ఆచారానికి అంతమూ లేదు, అనాచారానికి ఆదీ లేదు
acharaniki antamu ledu, anacharaniki adi ledu
There is no limit to purity, nor any beginning to impurity. Man is sinful from his birth, and never attains to perfect purity.
This proverb highlights that tradition and custom (Achara) can be endlessly elaborate with no final limit, while deviations or lack of tradition (Anachara) have no specific origin or defined structure. It is often used to suggest that one can get lost in the complexities of rituals or that improper conduct has existed forever without a clear starting point.
Related Phrases
అంతములేని చోటులేదు, ఆది లేని ఆరంభము లేదు.
antamuleni chotuledu, adi leni arambhamu ledu.
There is no place without an end, and no beginning without a source.
This philosophical expression emphasizes the cycle of life and the law of causality. It suggests that everything that exists has a boundary or conclusion, and every event or start has a fundamental root or origin. It is often used to describe the interconnectedness of time, existence, and the universe.
కర్మకు అంతమూ లేదు, కాలముకు నిశ్చయమూ లేదు.
karmaku antamu ledu, kalamuku nishchayamu ledu.
There is no end to religious ceremonies, and there is no find- ing the times [ fixed for the observance of them ].
This expression highlights the cyclical nature of actions and the unpredictability of time. It is used to convey that one's deeds (karma) have continuous consequences and that the future or the timing of events (kala) is never guaranteed or fixed. It serves as a philosophical reminder to be mindful of actions and to respect the uncertainty of life.
ఆశకు అంతము లేదు.
ashaku antamu ledu.
There is no limit to desire. Much would have more. No one is content with his lot. (Portuguese.)* The more one has the more one wants. (Spanish.)?
This expression is used to describe the insatiable nature of human greed or ambition. It implies that once one desire is fulfilled, another takes its place, suggesting that contentment is difficult to achieve if one keeps chasing endless wants.
కద్దు అనడానికీ లేదు అనడానికీ దీనికే అధికారమా?
kaddu anadaniki ledu anadaniki dinike adhikarama?
Has she a right to say "there is" or "there is not"? A beggar once asked alms from a daughter-in-law when her mother-in- law was out. She told him there was nothing for him. As he went he met the mother-in-law who enquired whether he had received alms at the house. On being told by the beggar that he had been sent away, she brought him back to the house and after chastising her daughter-in-law said to the man "Now you may go, has she any authority to say there are alms for you or there are not?" Told as an illustration of the fact that a daughter-in-law has no anthority whatever in the house.
This expression is used to mock someone who constantly contradicts themselves or claims absolute authority over both sides of an argument. It highlights the absurdity of one person or entity claiming the right to validate and invalidate the same thing whenever it suits them.
అయ్యకు విద్య లేదు, అమ్మకు గర్వమూ లేదు.
ayyaku vidya ledu, ammaku garvamu ledu.
When the husband has no learning, the wife has no pride.
This proverb is used to describe a family or a situation where everyone is simple, humble, or lacks specific status/qualities, leading to a life without complications or pretenses. It often implies a state of being basic or unremarkable but content.
తాడూ లేదు, బొంగరమూ లేదు
tadu ledu, bongaramu ledu
Neither a string nor a top
This expression is used to describe a person who is irresponsible, lacks roots, or has no attachments or accountability. Just as a spinning top cannot be controlled or operated without a string, it refers to someone who is wandering aimlessly or a situation that has no proper foundation or control.
ఆచారానికి అంతం లేదు, అనాచారానికి ఆది లేదు.
acharaniki antam ledu, anacharaniki adi ledu.
There is no end to tradition, and no beginning to bad practices.
This proverb highlights that customs and rituals can be expanded infinitely, while improper or uncultured behaviors have no traceable origin or foundation. It is often used to comment on how people constantly add new rules to traditions or how bad habits seem to exist without any rhyme or reason.
వినకు, అనకు, కనకు
vinaku, anaku, kanaku
Do not hear, do not say, do not see.
This is the Telugu equivalent of the 'Three Wise Monkeys' principle. It serves as a moral guideline to avoid evil: do not listen to evil, do not speak evil, and do not see evil. It is used to encourage people to maintain purity of mind and avoid participating in gossip or negativity.
ఆచారమునకు అంతమూ లేదు, అనాచారానికి ఆదీ లేదు
acharamunaku antamu ledu, anacharaniki adi ledu
There is no end to traditions, and no beginning to non-traditions.
This proverb highlights that customs and traditions can be expanded indefinitely to the point of absurdity, while improper practices or lack of discipline can arise from anywhere without a clear origin. It is used to suggest that one should follow traditions within reasonable limits and avoid both extreme ritualism and complete lawlessness.
ఆచారం ముందర, అనాచారం వెనక
acharam mundara, anacharam venaka
Purity first and impurity after. Impurity always attends purity.
This proverb refers to hypocrisy or double standards. It describes a situation where someone publicly follows all religious or social customs strictly (outward display), but privately indulges in unethical or prohibited activities. It is used to criticize people who act righteous only when being watched.