చెరువుకు చేరువగాను, చుట్టాలకు దూరంగాను ఉండాలి

cheruvuku cheruvaganu, chuttalaku duranganu undali

Translation

One should live close to a lake and far from relatives.

Meaning

This proverb highlights the importance of being near essential resources (like water) for survival while maintaining a healthy distance from relatives to avoid unnecessary conflicts, gossip, or dependence that can arise from over-familiarity.

Related Phrases

Will you jump into a lake just because your grandfather built it?

This proverb is used to warn against blind following or making dangerous decisions based solely on tradition or heritage. It implies that even if an ancestor or elder did something, one must still evaluate the current risks and exercise common sense before acting. It is often used to discourage foolish risks taken in the name of family pride.

Why should a stone embankment serve a breach or a pit instead of a crop-yielding lake?

This proverb is used to say that resources, hard work, or benefits should go to those who are productive or deserving, rather than being wasted on useless or destructive entities. It emphasizes that valuable assets should serve a greater, fruitful purpose.

Is that a stomach or a lake?

This expression is used to describe someone who eats excessively or has an insatiable appetite. It compares the capacity of their stomach to that of a lake, implying it is unusually large or bottomless.

Live close to a lake, and far from relatives.

This proverb suggests that for a peaceful and sustainable life, one should reside near a reliable water source (like a lake) for basic needs, but maintain a healthy distance from relatives to avoid unnecessary conflicts, interference, and drama.

Like appointing a crane to guard the fish in one's own pond

This proverb is used to describe an extremely foolish or self-destructive decision. Since a crane's natural instinct is to eat fish, appointing it as a guard guarantees the loss of the fish. It refers to entrusting something valuable to someone who is most likely to steal or exploit it.

Will the tanks be filled by drizzling rain ?

This proverb is used to indicate that small, insignificant efforts or resources are insufficient to achieve a large or monumental task. It suggests that major goals require substantial action rather than just minor attempts.

Far from relatives, near to a well

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone moves away from their family and relatives to live in a solitary or secluded place, or when someone prefers peace and basic necessities over the complications of social circles. It highlights the choice of isolation or self-sufficiency over family ties.

Is the sea near to a frog in a well ? Applied to a clumsy fellow.

This proverb is used to describe a person with a narrow perspective or limited knowledge who thinks their small world is everything. It highlights how someone with restricted experience cannot comprehend the vastness or complexity of the real world, much like a frog that believes its well is the entire universe.

Throwing the food from one's hand into the lake, then licking the hand and drinking the lake water.

This expression describes a person who foolishly discards a valuable resource or opportunity already in their possession, only to later struggle and settle for meager leftovers or inferior alternatives. It is used to mock short-sightedness and the lack of appreciation for what one already has.

If out of sight, is it out of hearing also ?

This expression is used to suggest that even if you cannot see someone or something in person, you can still hear about them or stay in touch. It emphasizes that physical absence does not justify a complete lack of communication or information.