చెప్పుడు మాటలు చేటు, చక్కని మాటలు ఘాటు.

cheppudu matalu chetu, chakkani matalu ghatu.

Translation

Listening to hearsay leads to ruin, while honest words can be sharp.

Meaning

This expression warns that acting on gossip or others' manipulative words causes harm. Conversely, sincere or truthful advice may feel blunt or 'sharp' like a spice, but it is ultimately beneficial. It is used to advise someone to be wary of rumors and appreciate honest criticism.

Related Phrases

Words are good, but deeds are bad

This expression describes hypocrisy or a situation where someone talks very politely or makes grand promises but acts in a harmful or contrary manner. It is used to describe people whose actions do not match their virtuous words.

Listening to hearsay leads to ruin.

This expression warns against acting upon rumors or gossip without verification. It suggests that paying heed to malicious talk or the instigations of others will ultimately lead to one's own downfall or harm.

Spoken words are worse than heard words

This expression highlights the power and potential danger of speech. While listening to something bad is passive, speaking ill of someone or spreading rumors is an active, more harmful deed. It serves as a reminder to be mindful of what one says, as spoken words can cause more damage than what one simply hears.

Daytime talk is a loss to work, nighttime talk is a loss to sleep.

This proverb emphasizes time management and the importance of focusing on the task at hand. It suggests that gossiping or idle chatter during the day hinders productivity, while excessive talking at night deprives one of necessary rest. It is used to advise someone to stop talking and focus on their responsibilities or sleep.

Actions that don't fail are better than words that are merely spoken.

This expression emphasizes that keeping one's word or performing a duty reliably is far superior to making grand promises or giving empty advice. It highlights the importance of integrity and action over mere eloquence.

Lies are better than backbiting.

This expression is used to suggest that it is better to hear something blunt or even incorrect rather than being given false promises or misleading information that is never fulfilled. It emphasizes the frustration of broken commitments.

Listening to gossip leads to ruin.

This proverb warns that paying attention to hearsay, rumors, or others' manipulative talk without verifying the facts will eventually lead to harm or disaster. It is used to advise someone to be wary of people who try to influence them with gossip.

Talking in the day time spoils one's business ; talking in the night time spoils one's sleep.

This proverb emphasizes the importance of time management and focus. It suggests that gossiping or talking excessively during the day hinders productivity, while doing the same at night disturbs necessary rest. It is used to advise someone to stop talking and get back to their responsibilities or to sleep.

Words are leaves, actions are fruits

This proverb is used to emphasize that talking is easy and abundant like leaves on a tree, but real results and value come only from actions, which are like the fruit. It is often used to criticize people who talk a lot but do very little.

Words are not enough to describe the greatness of words.

This expression is used to emphasize that some things are so profound, magnificent, or significant that language itself is insufficient to fully express their value. It is often used when praising someone's eloquence or when describing an overwhelming emotion or situation.