చితి చచ్చిన వానిని, చింత బ్రతికిన వానిని కాలుస్తుంది
chiti chachchina vanini, chinta bratikina vanini kalustundi
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.
Related Phrases
ఏనుగు చచ్చినా బ్రతికినా వెయ్యివరహాలే
enugu chachchina bratikina veyyivarahale
An elephant is worth a thousand gold coins whether it is dead or alive.
This proverb is used to describe someone or something that possesses great value, prestige, or dignity regardless of their current circumstances or status. Just as an elephant's tusks and hide are valuable even after death, a great person's reputation or a valuable asset remains significant even when it is no longer functional or active.
ముఖస్తుతి చేసిన వానిని చేయించుకొనిన వానిని ఇద్దరినీ చెరచును.
mukhastuti chesina vanini cheyinchukonina vanini iddarini cherachunu.
Flattery ruins both the one who gives it and the one who receives it.
This expression warns against the dangers of insincere praise. It suggests that flattery is harmful because it makes the giver a hypocrite or a liar, and it makes the receiver arrogant or delusional, ultimately leading to the downfall of both parties.
బ్రతికిన బ్రతుకు చావులో తెలుస్తుంది
bratikina bratuku chavulo telustundi
The life one lived is known at the time of death.
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.
మారిన తన యింటికి రమ్మనినవానిని నమ్మరాదు
marina tana yintiki rammaninavanini nammaradu
One should not trust a person who invites you to a house that has changed (or a person whose nature has changed).
This proverb serves as a warning against trusting people who are inconsistent or who have suddenly changed their behavior or circumstances without a clear reason. It suggests that one should be cautious when someone with a dubious past or an unstable nature suddenly shows unexpected hospitality or friendliness.
తిట్టి చచ్చినవాడూ లేడు, దీవించి బ్రతికినవాడూ లేడు.
titti chachchinavadu ledu, divinchi bratikinavadu ledu.
No man has ever died from cursing, or lived from blessing. No one dies of threats. ( Dutch. )
This proverb is used to suggest that words alone—whether insults or blessings—do not determine a person's fate or lifespan. It emphasizes that one should not take curses to heart or rely solely on blessings, but rather focus on reality and one's own actions.
* Van dreigen sterft man neit.
ఏనుగు బ్రతికినా వెయ్యి, చచ్చినా వెయ్యి
enugu bratikina veyyi, chachchina veyyi
An elephant is worth a thousand when alive, and worth a thousand even when dead.
This expression is used to describe someone or something of immense value, status, or reputation that remains significant regardless of their current state or circumstances. Just as an elephant provides labor while alive and valuable ivory/hides after death, a great person's legacy or a high-quality asset continues to command respect and value even after its prime.
చింత చచ్చినా పులుపు చావదు
chinta chachchina pulupu chavadu
The tamarind may be dried, but it loses not its acidity. Retaining vigour of mind though weakened in body.
This proverb is used to describe a person who has lost their wealth, status, or power but still retains their old ego, arrogance, or habits. Just as the acidic quality remains in tamarind even after it dries up, some people refuse to change their stubborn nature despite a change in their circumstances.
జననినీ, ధరణినీ, నమ్మి చెడినవారు లేరు.
jananini, dharanini, nammi chedinavaru leru.
Those who trust their mother and the earth will never be ruined.
This proverb emphasizes the unwavering reliability and nurturing nature of one's mother and the land (earth). It suggests that respecting and depending on these two fundamental sources of life ensures a person's well-being and success, as they never betray those who believe in them.
కన్నెనిచ్చినవానినీ, కన్నిచ్చినవానినీ కడవరకు మరువరాదు.
kannenichchinavanini, kannichchinavanini kadavaraku maruvaradu.
One should never forget the person who gave their daughter in marriage and the person who gave sight to their eyes until the very end.
This proverb emphasizes eternal gratitude towards two specific benefactors: the father-in-law (who gave his daughter's hand in marriage) and the doctor or person who restored one's vision. It suggests that these are life-altering gifts that deserve lifelong respect and remembrance.
వచ్చిన వాడు చచ్చినా పోదు.
vachchina vadu chachchina podu.
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.