ఆడితప్పితే కడకు అపకీర్తి
aditappite kadaku apakirti
If you fail to keep your word, you will end up with infamy.
This proverb emphasizes the importance of integrity and keeping promises. It suggests that if a person goes back on their word or fails to fulfill a commitment, they will ultimately suffer a loss of reputation and be remembered poorly. It is used to advise someone to be truthful and reliable.
Related Phrases
సమయం తప్పితే కాళ్ళు, సమయం వస్తే రాళ్ళు
samayam tappite kallu, samayam vaste rallu
Feet when time is unfavorable, stones when time is favorable.
This proverb describes opportunistic behavior or hypocrisy. It refers to a person who acts humble and bows to others' feet when they are in trouble or need help, but turns arrogant and throws stones (attacks or insults) once they are in a powerful position or the situation favors them.
గాడితప్పిన బండివలె
gaditappina bandivale
Like a cart that has gone off track
This expression is used to describe a situation, system, or life that has lost its direction, order, or stability. It implies that things are no longer functioning correctly or are in a state of chaos, much like a bullock cart that has slipped out of its ruts or off the road.
గాడితప్పిన బండి ఊబిలో దిగిందట
gaditappina bandi ubilo digindata
A cart that went off its track ended up stuck in the marsh.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone who deviates from the right path or a disciplined routine eventually falls into serious trouble or a situation that is difficult to escape. It highlights how one mistake or lack of focus leads to a greater disaster.
మితం తప్పితే హితం తప్పుతుంది
mitam tappite hitam tapputundi
If moderation is missed, well-being is lost.
This proverb emphasizes the importance of moderation in all aspects of life. It suggests that once a person exceeds limits—whether in food, speech, or behavior—the benefit or goodness associated with it disappears and leads to negative consequences.
అడుగు తప్పితే పిడుగు తప్పుతుంది
adugu tappite pidugu tapputundi
If a step is missed, a lightning strike is avoided.
This expression is used to signify a narrow escape from a major disaster or a life-threatening situation. It suggests that a small change in timing or a slight physical shift saved someone from a great calamity.
రాజు నీతి తప్పితే, నేల సారం తప్పుతుంది
raju niti tappite, nela saram tapputundi
If the king fails in righteousness, the land loses its fertility
This proverb emphasizes the impact of leadership on society. It suggests that when a leader lacks integrity or fails to govern justly, the entire region and its people suffer. In a modern context, it is used to describe how the lack of ethics in management or governance leads to the decline and ruin of an organization or a nation.
గాడిదకు పులితోలు కప్పినంత మాత్రాన పులి అవుతుందా?
gadidaku pulitolu kappinanta matrana puli avutunda?
Will a donkey become a tiger just by covering it with a tiger's skin?
This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone tries to hide their true nature or incompetence by putting on a false appearance of strength, wisdom, or authority. It implies that inner character cannot be changed by superficial outward changes.
ముదిమి తప్పితే మూడు వర్ణాలు
mudimi tappite mudu varnalu
When extreme old age is reached there are three castes. The distinctive rules of the three castes are no longer observed. Dotage.
This proverb is used to describe the physical deterioration that comes with extreme old age. It suggests that once youth and middle age are gone, the body shows three signs: white hair, white cataracts in the eyes, and pale or colorless skin/teeth. It is used to comment on the inevitable physical changes in the final stages of life.
మితము తప్పితే అమృతమయినా విషమే.
mitamu tappite amritamayina vishame.
If you exceed the bounds of moderation nectar too is poison.
This proverb emphasizes the importance of moderation in everything. Just as life-giving nectar can become harmful if consumed excessively, any good thing becomes detrimental when done or used beyond its limits. It is used to advise someone against overindulgence or overdoing a particular task.
అడుగు తప్పితే అరవై ఆరు గుణాలు.
adugu tappite aravai aru gunalu.
If a step is missed, sixty-six qualities emerge.
This expression is used to describe how people's character and behavior can drastically change when they face a downfall or make a mistake. It suggests that a single slip in conduct or status can reveal many hidden, often negative, traits or lead to numerous accusations and character flaws being attributed to a person.