బగబగమను వాని పంచనుండ వచ్చునుగాని, నాలిముచ్చు నట్టింట నుండరాదు.

bagabagamanu vani panchanunda vachchunugani, nalimuchchu nattinta nundaradu.

Translation

You may live in the verandah of a hot-tempered man's house but you should not dwell in the middle of the house of a man who conceals his resentment.

Meaning

This proverb contrasts the behavior of an openly angry or short-tempered person with that of a sly, manipulative person. It suggests that while a hot-tempered person may be loud or harsh, their feelings are transparent and predictable. In contrast, a deceitful person (Nalimuchu) hides their true intentions and can cause much more harm from within. It is used to advise that honesty, even if blunt, is better than hidden malice.

Related Phrases

You may face a royal tiger but you should not face a go- vernment official.

This proverb highlights the historical fear and unpredictability of government authority and bureaucracy. It suggests that while a wild animal is a known danger, the complications, legal troubles, and harassment one might face from officials or the state can be far more ruinous and difficult to escape.

Truth may attract blame, but it will not lead to disgrace.

This proverb emphasizes that speaking the truth might lead to temporary criticism or accusations from others who are uncomfortable with it, but ultimately, the person remains honorable. It suggests that while one might be blamed for being blunt or honest, their character remains untarnished in the long run, unlike the shame that follows a lie.

Will the hailstones that come with the rain stay forever?

This proverb is used to describe things or people that arrive with a lot of noise or force but are short-lived. Just as hailstones melt quickly despite their sudden impact during a storm, certain problems, displays of anger, or boastful people do not last long.

If picked up, it won't stay in the armpit; if put down, it won't stay on the ground.

This proverb describes a highly restless, fickle, or hyperactive person (often a child) who cannot find comfort or stability anywhere. It is used to characterize something that is difficult to manage or someone who is constantly dissatisfied regardless of their situation.

One can stay in the veranda of a short-tempered person, but should not live in the house of a deceitful person.

It is better to deal with someone who is openly angry or short-tempered because their feelings are transparent, whereas a deceitful or hypocritical person (who hides their true intentions) is much more dangerous to live with or trust.

The swelling may subside, but will the branding scars disappear?

This proverb is used to explain that while the immediate pain or visible effects of a mistake or misfortune might fade away, the permanent consequences or the stigma associated with it remain forever. It highlights the lasting nature of certain actions or damages.

One may seek shelter in the porch of a loud-mouthed person, but one should never step over the threshold of a silent schemer.

This proverb warns that people who express their anger loudly and instantly (gabagaba arachevadu) are generally transparent and harmless once their outburst is over. However, one should be extremely wary of 'nelamuchodu'—those who remain silent, keep their head down, and secretly harbor grudges or plot against others. It is safer to deal with an open critic than a silent enemy.

One can live under the protection of a powerful person, but one should not live in the house of a deceitful person.

This proverb highlights the danger of untrustworthy and treacherous people. While a powerful person might be intimidating, their actions are often predictable or manageable. However, a 'naalimuchu' (a double-dealer or a person with a hidden agenda) is far more dangerous because their betrayal comes from within the home, making it impossible to find peace or safety.

One can bear being a widow, but one cannot bear being blamed (shamed).

This is a powerful traditional saying emphasizing that a person's reputation and honor are more important than any physical or social hardship. While widowhood (historically considered a great misfortune) is endurable, the burden of a false accusation or a stain on one's character is considered unbearable and worse than death or extreme misery.

Do not trust a sneaky person or someone who chews water.

This proverb warns against trusting people who hide their true nature. A 'sneaky person' refers to someone cunning, while 'chewing water' is a metaphor for someone who acts overly innocent, hesitant, or behaves unnaturally to deceive others. It implies that people who are not straightforward or appear too good to be true should be approached with caution.