి వినయంలేని బంట్రోతు.

vidyaleni ayyagariki vinayamleni bantrotu.

Translation

An uneducated teacher gets an arrogant servant.

Meaning

This proverb highlights that a leader's lack of competence or qualification often results in subordinates who lack discipline or respect. It is used to describe situations where the quality of leadership directly dictates the poor behavior or performance of those being managed.

Related Phrases

Knowledge without a teacher is blind knowledge.

This proverb emphasizes the importance of a mentor or guide in the learning process. It suggests that self-taught knowledge without proper guidance can be incomplete, directionless, or prone to errors, much like a person walking in the dark without sight.

There is no loss for a soldier without self-respect and a king without a mustache.

This proverb highlights the importance of honor and dignity. Just as a mustache was traditionally seen as a symbol of authority for a king, self-respect (rosham) is essential for a soldier. If they lack these qualities, they have nothing left to lose because they have already lost their status and dignity in the eyes of society.

If the ruler himself is a thief, the servant will become a burglar.

This proverb highlights the impact of leadership on subordinates. If those in power are corrupt or dishonest, their followers or subordinates will feel justified in committing even greater crimes. It suggests that morality and integrity must start at the top, as the character of the master determines the behavior of the servants.

A Brahmin without education is like a Kshatriya without a sword.

This proverb emphasizes that an individual is defined by their core duty or skill. Just as a warrior (Kshatriya) is useless without a weapon, an intellectual or priest (Brahmin) lacks purpose and respect without knowledge. It is used to stress the importance of education and being well-equipped for one's chosen path in life.

A festival without bustle is like music without rhythm.

This expression is used to describe a situation that lacks its essential characteristic or spark. Just as a festival feels incomplete without joy and crowds, and music is chaotic without a beat, an event or person lacking their core quality is considered dull and meaningless.

Enjoyment without passion, charity without sacrifice.

This proverb highlights that certain actions are hollow without the right spirit. Enjoyment (bhogam) is meaningless without true passion or interest (ragam), and giving (eevi) carries no moral value if it doesn't involve some form of personal sacrifice (tyagam).

No money or wealth, but a servant with a shoulder badge.

This proverb describes a person who lacks financial resources or status but still maintains a pompous attitude or insists on expensive appearances and luxuries. It is used to mock those who live beyond their means or pretend to be more influential than they actually are.

The father has no education, and the mother has no pride.

This expression is used to describe a situation where people are exceptionally simple, modest, or perhaps lacking in expected qualities, yet live together harmoniously. It is often used to characterize a family or a couple who are very humble, unassuming, and devoid of any pretenses or ego.

A 'boore' without stuffing, and a wedding without a 'veeranam' drum.

This proverb describes things that are incomplete or lack their essential elements. Just as a sweet 'boore' is tasteless without its sweet filling (poornam) and a traditional wedding feels lifeless without the loud beat of the drum (veeranam), a task or situation is considered hollow or dull if its core component is missing.

A king without courage, a minister without planning.

This expression highlights the failure of leadership and administration. It describes a situation where those in power are ineffective because the leader lacks the bravery to take action and the advisor lacks the wisdom or foresight to provide proper guidance. It is used to describe a team or organization destined for failure due to incompetence at the top.