బ్రతికిన బ్రతుకు చావులో తెలుస్తుంది

bratikina bratuku chavulo telustundi

Translation

The life one lived is known at the time of death.

Meaning

This proverb emphasizes that a person's true character, reputation, and the impact of their life's work are only fully realized and judged by society after they pass away. It is often used to suggest that one's legacy is defined by how they are remembered by others when they are gone.

Related Phrases

A life without honor is disgusting; a life where a man cannot support his wife is disgusting.

This proverb emphasizes the importance of dignity and responsibility. It suggests that living without self-respect or social honor is loathsome. Additionally, it highlights the traditional social expectation that a man must be capable of providing for and protecting his wife, failing which his existence is seen as futile or disgraceful.

If the grain of rice is lost, life is lost

This expression highlights the vital importance of food security and agriculture. It signifies that even a single grain of rice represents sustenance, and without food (the means of survival), one's very existence is at risk. It is often used to emphasize the value of hard work, the importance of not wasting food, or the critical nature of one's livelihood.

When it dawns, we shall know whose mother is alive. Said by a man to his wife, at whose instigation he had agreed that they should kill his mother. The mothers of the pair slept together and the wife's mother was murdered instead of the husband's, with the latter's knowledge. The wife, having an inkling of the truth, endeavoured to per- suade her husband to go and see which of the two they had spared, and he replied as above.

This proverb implies that the true state or reality of a situation (or someone's life) is revealed when the light of day comes or when the time is right. It is used to suggest that secrets or hidden struggles cannot stay hidden forever and the truth will eventually come to light.

* Απλησιος πίθος.

If the patient lives, the doctor survives; if the patient dies, the priest survives.

This proverb is a satirical take on professions that profit regardless of the outcome. It suggests that if a sick person recovers, the doctor earns money and fame, but if the person dies, the priest earns fees for performing the funeral rites. It is used to describe situations where certain parties benefit from both success and failure.

Lime trees lived in the water, acacia trees lived in the jungle. Very common.

This proverb is used to describe how different people or things thrive in their natural or specific environments. It suggests that survival depends on being in the right place or situation suited to one's nature. It can also be used to indicate that despite hardships or varying conditions, everyone finds a way to exist in their own niche.

A woman's life is like a banana leaf.

This proverb highlights the perceived vulnerability and fragility of a woman's life in traditional society. Like a banana leaf, which gets damaged whether it falls on a thorn or a thorn falls on it, a woman's reputation or life is seen as being easily affected by circumstances regardless of who is at fault.

The pyre burns the dead, while worry burns the living.

This proverb highlights the destructive power of stress and constant worry (chinta). While a funeral pyre (chiti) only consumes a person after they have passed away, mental anxiety and grief consume a person while they are still alive, destroying their peace and health. It is used to advise someone against excessive worrying.

Wife's word is the path to life.

This expression suggests that listening to a wife's advice leads to a stable, prosperous, and successful life. It highlights the importance of a spouse's wisdom in maintaining a happy household.

Ellamma's life (or fate) will be known once the day breaks.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where the true outcome or the reality of a person's condition will only be revealed after a period of time or once a specific event concludes. It implies that current appearances might be deceptive and the final truth will come to light eventually.

A woman's life is a fragile/humble life

This is a traditional Telugu proverb often used to express the perceived vulnerability, hardships, or subordinate status women faced in social structures. It suggests that a woman's life is delicate or subject to many challenges. In modern contexts, it is sometimes used to reflect on the historical plight or difficulties specific to women's experiences.