అన్నము అరగడియలో అరుగుతుంది, ఆదరణ శాశ్వతంగా ఉంటుంది.

annamu aragadiyalo arugutundi, adarana shashvatanga untundi.

Translation

Food is digested in half a hour, but affection remains forever.

Meaning

This proverb emphasizes that while material hospitality like providing a meal is temporary, the warmth, kindness, and respect shown to a person leave a lasting impact on their heart. It is used to teach that the attitude of the host matters more than the food served.

Related Phrases

As long as there is breath, there is hope.

This expression is used to signify that one should never give up or lose heart as long as life continues. It is equivalent to the English proverb 'While there's life, there's hope.' It is often used to encourage someone facing difficult circumstances or a seemingly hopeless situation.

Will the meat and drink last for ever? Can one expect to live always on the bounty of others ?

This expression is used to remind someone that material offerings, gifts, or acts of formal hospitality are temporary and do not define a lasting relationship. It emphasizes that while one might receive favors or items now, they are not a substitute for permanent support or genuine long-term bonds.

As long as there is breath, there will be hope

This expression signifies that one should never give up or lose hope as long as they are alive. It is used to encourage perseverance and optimism even in the most difficult circumstances, suggesting that possibilities for change or success exist until the very end.

The village says "go," the cemetery says "come."

This expression is used to describe a person who is extremely old or in the final stages of their life. It metaphorically suggests that the living world (the village) is ready to see them go, while the land of the dead (the graveyard) is waiting to welcome them.

About to die. He is burnt to the socket.

If I give you rice, you will eat it up; if I give you a cloth, it will wear out; but if I brand you, it will last for ever. Said by a stingy person to a beggar.

This proverb is a cynical take on human nature and gratitude. It suggests that acts of kindness, like feeding someone or gifting clothes, are temporary and soon forgotten, whereas a hurt, an insult, or a physical scar (metaphorically represented by a 'brand' or 'burn') is remembered for a lifetime. It is used to describe how people tend to dwell on negative experiences more than positive ones.

If spoken, it becomes a scandal; if not spoken, it becomes a source of contempt.

This proverb describes a 'catch-22' or a dilemma where a person is stuck between two bad options. It is used when pointing out a mistake might lead to public embarrassment or unwanted drama (aaradi), but staying silent might lead others to take one's patience for granted or treat them with disrespect (alusu).

If the spindle and the churning stick are active, the times will be prosperous.

This proverb highlights the importance of traditional household industry (spinning) and dairy farming (churning). It means that when people are hardworking and productive in their basic trades, society remains peaceful, stable, and economically sound.

In speech there is elegance, in speech there is power (a blow), and in speech there is directness.

This expression highlights the multifaceted power of words. It suggests that human speech can be used to convey sophistication (neetu), to deliver a sharp or stinging impact (potu), or to be honest and straightforward (sooti). It is often used to remind people that how we talk can charm, hurt, or clarify depending on the intent.

The elephant keeps walking while the dogs keep barking

This proverb is used to suggest that great people or those on a path of success should ignore petty criticism or insignificant detractors. Just as an elephant does not stop its journey because of barking dogs, one should remain focused on their goals despite what others say.

Beauty alone is eternal happiness.

This expression is the Telugu translation of John Keats' famous line, 'A thing of beauty is a joy forever.' It is used to describe how true beauty—whether in nature, art, or character—provides a sense of pleasure and joy that never fades and remains timeless.