అంత్య నిష్టూరం కంటే ఆది నిష్టూరం మేలు.
antya nishturam kante adi nishturam melu.
Better to get the blame (for an action or for help asked) earlier (at the beginning) than later.
Before taking up any activity, it is better to get to know the objections or criticism of others, so that one need not regret one's effort at the end.
Related Phrases
ఇచ్చి వచ్చే నిష్ఠురముకన్నా, ఇవ్వక వచ్చే నిష్ఠురము నయము.
ichchi vachche nishthuramukanna, ivvaka vachche nishthuramu nayamu.
The offence given by not lending is to be preferred to the annoyance caused after lending. By anger on account of some damage done to the article lent.
This proverb suggests that it is better to refuse someone a favor or a loan immediately and face their temporary displeasure, rather than helping them and eventually facing conflict or broken relationships due to delayed repayment or unmet expectations later. It emphasizes that a clear 'no' is often better than a problematic 'yes'.
నేల విడిచి సాము చేయడం
nela vidichi samu cheyadam
Practicing gymnastics/martial arts without touching the ground.
This expression refers to someone who ignores the basics or ground realities and attempts something overly ambitious or unrealistic. It describes a person who lacks a solid foundation or practical understanding before trying to achieve complex goals.
నిజమాడితే నిష్ఠురము
nijamadite nishthuramu
If you tell the truth [it causes ] annoyance.
This proverb is used to describe how telling the truth often causes offense or makes people unhappy. It suggests that while honesty is a virtue, it can lead to friction or bitterness in relationships because people often prefer hearing pleasant lies over harsh realities.
Truth is bitter food. (Danish.)*
నాగవల్లి నిష్టూరం
nagavalli nishturam
Nagavalli resentment
This expression refers to finding faults or showing resentment even after a grand celebration or a positive event. It originates from the 'Nagavalli' ceremony (the concluding part of a traditional five-day Hindu wedding) where, despite the elaborate arrangements, some relatives or guests inevitably find trivial reasons to complain or act offended.
అలంకారం కంటే అయిదవతనం మేలు
alankaram kante ayidavatanam melu
Sumangali status (being a married woman) is better than ornamentation.
This proverb emphasizes that the essence or the basic state of being (in this context, being a married woman with a living husband) is more valuable than external decorations or fancy clothing. It is used to suggest that substance and core identity are more important than superficial appearances.
నిజమాడితే నిష్టూరం
nijamadite nishturam
Speaking the truth leads to resentment.
This expression is used to describe a situation where telling the truth makes others angry or offended. It suggests that people often prefer hearing pleasant lies over harsh realities, and the person who dares to be honest is frequently viewed as unkind or becomes the target of blame.
నాగవల్లి నిష్ఠురము
nagavalli nishthuramu
Squabbling on the fourth day of the marriage. Any disputes with regard to the presents, &c., are brought forward on the fourth day; until then no one can open his mouth. Forgetting many past benefits on account of one slight fault.
This expression refers to finding faults or making complaints during the 'Nagavalli' ceremony (a concluding wedding ritual). It is used to describe situations where people find petty reasons to be offended or complain even when everything has gone well, or when someone brings up grievances at the very last moment of an event.
నాగవల్లి నిష్టూరాలు
nagavalli nishturalu
Complaints during the Nagavalli ceremony
This expression is used to describe petty, unnecessary, or fabricated complaints and grievances raised during the final stages of an event, similar to how relatives often find faults or express dissatisfaction during the 'Nagavalli' ritual of a traditional wedding even when everything has gone well.
చెప్పడం కంటే చేయడం మేలు.
cheppadam kante cheyadam melu.
Doing is better than saying.
This proverb emphasizes that actions speak louder than words. It is used to suggest that practical execution or demonstrating through work is more valuable and effective than merely making promises or giving advice.
దుష్టుడు కలహించడమంతా శిష్టులకే మేలు.
dushtudu kalahinchadamanta shishtulake melu.
Whenever the wicked quarrel among themselves, it only benefits the righteous.
This proverb suggests that when bad people fight or disagree with each other, it results in a favorable outcome for good people. Their internal conflicts prevent them from uniting to cause harm to others, or their mutual destruction clears the path for the righteous to prosper.