అసత్యమాడుట పిరికిపందల గుణం
asatyamaduta pirikipandala gunam
Telling lies is a trait of cowards
This expression emphasizes that only those who lack the courage to face reality or consequences resort to lying. It is used to teach integrity and to suggest that truthfulness is a mark of bravery and character, whereas dishonesty stems from fear.
Related Phrases
మంచివాని గుణం మోసం దగ్గర, సత్యవంతుడి గుణం చావు దగ్గర తెలుస్తుంది.
manchivani gunam mosam daggara, satyavantudi gunam chavu daggara telustundi.
A good person's character is revealed when they are cheated, and a truthful person's character is revealed at the time of death.
This proverb explains that true nature is tested during adversity. A truly good person remains virtuous even when betrayed or faced with deceit, and a person committed to truth remains honest even when facing life-threatening situations. It is used to emphasize that integrity is not what one shows in comfort, but what one maintains under pressure.
అసత్యం సంపాదించుకున్న పలుకుబడి సత్యం బయటపడేంతవరకే నిలిచి ఉంటుంది.
asatyam sampadinchukunna palukubadi satyam bayatapadentavarake nilichi untundi.
The influence earned by a lie lasts only until the truth is revealed.
This expression emphasizes that any reputation, fame, or advantage gained through falsehoods or deceit is temporary. It serves as a warning that once the truth eventually comes out, the false foundation will crumble, and the ill-gotten influence will vanish.
సత్యమే జయం
satyame jayam
Truth alone triumphs
This phrase emphasizes that truth and righteousness will ultimately prevail over falsehood. It is often used as a moral guiding principle to encourage honesty and integrity in all aspects of life, regardless of the challenges faced. It is the national motto of India (Satyameva Jayate).
సత్యంగారు అసత్యం పలకమంటే మా ఇంటి పేరభద్రమేగా
satyangaru asatyam palakamante ma inti perabhadramega
If Satyam-garu (Mr. Truth) asks me to tell a lie, it would certainly be for the protection (Bhadram) of my house.
This is a witty Telugu proverb or saying often used to justify a lie or a wrongdoing by attributing it to a higher purpose or a respectable person's suggestion. It plays on the names 'Satyam' (Truth) and 'Bhadram' (Security/Safety), implying that if even a truthful person suggests a lie, it must be for the greater good of one's household or a necessary survival tactic.
పత్యం చెడరాదు, సత్యం తప్పరాదు.
patyam chedaradu, satyam tapparadu.
Dietary discipline should not be spoiled, truth should not be failed.
This proverb emphasizes the importance of discipline in health and integrity in character. It suggests that just as one must strictly follow a prescribed diet (Pathyam) for physical recovery, one must strictly adhere to the truth for moral well-being. Both are essential for a healthy life.
మందుకు పత్యం, మాటకు సత్యం
manduku patyam, mataku satyam
Diet for medicine, truth for words
This expression emphasizes that just as dietary restrictions (pathyam) are essential for medicine to be effective, honesty and truthfulness are essential for words to have value and credibility. It is used to highlight the importance of integrity in communication.
బత్తెమెక్కడో సత్యమక్కడ
battemekkado satyamakkada
Where there is food/wages, there is truth.
This expression refers to people who switch their loyalties or adjust their 'truth' based on who is providing them with sustenance, money, or employment. It implies that people often follow the side that benefits them financially or provides for their livelihood.
కాకి గండగుండి గాని కోకిల పిరికి
kaki gandagundi gani kokila piriki
The crow is plucky, the cuckoo is cowardly.
This proverb is used to describe how external appearances or sounds can be deceptive regarding a person's true nature or courage. While the crow has a harsh voice and plain appearance, it is bold and resilient; conversely, the cuckoo, despite its sweet and melodious song, is timid and even lays its eggs in other birds' nests because it lacks the courage to raise its own young.
కోమటి పిరికి, కొట్టితే ఉరికి.
komati piriki, kottite uriki.
A Kômaṭi is a coward; if you hit him, he runs away.
This proverb is used to describe someone who avoids physical confrontation or is perceived as timid and risk-averse. Historically, it refers to the merchant community (Komati) who preferred negotiation or retreat over violence. In modern usage, it characterizes anyone who lacks courage or flees at the first sign of trouble.
సత్యమే జయం అసత్యమే భయం
satyame jayam asatyame bhayam
Truth is victory, falsehood is fear
This expression emphasizes that truth always triumphs in the end, providing strength and confidence, whereas lies lead to constant anxiety and the fear of being caught. It is used to encourage honesty as a path to a fearless life.