Signification
Benefiting from someone else's hard work.
Contexte culturel
In farming communities, snakes are seen as both a threat and a friend (as they eat rats that destroy crops). This proverb highlights the observation of snake behavior in nature. The proverb is a staple in Marathi 'Vangmaya' (literature) to critique social hierarchy and the exploitation of the working class. During this festival, cobras are worshipped. It is ironic that a culture that worships the snake also uses it as a metaphor for an opportunist. In Pune and Mumbai's IT hubs, this proverb has found a new life describing 'credit-stealers' in agile teams.
Use it for Sarcasm
The word 'Nagoba' is respectful, so saying it with a slight smirk makes the sarcasm much more effective.
Don't use with Elders
Calling an elder an 'Ayatya bilat Nagoba' is very disrespectful, even if they are being lazy.
Signification
Benefiting from someone else's hard work.
Use it for Sarcasm
The word 'Nagoba' is respectful, so saying it with a slight smirk makes the sarcasm much more effective.
Don't use with Elders
Calling an elder an 'Ayatya bilat Nagoba' is very disrespectful, even if they are being lazy.
The 'L' sound
Make sure to pronounce the 'L' in 'Bilat' as the Marathi retroflex ळ. Using the standard 'L' will sound like a non-native speaker.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing words to complete the proverb.
आयत्या _______ नागोबा.
The literal meaning is 'in the hole' (बिळात).
Match the situation to the most appropriate use of the proverb.
Situation: Sameer didn't help clean the house but came to watch the movie once the room was ready.
Sameer is benefiting from the cleaned room without helping to clean it.
Which sentence uses the proverb correctly in a grammatical sense?
Choose the correct sentence:
'Ayatya' is the correct oblique form and 'bilat' is the correct locative form.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'सगळे कष्ट मी केले आणि नाव त्याचे झाले!' B: 'हो, तो तर _________.'
The context of 'my work, his name' perfectly fits this proverb.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesआयत्या _______ नागोबा.
The literal meaning is 'in the hole' (बिळात).
Situation: Sameer didn't help clean the house but came to watch the movie once the room was ready.
Sameer is benefiting from the cleaned room without helping to clean it.
Choose the correct sentence:
'Ayatya' is the correct oblique form and 'bilat' is the correct locative form.
A: 'सगळे कष्ट मी केले आणि नाव त्याचे झाले!' B: 'हो, तो तर _________.'
The context of 'my work, his name' perfectly fits this proverb.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
3 questionsIt is critical and sarcastic. It's not 'profane', but it is a strong way to call someone an opportunist.
Yes! If you show up late to a party where all the food is ready, you can say 'आज मी आयत्या बिळात नागोबा झालोय' (Today I've become a Nagoba).
'Ayata' is the base adjective. 'Ayatya' is the form used when the following noun (Bilat) is in a case other than the nominative.
Expressions liées
आयतोबा
specialized formA person who wants everything ready-made.
दुसऱ्याच्या कष्टावर जगणे
similarTo live on someone else's hard work.
हात ओले करणे
contrastTo work hard (literally: to get hands wet/sweaty).
आयत्या पिठावर रेघा
similarDrawing lines on ready-made flour.
