Bedeutung
Giving advice to superiors or elders inappropriately.
Kultureller Hintergrund
In Marathi households, 'Vadil-dhari' (elders) are the decision-makers. Questioning them directly is often seen as a sign of poor upbringing (Sanskar). While changing, many Indian companies still follow a hierarchical structure where seniority in age is often equated with seniority in wisdom. Classic Marathi literature often uses this phrase to depict the 'arrogant youth' archetype who eventually learns a lesson from a wise elder. In rural areas, this proverb is a serious social warning. In urban areas, it's sometimes used jokingly among friends when someone makes a very bold claim.
Don't use it with elders
Never say this *to* someone older than you, even if they are being silly. It is only for seniors to say to juniors.
Self-deprecating use
If you are young and must give advice to an elder, start with: 'लहान तोंड मोठा घास घेतोय, पण मला असं वाटतं...' (I'm overstepping, but I feel...). This shows humility.
Bedeutung
Giving advice to superiors or elders inappropriately.
Don't use it with elders
Never say this *to* someone older than you, even if they are being silly. It is only for seniors to say to juniors.
Self-deprecating use
If you are young and must give advice to an elder, start with: 'लहान तोंड मोठा घास घेतोय, पण मला असं वाटतं...' (I'm overstepping, but I feel...). This shows humility.
The 'Silence' Rule
In many Marathi families, the best response to this proverb is silence and a nod. Arguing back proves the proverb right!
Teste dich selbst
Complete the proverb with the correct words.
लहान ______ मोठा ______.
The standard proverb is 'Lahan tond motha ghas'.
In which situation would you use this phrase?
A 5-year-old tells his grandfather how to drive a car.
The child is giving advice to an elder about something he doesn't know, which fits the proverb.
What is the figurative meaning of this phrase?
लहान तोंड मोठा घास म्हणजे काय?
It refers to the social act of overstepping one's bounds.
Complete the dialogue.
राहुल: 'बाबा, तुम्ही हे काम चुकीचे करत आहात.' बाबा: 'राहुल, तू अजून लहान आहेस, ______ नकोस.'
The father is reminding Rahul of his age and status.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Age vs. Advice in Marathi Culture
Aufgabensammlung
4 Aufgabenलहान ______ मोठा ______.
The standard proverb is 'Lahan tond motha ghas'.
A 5-year-old tells his grandfather how to drive a car.
The child is giving advice to an elder about something he doesn't know, which fits the proverb.
लहान तोंड मोठा घास म्हणजे काय?
It refers to the social act of overstepping one's bounds.
राहुल: 'बाबा, तुम्ही हे काम चुकीचे करत आहात.' बाबा: 'राहुल, तू अजून लहान आहेस, ______ नकोस.'
The father is reminding Rahul of his age and status.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Häufig gestellte Fragen
14 FragenIt can be. It's a firm way of putting someone in their place. Use it carefully.
Yes, that is the literal meaning, but people will usually assume you are making a joke about their behavior.
'Chhota muh badi baat' is the exact equivalent and is very common.
No, it's mostly spoken. In writing, it might appear in stories or dialogue.
In this context, yes. It means a morsel or a bite.
No, that would mean a big mouth taking a small bite, which isn't a proverb and makes no sense socially.
Only if you are teasing them for being 'too smart for their own good'.
The most respectful reply is 'क्षमस्व' (Kshamasva - Sorry) or 'माफ करा' (Maaf kara).
Yes, almost every Indian language has a version of this, reflecting the shared value of respecting elders.
Yes, a junior employee is 'lahan' in rank compared to a senior manager.
Not really. To praise a young person's wisdom, use 'मूर्ती लहान पण कीर्ती महान'.
No, the proverb remains 'Lahan tond motha ghas' even for a group of people.
Because speech comes from the mouth, and a 'bite' represents the 'size' of the topic being discussed.
Yes, especially in traditional families and formal organizations in Maharashtra.
Verwandte Redewendungen
उथळ पाण्याला खळखळाट फार
similarShallow water makes much noise.
अंगापेक्षा बोंगा जास्त
similarMore show than substance.
मूर्ती लहान पण कीर्ती महान
contrastSmall in size but great in fame.
घरोघरी मातीच्या चुली
unrelatedEvery house has the same problems.
हातच्या कंकणाला आरसा कशाला
unrelatedThe truth is obvious.
