Fate/Karma

This proverb describes a situation where an outcome or a consequence is inevitable. Just as a stamp or a brand meant for the shoulder might land on the back but will certainly leave its mark somewhere, this expression is used when one cannot escape a particular result, duty, or punishment, even if the exact manner of its delivery changes slightly.

When good fortune smiles on one, even usually harmful acts turn out to be helpful.

This expression is used to describe a situation where the bad deeds or mistakes someone has committed are roughly offset or balanced out by their attempts at atonement or good deeds. It is often used sarcastically to imply that someone's superficial rituals or minor good acts are just barely covering up their significant wrongdoings, or that the accounts of good and bad have been settled.

This proverb is used to illustrate that experiencing something or being around something doesn't necessarily change one's inherent nature. Just as a metal blade doesn't taste sour no matter how many sour mangoes it cuts, a person or object remains unchanged by external circumstances they are merely processing or witnessing.

This proverb implies that the actions, virtues, or sins of a mother directly influence the destiny and character of her children. It is often used to emphasize that a family's legacy or current situation is a result of the mother's past deeds or upbringing.

If she sin, her children are disgraced.

This proverb highlights how past circumstances leave a mark. A person who was once poor but became wealthy will have a healthy, glowing face (cheeks) due to current nourishment, yet their humble beginnings might still be reflected in their lifestyle. Conversely, a person who was once rich but is now poor will still try to maintain their dignity and status through their neat, albeit old, clothing.

This proverb emphasizes the power of time (Kalam) and destiny (Karma). 'Kamalabandhavudu' refers to the Sun (the friend of the lotus). It means that when one's luck or time is bad, no matter how powerful, radiant, or influential they are, they must endure hardships. It is used to describe situations where even the most capable people face failures due to unfavorable circumstances.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where a person's bad luck or problems follow them no matter where they go or what remedies they seek. It suggests that certain consequences of fate or persistent troubles cannot be escaped simply by changing one's location or visiting holy places.

This proverb describes a situation where there is plenty of wealth or resources available around, but the intended person is unable to enjoy any of it due to bad luck or unfavorable circumstances. It is used to highlight the irony of being in the midst of abundance yet suffering from deprivation.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone has successfully survived a life-threatening crisis or a very difficult ordeal. It compares overcoming a massive obstacle to the relief and safety felt after a complicated or dangerous childbirth.

This proverb suggests that bad luck or haunting consequences follow those who commit crimes or wrongdoings. It is used to describe how a person's guilt or the repercussions of their actions shadow them wherever they go, implying that one cannot escape the internal or external 'demons' created by their own misdeeds.

This expression is the Telugu equivalent of 'As you sow, so shall you reap.' It implies that a person must face the consequences of their actions, whether good or bad. It is often used in a moral or karmic context to suggest that one cannot escape the results of their deeds.

This expression suggests that love at first sight is immediate and decisive. It implies that when a strong connection is felt instantly, there is no need for hesitation or a long waiting period to recognize those feelings. It is often used to describe whirlwind romances or instant attraction.

This expression refers to the concept of destiny or fate. In Hindu mythology, Lord Brahma is believed to write a person's destiny on their forehead at birth. The phrase is used to suggest that certain events in life are inevitable, predetermined, and cannot be changed by human effort.

This proverb is used to describe a situation of extreme risk where there are only two possible outcomes: total success or total failure. It highlights the necessity of being prepared for the ultimate sacrifice or consequence when entering a high-stakes conflict or a dangerous venture.

This expression refers to the natural and inevitable sequence of events. It is often used to describe situations where things are happening as they normally should, or to imply that despite certain activities or noise (like people talking or complaining), life goes on and natural processes continue.

This proverb is used to describe a person who is extremely unlucky or has a negative influence. It suggests that if such a person crosses your path, even they themselves might suffer or wither away, or alternatively, that their mere presence brings bad luck to others and themselves. It is often used to mock someone's constant complaining or their streak of misfortune.

One woman met another out of whom a spirit had been driven, and fancied she was possessed. Unreasonable fears.

This is a sarcastic expression used to dismiss someone's failure by blaming their inherent bad luck or incompetence. It suggests that when an unskilled or 'unlucky' person attempts something, even if they do the action correctly, the outcome will inevitably be a failure due to external factors or fate. It is often used to mock excuses made for poor performance.

This expression emphasizes that when one is truly hungry, even the simplest food tastes like nectar (divine food). Similarly, a person who gives generously and without reluctance when someone is in need is considered a true philanthropist. It is used to describe the value of things based on necessity and the virtue of selfless giving.

This phrase emphasizes that truth and righteousness will ultimately prevail over falsehood. It is often used as a moral guiding principle to encourage honesty and integrity in all aspects of life, regardless of the challenges faced. It is the national motto of India (Satyameva Jayate).