భోగములకెల్లను నెచ్చెలి జవ్వనంబు

bhogamulakellanu nechcheli javvanambu

Translation

Youth is the close companion to all pleasures.

Meaning

This expression highlights that youth is the prime time for experiencing life's luxuries and joys. It implies that the capacity to enjoy sensory pleasures is at its peak during one's youth, making it the 'best friend' or 'companion' to a life of enjoyment.

Related Phrases

There is no limit or restraint to new youth.

This expression refers to the unbridled energy, impulsiveness, and lack of boundaries typical of early youth. It is used to describe how young people often act without foresight, caution, or a sense of moderation because they are overwhelmed by newfound vigor or emotions.

The Šetti is here to test the genuineness.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where a single person is held responsible or made to bear the brunt of both successes and failures, or where one person is blamed for everything that goes wrong. It refers to a merchant (Shetty) who is expected to accept both good and bad coins (or transactions) in his business dealings.

A fool travelling with a Šetti [ merchant ] was plundered. On the robbers' questioning the genuineness of the coin, the man referred to his rich friend who had up to that time escaped their observation. To injure a friend unwittingly, from stupidity. * Men moet de koe wel melken maar de spenen niet aftrekken. † Bon sang ne peut mentir.

The merchant is there for both what passes and what doesn't pass.

This proverb is used to describe someone who accepts or takes responsibility for everything, regardless of quality or validity. It often refers to a person who is willing to manage or settle matters even when they involve faulty, doubtful, or subpar items/situations, much like a merchant who handles all kinds of goods to keep business moving.

Dal is the strength for brahmins, salt is the essence of all tastes, and the hair-bun is the beauty for women.

This is a traditional Telugu verse (padyam) that highlights essential attributes or sources of pride for specific subjects. It suggests that dal (lentils) is the primary delight or strength for the priestly class, salt is the fundamental ingredient that gives life to all flavors, and a well-decorated hair-bun (koppu) is the crowning jewel of a woman's beauty. It is often cited to emphasize how certain simple elements are foundational to identity and aesthetics.

Youth that does not attract the husband is like a flower without fragrance.

This proverb suggests that beauty or youthfulness loses its primary essence if it fails to evoke affection or attraction from one's life partner. It emphasizes that just as a flower is incomplete without its scent, external beauty is considered hollow if it doesn't foster a deep connection or love in a relationship.

The King's whim is a luxury for the courtesan.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone's passion, interest, or fancy for something results in an unexpected benefit or luxury for another. It highlights how the personal desires of those in power or wealth can become a source of livelihood or gain for others.

One day's indulgence, six months of illness.

This proverb warns against short-term pleasures or momentary lapses in discipline that lead to long-term suffering or consequences. It is commonly used to advise someone against risky behavior, unhealthy habits, or poor financial decisions that provide instant gratification but result in prolonged hardship.

The fortune of a stone, a place, and a man cannot be foreseen. The first may be formed into an idol and be worshipped ; the second may be cultivated and made fruitful, or adorned with a beautiful edifice ; and the third may become wealthy and be raised to a position of influence.

This proverb is used to convey that the ultimate fate or hidden potential of a piece of land, a stone, or a human being is unpredictable. Just as an ordinary stone might be carved into a deity and worshipped (Shila Bhogam), or an empty plot might become a palace (Sthala Bhogam), a person's future fortune or destiny is invisible and can change unexpectedly.

Enjoyment in a dream.

This expression refers to temporary or illusory happiness that has no reality or lasting value. It is used to describe a situation where someone imagines great success or luxury, but in reality, they possess nothing. Similar to the English concept of 'castles in the air' or a fleeting pleasure.

Low-minded men always worry about women

This expression suggests that petty or shallow-minded individuals are constantly preoccupied with thoughts of women or carnal desires rather than focusing on higher goals or noble pursuits. It is often used to criticize someone's lack of ambition or depth.