అన్నరసముకన్నా ఆదరణరసము మేలు

annarasamukanna adaranarasamu melu

Translation

A kind reception is better than a feast.

Meaning

This proverb emphasizes that when hosting someone, the warmth, hospitality, and respect shown to the guest are far more important than the quality or quantity of the food served. It is used to highlight that material offerings lose their value if they are not given with a kind heart.

Notes

Welcome is the best cheer. In hospitality it is the spirit that is the chief thing. (Greek.)

Related Phrases

Should not hear, should not see, should not say.

This expression is the Telugu equivalent of the 'Three Wise Monkeys' principle (See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil). It serves as a moral guideline advising people to avoid listening to gossip or negativity, refrain from witnessing bad deeds, and avoid speaking ill of others or using harsh language.

Joking causes a breach [of friendship]. Better lose a jest than a friend. A joke never gains an enemy, but often loses a friend. Familiarity breeds contempt.

This proverb warns that excessive teasing, joking, or overly familiar behavior (sarasamu) often crosses a boundary and ends in a conflict, resentment, or a fight (virasamu). It is used to advise people to maintain boundaries even in friendly interactions.

Work without pay. Work not paid for is ill done. Work done expects money. (Portuguese.)

This expression refers to a job or position that provides no salary, benefits, or basic means of survival. It is used to describe an unrewarding occupation where the effort put in does not yield even the most essential returns.

* Obra feita dinheiro espera.

Flirting or joking with a wicked person is a threat to life.

This proverb serves as a warning against being overly familiar or playful with malicious or unpredictable people. Even a casual interaction or joke with a wicked individual can escalate into a dangerous situation that puts one's life at risk.

In romance and in war, everything is justified.

This is the Telugu equivalent of the English proverb 'All is fair in love and war.' It suggests that in intense situations like love or conflict, conventional rules and morality are often set aside to achieve victory or success.

Kind hospitality is better than the flavor of the food itself.

This proverb emphasizes that how one is treated (with respect and warmth) is more important than the quality of the meal being served. It is used to highlight that heartfelt hospitality and a welcoming attitude hold more value than material offerings or luxury.

A beloved's words are sweeter than sugarcane juice.

This expression emphasizes that the words spoken by a loved one are more pleasing and comforting to the heart than the sweetest natural substance. It is used to describe the beauty of affection and the power of kind words in a relationship.

A squint eye is better than a blind eye.

This proverb is used to convey that having something imperfect or partial is better than having nothing at all. It is similar to the English expression 'Half a loaf is better than no bread' or 'Something is better than nothing.'

Of two evils choose the least.

If you eat, you feel weak; if you don't eat, you feel weak.

This expression is used to describe a state of poor health or extreme exhaustion where neither food nor fasting provides relief. It can also figuratively describe a 'no-win' situation or a dilemma where every possible action leads to a negative or unsatisfying result.

Employment without sustenance

This expression refers to a job or position that does not provide enough salary or benefits to meet basic living needs. It is used to describe unrewarding work or a situation where the effort put in far exceeds the meager compensation received.