Signification
The powerful person rules.
Contexte culturel
In village panchayats (councils), the powerful families often hold sway for generations. This proverb is a common way for villagers to express their resignation to this fact. Socialist writers like Sane Guruji or Dalit writers like Namdeo Dhasal often used this phrase to critique the oppression of the lower classes by the 'Bali' (the powerful). In the fast-paced business world of Mumbai or Pune, this phrase is often used to describe 'hostile takeovers' or aggressive market strategies. The phrase is often contrasted with the 'Hindavi Swarajya' of Shivaji Maharaj, which was intended to be the opposite of 'Might is Right.'
Use for Resignation
Use this phrase when you want to show you've accepted an unfair situation because you can't change it.
Not for Praise
Never use this to praise someone's strength. It implies they are using that strength to be a bully.
Signification
The powerful person rules.
Use for Resignation
Use this phrase when you want to show you've accepted an unfair situation because you can't change it.
Not for Praise
Never use this to praise someone's strength. It implies they are using that strength to be a bully.
The 'L' Sound
Mastering the 'ळ' (L) in Bali and Pili will make you sound like a native speaker.
Social Media
You will often see this in the comments section of Marathi news posts on Facebook or Instagram.
Teste-toi
Complete the proverb.
बळी तो ___ पिळी.
The standard proverb is 'बळी तो कान पिळी' (The strong one twists the ear).
Which situation best fits the proverb 'बळी तो कान पिळी'?
A big company sues a small artist and wins because they have more money.
This is a classic example of power (money) winning over a weaker party.
What is the figurative meaning of this proverb?
बळी तो कान पिळी म्हणजे काय?
It describes the dominance of power over justice.
Complete the dialogue with the correct phrase.
अ: 'त्या मंत्र्याने गरिबाची जमीन घेतली.' ब: 'काय करणार, शेवटी ___.'
The context of a powerful minister taking a poor man's land perfectly fits 'Might is Right'.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Might vs. Right
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesबळी तो ___ पिळी.
The standard proverb is 'बळी तो कान पिळी' (The strong one twists the ear).
A big company sues a small artist and wins because they have more money.
This is a classic example of power (money) winning over a weaker party.
बळी तो कान पिळी म्हणजे काय?
It describes the dominance of power over justice.
अ: 'त्या मंत्र्याने गरिबाची जमीन घेतली.' ब: 'काय करणार, शेवटी ___.'
The context of a powerful minister taking a poor man's land perfectly fits 'Might is Right'.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsIt's not rude, but it is cynical. It's a way of stating a harsh truth.
Only behind their back! It implies they are using power unfairly.
'Bali' is a traditional word for strong; 'Shaktiman' is more modern and often associated with superheroes.
Not really. Marathi culture uses other phrases for 'Righteous Power,' like 'सत्यमेव जयते' (Truth alone triumphs).
Yes, it is very common in Marathi literature and journalism to critique power.
No, it mostly applies to money, political power, and social status today.
The root 'Pilne' (to twist) is common, but 'Pili' is a poetic form used mainly in this proverb.
The closest is 'Jiski lathi, uski bhains.'
Yes, almost every Indian language has a version of this, reflecting shared social history.
It's grammatically correct but sounds wrong because the proverb is a fixed set of words.
Expressions liées
ज्याची लाठी त्याची म्हैस
synonymHe who has the stick, has the buffalo.
समर्थाचा बोल
similarThe word of the powerful.
अति तिथे माती
contrastExcess leads to ruin.
गरिबाचा वाली
contrastProtector of the poor.
बळजबरी
specialized formCoercion.
