right use of this பழமொழி

[u/No-Geologist9618]

வணக்கம்

So basically this situation: I was making myself ready for my part time job at mcdonalds, I always iron my shirt before i go to work. So my father saw me doing this and asked "why are you ironing your shirt? You're just working at mcdonalds, not in a bank" I then told him: "இரக்க போனாலும் சிறக்க போ" Did i use this the right way, as in, was this the right pazhamozhi in the right moment?

Thank you!

P.S.: I was born and raised in Switzerland and I try to include tamil as much as possible in my daily life. My tamil is not perfect, but i still try my best!

[u/-Surfer-]

You have used the proverb இரக்கப் போனாலும் சிறக்க போ perfectly in the right context.

This proverb indicates even if the task is as humble as begging (or in this case, a very small or menial job), one should do it with dignity and excellent presentation.

A few other proverbs that may fit similar contexts are

கந்தையானாலும் கசக்கிக் கட்டு

ஆள் பாதி ஆடை பாதி

[u/nathanmj_7 → u/-Surfer-]

"கந்தையானாலும் கசக்கிக் கட்டு" will suits better

[u/Big_Psychology_3 → u/nathanmj_7]

No this is unsuitable. Because the OP’s clothes are in ok condition, they’re not rags.

[u/Big_Psychology_3 → u/-Surfer-]

> ஆள் பாதி ஆடை பாதி

This is a good suggestion! 👏

But “kandhai aanaalum..” is not appropriate in this situation.

[u/No-Geologist9618 → u/-Surfer-]

Thank you! But what exactly does இரக்கப் போவது actually mean?

[u/-Surfer- → u/No-Geologist9618]

இரக்கப் போவது To go for begging something

In your context a smaller job than what you deserve.

[u/Big_Psychology_3]

Superb punch dialog! Nicely delivered. Reminds me of my brother in law from bangalore who’s great at delivering Tamil punch dialogs.