అర్థమూ ప్రాణమూ ఆచార్యాధీనము, తాళమూ దేహమూ నా ఆధీనము.
arthamu pranamu acharyadhinamu, talamu dehamu na adhinamu.
The money [in the box] and the soul [within the body] are made over to the spiritual guide, but the key and the body are retained by me. Applied to giving a person only the form of authority, but no real power.
This proverb is a humorous take on hypocritical devotion or selective surrender. It describes a person who claims to surrender everything valuable (like life and wealth) to a mentor or God for the sake of appearance, but in reality, keeps the physical control (the key to the chest) and their own comfort firmly in their own hands. It is used to mock people who act as if they are selfless but remain deeply possessive and untrusting.
Related Phrases
కరికి ప్రాణము తొండము, సిరికి ప్రాణము మగువ.
kariki pranamu tondamu, siriki pranamu maguva.
The life of an elephant is its trunk, the life of wealth is the woman.
This proverb highlights the vital importance of certain elements to an entity's existence. Just as an elephant depends entirely on its trunk for survival and strength, a household's prosperity (Sri) is believed to reside in and depend upon the character, conduct, and well-being of the woman of the house.
కారణము లేకనే కార్యము పుట్టదు.
karanamu lekane karyamu puttadu.
There is no effect without a cause. Every why has a wherefore.
This expression is the Telugu equivalent of 'Every effect has a cause' or 'Nothing happens without a reason.' It is used to explain that every action, event, or result is preceded by a specific motive or trigger. In a practical sense, it suggests that if something has occurred, there must be a logical explanation behind it.
There is a cause for all things. (Italian.)*
ఋణము, వ్రణము ఒకటే
rinamu, vranamu okate
A debt and a wound are the same.
This proverb suggests that having financial debt is as painful and dangerous as having a physical wound. Both need to be treated or cleared as quickly as possible, otherwise they will fester and cause greater trouble over time. It is used to emphasize the importance of being debt-free.
అర్థం ప్రాణం ఆచార్యాధీనం, తాళం దేహం నా అధీనం
artham pranam acharyadhinam, talam deham na adhinam
Money and life are under the teacher's control, but the lock and the body are under my control.
This is a humorous and sarcastic proverb describing a person who pretends to surrender everything to a teacher or guru but remains secretly greedy and selfish. It highlights hypocrisy where one claims to give up 'abstract' things like the soul, while keeping physical control over 'tangible' assets like money (the lock to the chest) and physical comforts.
మాటకు ప్రాణము సత్యము, కోటకు ప్రాణము మానము, చీటికి ప్రాణము వ్రాలు
mataku pranamu satyamu, kotaku pranamu manamu, chitiki pranamu vralu
Truth is the life of a word, honor is the life of a woman, and a signature is the life of a document.
This proverb emphasizes the essential quality that gives value or 'life' to certain things. It teaches that a word is only meaningful if it is true, a person's character is defined by their dignity and honor, and a document or letter only gains legal or formal validity through a signature.
అర్థమూ, ప్రాణమూ ఆచార్యాధీనము; తాళమూ, దేహమూ నా ఆధీనము.
arthamu, pranamu acharyadhinamu; talamu, dehamu na adhinamu.
Wealth and life are under the Guru's control; the key and the body are under my control.
This proverb satirically describes a person who pretends to surrender everything to a teacher or mentor but remains deeply attached to their physical comforts and material possessions. It is used to mock hypocritical devotion or someone who talks about sacrifice but keeps the most important resources for themselves.
ప్రాణము పోయినా, మానము దక్కించుకోవలెను.
pranamu poyina, manamu dakkinchukovalenu.
Though you lose your life, you must preserve your honor.
This expression emphasizes that one's dignity, honor, and self-respect are more valuable than life itself. It is used to encourage standing by one's principles or integrity, even in the face of extreme danger or death.
మురదన్న సందేహము నిస్సందేహము
muradanna sandehamu nissandehamu
Muradanna's doubt is cleared. Said of a man who while wavering and doubting about some undertak- ing is forestalled by another.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone is habitually skeptical or always raising doubts. It implies that if a specific person (metaphorically 'Muradanna') has a doubt, it is certain that they will find something to be suspicious about, regardless of the facts. It is used to mock chronic overthinking or unnecessary skepticism.
ఋణము, రణము ఒకటే.
rinamu, ranamu okate.
Debt and war are the same.
This proverb highlights the destructive nature of financial debt, comparing it to a battlefield. Just as war brings anxiety, struggle, and potential ruin, being in debt creates constant stress and can destroy one's peace of mind and livelihood.
తీర్థము స్వార్థము కలిసివచ్చినట్లు.
tirthamu svarthamu kalisivachchinatlu.
Like a holy pilgrimage and a personal interest coming together.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where one trip or action serves two purposes: a spiritual or selfless duty and a personal or selfish gain. It is similar to the English expression 'killing two birds with one stone,' but specifically refers to achieving a personal benefit while performing a righteous or necessary task.