చెడిపకురా చెడేవు, ఉరకకురా పడేవు
chedipakura chedevu, urakakura padevu
Do not ruin others or you will be ruined; do not run blindly or you will fall.
This proverb serves as a dual warning about morality and impulsiveness. It teaches that causing harm to others will eventually result in one's own downfall (karma). Additionally, it cautions against acting in haste or without foresight, as rushing recklessly leads to failure or mistakes. It is used to advise someone to be ethical and patient.
Related Phrases
పాత పని పట్టకురా, పల్లెకు దొంగవు కాకురా
pata pani pattakura, palleku dongavu kakura
Do not pick up old habits, do not become a thief to the village.
This is an advisory saying often used to warn someone against repeating past mistakes or returning to a life of dishonesty. It emphasizes maintaining one's reputation and integrity within a community. In a broader sense, it means 'don't revert to your bad old ways and don't betray the trust of those around you'.
బడాయికి బచ్చలకూర, తినకపోతే తోటకూర
badayiki bachchalakura, tinakapote totakura
Malabar spinach for show, and Amaranth if one can't eat it.
This proverb describes a person who boasts or maintains high appearances (symbolized by the slightly more 'sophisticated' Malabar spinach) despite their actual circumstances being humble or common (represented by the everyday Amaranth). It is used to mock people who act superior but live ordinary lives, or those who pretend to be picky about things they cannot afford.
చెరపకురా చెడేవు, ఉరకకురా పడేవు
cherapakura chedevu, urakakura padevu
Ruin not others, lest thou be ruined thyself; run not, lest thou fall. He falls into the pit who leads another into it. (Spanish.)§
This is a popular Telugu proverb emphasizing the law of karma and the importance of caution. It means that if you try to harm someone else, you will eventually face harm yourself. Similarly, if you act in haste or without thinking, you will inevitably meet with failure or accidents. It is used to advise people to be ethical and deliberate in their actions.
ఇందమ్మా తియ్యకూర అంటే ఇందమ్మ పుల్లకూర అన్నట్లు
indamma tiyyakura ante indamma pullakura annatlu
When asked for sweet curry, being offered sour curry instead.
This expression describes a situation where someone gives a response or an item that is exactly the opposite of what was requested. It highlights a lack of understanding, intentional stubbornness, or a total mismatch in communication between two people.
వయసు కురకుర బాతు కురకుర
vayasu kurakura batu kurakura
Age is crunchy, duck is crunchy.
This expression is used to describe the vigor and energy of youth. It implies that during one's prime age, even a tough or 'crunchy' meat like duck can be easily digested and enjoyed. It signifies that everything seems favorable and manageable when one is young and healthy.
ఆయనే లేని ఊళ్ళో అరటికాయ కూర
ayane leni ullo aratikaya kura
In a village where the husband himself is absent, banana curry is served.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where the main person or essential element is missing, making the current actions or arrangements redundant or meaningless. It highlights the irony of preparing something for someone who isn't there to receive it.
ఎంచకురా పంచుకుంటావు
enchakura panchukuntavu
Don't count/calculate; you will end up sharing.
This expression is used to warn someone against being overly calculating, greedy, or fastidious about portions or shares. It suggests that when you try to calculate or scrutinize too much (often out of selfishness), you will inevitably be forced to share it with others or lose a portion of it anyway. It serves as a reminder that excessive calculation often leads to unexpected redistribution.
రుచికి పుల్లకూర వాసనకు కరివేపాకు
ruchiki pullakura vasanaku karivepaku
Sour leaf curry for taste and curry leaves for aroma.
This expression describes something that is complete and perfect because it has the right ingredients in the right proportions. It is often used to refer to a situation or a person that possesses all the necessary qualities to be effective or satisfying, much like how a dish needs both taste and aroma to be considered excellent.
కొంప చెరుపకురా సుపుత్రా
kompa cherupakura suputra
O good son, do not ruin the house/family.
This is a sarcastic expression used to warn someone whose actions are causing significant harm, disgrace, or financial loss to their own family or household. While 'Suputra' literally means 'good son', it is used ironically here to point out the person's irresponsible behavior.
చెరపకురా చెడేవు
cherapakura chedevu
Don’t spoil any other person; you would end up in ruin yourself.
It is unwise to spoil the other person, mostly out of ill will, as it will usually result in one’s own destruction.