బలవంతుని పంచనుండవచ్చునుగాని, నాలిముచ్చు నట్టింటనుండరాదు

balavantuni panchanundavachchunugani, nalimuchchu nattintanundaradu

Translation

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

Meaning

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.

Related Phrases

If you walk with your feet, you can reach Kashi; but if you walk with your head, can you even cross your own doorstep?

This proverb emphasizes that success is achieved by following the natural, right, and established methods rather than trying to do things in an unnatural or egoistic way. 'Walking with the head' symbolizes arrogance or trying to act contrary to common sense, which leads to failure even in small tasks, whereas humble and proper efforts can take one great distances.

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.

You can make someone close their eyes, but can you make them dream?

This expression highlights the limits of control and coercion. While you can force someone to perform an external action or follow a rule, you cannot control their internal thoughts, imagination, or true desires. It is often used to emphasize that genuine inspiration or vision cannot be forced.

You may swim over the sea, but not over family [ annoy- ances ].

This proverb highlights the immense difficulties and endless responsibilities of worldly life (Samsara). It suggests that while physical feats like crossing a vast sea might be possible with effort, managing the complexities, emotions, and burdens of domestic life is an unending and often overwhelming challenge.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Three hundred male tufts can coexist, but three female buns cannot.

This traditional proverb suggests that while a large number of men (symbolized by 'shikha' or tufts) can work together or live in harmony, even a small number of women (symbolized by 'koppu' or hair buns) often find it difficult to coexist without conflict or disagreements. It is typically used to remark on domestic friction or the perceived difficulty of managing multiple women in a single household.