అల్ప పాండిత్యం అనర్థానికి మూలకారణం

alpa pandityam anarthaniki mulakaranam

Translation

Slight knowledge is the root cause of disaster

Meaning

This expression is the Telugu equivalent of 'A little learning is a dangerous thing.' It warns that people with superficial or incomplete knowledge of a subject are often overconfident and can cause significant harm or errors by acting on their misunderstandings.

Related Phrases

Women and gold are the root causes of conflict

This is a popular proverb used to describe the primary motives behind most human disputes, wars, or rivalries. 'Kaanta' (woman/lust) and 'Kanakam' (gold/wealth) represent the two main worldly desires that lead to disagreements or violence throughout history. It is often cited when explaining the cause of a complex feud.

Anger is a cause of sin.

This expression highlights that anger often leads people to commit wrongful or sinful acts that they might later regret. It is used as a piece of advice to encourage self-control and emotional regulation, suggesting that one should stay calm to avoid negative consequences.

Anger is a sworn enemy. Anger is the fever and frenzy of the soul.

By the time of Mula Karti, the paddy reaches the corner.

This is an agricultural proverb referring to the 'Mula Karthe' (a specific period in the Hindu solar calendar, usually around mid-December). It signifies that by this time, the paddy harvest is completed and the grain is safely stored in the 'mula' (corner) of the house or granary.

Grazing Karanum, shouting Karanum, writing Karanum

This expression describes someone who claims to be an expert in everything but lacks true focus or mastery in a specific trade. It refers to a person who tries to perform multiple roles (like a village head or accountant—Karanum) such as supervising livestock, managing communications, and bookkeeping, often used to mock someone who meddles in every task without doing any properly.

Silence is half-acceptance

This expression is used to suggest that if a person remains silent when a proposition is made or a question is asked, it can be interpreted as their partial consent or tacit agreement. It is similar to the Latin proverb 'Silence gives consent'.

Money alone is the root of everything

This expression highlights the central role of wealth or money in human life and society. It suggests that money is the fundamental source or cause behind most actions, relationships, and events. It is often used to emphasize the importance of financial stability or to point out how economic interests drive human behavior.

It is for grazing (eating), not for lowing (shouting).

This proverb is used to describe a person who is very active when it comes to consuming or taking benefits but remains silent or inactive when it is time to work, speak up, or contribute. It highlights a selfish or lazy nature where one is present only for the 'eating' part and absent for the 'effort' part.

Wealth without family/household, and a name without scholarship.

This expression highlights things that are hollow or incomplete. It suggests that wealth is meaningless without a family to share it with, just as having a famous name or reputation is empty if it is not backed by actual knowledge or expertise.

Death is a better refuge for a man than living on a dowry.

This proverb emphasizes the social stigma and loss of self-respect associated with a man living off his wife's wealth or dowry (Aranam). It suggests that for a man with dignity, death is preferable to the humiliation of being dependent on his in-laws' property or a dowry-based lifestyle.

A scribe for writing? Or a scribe for grazing?

This proverb is used to criticize someone who is incompetent at their designated professional task but very efficient at consuming resources or taking benefits. It highlights the irony of a person who holds a position (like a village clerk/Karanam) but excels only at eating (meta) rather than the actual work of writing (vrata).