ఆశ బోధిస్తున్నది, అవమానము బాధిస్తున్నది.

asha bodhistunnadi, avamanamu badhistunnadi.

Translation

Desire incites, the fear of shame prevents. Shame may restrain what the law does not prohibit.

Meaning

This expression describes a psychological conflict where a person is tempted to pursue a goal because of hope, even though they are suffering from the humiliation or insults faced in that pursuit. It is used to describe situations where one's ambition or desire is so strong that they endure disrespect, though it continues to cause them pain.

Related Phrases

The village tells you to leave, the graveyard tells you to come.

This proverb is used to describe someone who is very old and near the end of their life. It signifies that their time in the world of the living (the village) is over, and they are ready for the afterlife or burial ground (the graveyard).

The spinning wheel is come, out the way with your cart. I ask your pardon, coach; I thought you were a wheelbarrow when I stumbled over you. (Irish.)

This expression is used to highlight a mismatch in priorities or a lack of common sense. It refers to someone making an unnecessary fuss or clearing a large path for a very small, insignificant object. It is used when someone overreacts to a minor situation or demands resources that are disproportionate to the task at hand.

When asked what idle Paparaju is doing, he is carving designs on a rabbit's horn.

This proverb is used to describe a person who, having no useful work to do, engages in completely futile, impossible, or nonsensical tasks. Since rabbits do not have horns, 'carving designs on a rabbit's horn' signifies wasting time on something that doesn't exist or doesn't matter.

Desire teaches, while insult hurts.

This proverb highlights the conflict between ambition and self-respect. It describes a situation where a person's greed or desire pushes them to keep trying for something, even while they are being insulted or humiliated in the process. It is used to mock someone who ignores their dignity in pursuit of gain.

The village exists, the begging bowl exists, so what's the worry?

This proverb describes a person who is carefree to the point of laziness or irresponsibility. It refers to someone who feels no pressure to work or save because they believe they can always survive on charity (begging) from the community. It is used to criticize a lack of ambition or a nonchalant attitude toward life's responsibilities.

A man starts with anger when the truth is told of him. It is truth that makes a man angry. (Italian.)

This expression is used when someone reacts defensively, angrily, or becomes startled because a bitter truth about them has been revealed. It is similar to the English proverb 'The truth hurts' or 'If the shoe fits, wear it.'

Laughing, they do it; weeping, they suffer for it.

This proverb is used to warn someone that the actions or mistakes they commit lightheartedly or out of greed will eventually lead to painful consequences that they will have to endure with regret.

Said of criminals.

The word 'Give' is not in this house. The word 'Bring' has been coming for generations.

This proverb is used to describe an extremely stingy or selfish person or family. It highlights a nature where they are always ready to take or receive from others ('Bring'), but never willing to offer or give anything back ('Give').

Hope teaches, while humiliation hurts.

This proverb describes the internal conflict between ambition and pride. It means that while one's desires and hopes encourage them to keep trying or pursue something, the fear or experience of insults and humiliation causes pain and discouragement. It is often used to describe someone who continues to pursue a goal despite facing repetitive disrespect.

There is the village and here is my cup. Said by a beggar.

This expression is used to describe a state of complete carelessness, detachment, or having nothing to lose. It implies that as long as there is a society to live in and a basic means to survive (even by begging), one need not worry about responsibilities or property. It is often said by or about people who are wandering or living a carefree, nomadic life without any attachments.