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जिसकी लाठी उसकी भैंस

jiskī lāṭhī uskī bhains
proverb★Intermediate◆proverb
◆ What It Really Means
This proverb means that whoever has the power or authority can control or influence others, often unfairly. It suggests that the person with the strongest position or resources gets their way.
¶ Literal Meaning
The buffalo belongs to whoever holds the stick.
Literal Breakdown
जिसकीwhose+लाठीstick+उसकीhis/her+भैंसbuffalo
◇ Mental Image
The image of a person holding a stick to control a buffalo symbolizes power and authority. The stick represents the means of control, and the buffalo represents the person or situation being controlled.
◈ When to Use
In a workplace setting, a manager might use this proverb to explain why a certain policy is being enforced, implying that the decision is being made by those in power.
◉ Cultural Note
This proverb reflects the traditional power dynamics in rural Indian society, where physical strength and control were often used to manage livestock. It has since been extended to metaphorically describe power dynamics in various contexts.
informal

This proverb means that whoever has the power or authority can control or influence others, often unfairly. It suggests that the person with the strongest position or resources gets their way.

विभाग के प्रमुख ने कहा, 'जिसकी लाठी उसकी भैंस, इसलिए हमारी नीतियों का पालन करना होगा।'

The department head said, 'Might makes right, so we have to follow our policies.'

कंपनी के मालिक ने कहा, 'जिसकी लाठी उसकी भैंस, इसलिए हमारी शर्तें स्वीकार की जाएंगी।'

The company owner said, 'He who has the power makes the rules, so our terms will be accepted.'

💡

This proverb is often used to criticize situations where power is abused or where the stronger party imposes their will on others.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

जिसकी लाठी उसकी भैंसproverb
He who has the power makes the rules
जिसकी ताकत उसकी बातproverb
Might makes right

💡Pro Tip

Usage Context

This proverb is often used in informal settings to criticize or explain situations where power is abused. It is not typically used in formal or professional contexts.

⚡Gold Rule

Power Dynamics

This proverb highlights the power dynamics in society and how those with authority can influence outcomes, sometimes unfairly.

📖Word Origin

This proverb originates from rural life in India, where a stick (लाठी) was used to control a buffalo (भैंस). The person holding the stick had control over the buffalo, symbolizing power and authority.

📝Usage Notes

This proverb is often used in situations where someone is using their power or authority to get their way, sometimes unfairly. It can be used to criticize such behavior or to explain why something is happening.

Word Breakdown

जिसकी
whose
relative pronoun
+
लाठी
stick
noun
+
उसकी
his/her
possessive pronoun
+
भैंस
buffalo
noun
हिन्दी-अंग्रेज़ी शब्दकोश

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