చచ్చినోడి అందం బతికినోడి బంధం

chachchinodi andam batikinodi bandham

Translation

The beauty of the dead and the relationship of the living.

Meaning

This expression suggests that we often praise people's qualities only after they pass away (idealizing the dead), whereas we focus on the obligations, conflicts, and burdens of relationships while people are still alive. It is used to point out how humans tend to value people more when they are gone than when they are present.

Related Phrases

No matter how long you live, you cannot avoid going to the cremation ground.

This proverb emphasizes the inevitability of death. It is used to remind someone that despite wealth, power, or a long life, everyone is mortal and will eventually pass away. It serves as a philosophical reflection on the temporary nature of life.

Delicacies for the dead, a cartload of debts for the living.

This proverb highlights the irony of human traditions where people spend extravagantly on funeral rituals and feasts for the deceased, often by borrowing money, which leaves the surviving family members in deep financial distress. It is used to criticize performative social customs that prioritize ritualistic honor over the practical welfare of the living.

He said the spinning wheel has arrived, move the cart out of the way.

This proverb is used to mock someone who exaggerates the importance of a small or insignificant object or event. It describes a situation where a person demands a lot of space or attention for something tiny (like a spinning wheel), treating it as if it were a massive vehicle (like a cart).

As long as there were harvests, the monkey survived; life after that is the real struggle.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone enjoys a comfortable life due to favorable external circumstances or resources. When those resources are exhausted, they face the harsh reality of survival. It serves as a reminder that true resilience is tested only when easy times end.

Like escaping a danger and the fetus coming out safely.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone has successfully survived a major crisis or a life-threatening ordeal. It originates from the relief felt after a difficult childbirth where both mother and child survive. It is commonly used when a high-stakes project is completed or a severe problem is resolved after much anxiety.

Look at the cheeks of one who rose from ruin, and look at the clothes of one who fell from prosperity.

This proverb highlights the physical and visible remnants of a person's past circumstances. Someone who was once poor but became wealthy often retains a healthy, glowing appearance (plump cheeks) from their new prosperity. Conversely, someone who was once wealthy but lost everything often tries to maintain their dignity by wearing their old, high-quality clothes, which are now worn out or reflect their former status.

Everyone is a hero when it comes to beating a dead snake

This proverb is used to describe people who show false bravery by attacking someone who is already defeated or in a weak position. It highlights that it takes no courage to strike an opponent who can no longer defend themselves, mocking those who boast about such easy victories.

No one has died from a thatched awning falling, and no one has survived a house falling.

This proverb highlights the difference between minor and major calamities. It implies that people usually survive small setbacks (the awning), but a total collapse or major disaster (the house) is rarely something one can recover from. It is often used to emphasize the severity of a situation or the scale of risk involved.

Just because he is a relative, will he remove the bonds (of debt or sin)?

This expression is typically used to imply that even if someone is a close relative or a god-like figure, they cannot exempt you from your responsibilities, the consequences of your actions (Karma), or legal/financial obligations. It emphasizes that rules, justice, or the results of one's deeds remain the same regardless of personal relationships.

Calumny is not removed even by death.

This expression is used to describe a deeply ingrained habit, trait, or skill that stays with a person throughout their lifetime. It suggests that once something is learned or becomes part of a person's nature, it is nearly impossible to change or get rid of it.

Slander leaves a slur. Give a dog an ill name, and you may as well hang him.