అర్థబలం కంటే అంగబలం ముఖ్యం

arthabalam kante angabalam mukhyam

Translation

Physical strength (manpower) is more important than financial strength.

Meaning

This expression highlights that while money (arthabalam) is powerful, having physical strength, health, or a supportive group of people (angabalam) is often more valuable and effective in achieving goals or overcoming challenges. It is used to emphasize human resources over material wealth.

Related Phrases

A son-in-law is like half a portion of rice.

This proverb is used to describe the transitory or uncertain nature of a son-in-law's belonging to his wife's family. Since he ultimately belongs to his own house and parents, he is considered a temporary guest or an unreliable permanent asset, much like rice that is only partially sufficient or 'half-measured'.

A forced priestly meal

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone is coerced or pressured into doing something against their will or interest. It originates from the idea of forcing a priest to perform a ritual or partake in a ceremonial meal when they are unwilling or unprepared, implying that the act lacks genuine intent or joy.

When the madman boasted, the toddy and boiled grains spoke back.

This proverb describes a situation where an irrational or foolish person makes tall claims or boasts, and others around them start contributing their own nonsensical or exaggerated stories to the conversation. It is used to mock a dialogue where there is no logic, truth, or common sense, and everyone involved is talking nonsense.

Although it goes round the head yet the mouthful must come to the mouth.

This expression describes a situation where something is done in a needlessly complicated, roundabout, or indirect way when a much simpler method exists. It is used to critique inefficiency or over-complication of straightforward tasks.

Life is less, salary is more

This expression refers to a situation where a job or a person involves very little physical effort or productivity, yet receives a high salary or compensation. It is often used to comment on laziness or overpaid positions where the output does not justify the pay.

A sick person has more anger.

This expression is used to describe how people who are suffering or in a weak state tend to be irritable, impatient, or easily annoyed. It serves as a reminder to be patient and empathetic with those who are unwell, as their physical discomfort often manifests as bad temper.

Unity itself is the greatest strength

This is a popular Telugu proverb emphasizing that unity is power. It is used to convey that when people work together as a cohesive group, they can achieve tasks that are impossible for an individual. It is equivalent to the English saying 'Unity is strength'.

Barber's water is better than sacred/chanted water.

This proverb is used to emphasize that practical, tangible solutions are often more effective than rituals or superstitions. In the context of cleaning or physical needs, the water used by a barber (for shaving or washing) has immediate utility, whereas ritualistic water (mantrajalamu) may only have symbolic value.

The ox's strength is its own strength (or the strength of its owner).

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone derives their strength, power, or confidence from an external source or a superior authority. It implies that a person is acting boldly not because of their own merit, but because of the support or backing they receive from someone more powerful.

He said it's the strength of the position, not his own strength.

This proverb is used to describe situations where a person's power, influence, or success is derived entirely from their current position, office, or environment rather than their innate abilities. It highlights that once removed from that specific context or role, the individual might be powerless.