చూపితే మానం పోయె, చూపక పోతే ప్రాణం పోయె

chupite manam poye, chupaka pote pranam poye

Translation

If shown, honor is lost; if not shown, life is lost.

Meaning

This expression describes a critical dilemma or a 'catch-22' situation where every available option leads to a negative outcome. It is traditionally used in contexts like a medical emergency involving a modest person, or any situation where one must choose between a loss of dignity and a loss of life/safety.

Related Phrases

If you show a finger, they will swallow the arm; if you show the arm, they will swallow the whole person.

This proverb describes people who take undue advantage of someone's kindness or small concessions. It is used to caution against being overly generous with greedy or manipulative people who, when given a small opportunity, will eventually try to take everything or exploit the giver completely.

When honor has gone, why life ?

This expression emphasizes the supreme value of dignity and self-respect over physical life. It is used to convey that for a person of principles, living with disgrace or humiliation is worse than death.

Take away my good name, and take away my life. Either live or die wi' honour.

Lost in childhood, lost in the wedding pandal, if there is anything left, let me know.

This proverb is used to mock someone who is extremely irresponsible or careless. It refers to a person who has wasted or lost everything they owned at different stages of life, yet still asks if there is anything remaining to squander. It describes a state of total loss due to negligence.

Will poverty vanish just by putting on a show of style?

This expression is used to criticize someone who tries to maintain a high-status appearance or a stylish facade while lacking the actual financial means or substance to back it up. It implies that superficiality cannot solve deep-rooted problems.

What one had is gone, and what one kept (or acquired) is also gone.

This expression describes a situation where a person loses their original possessions or status while unsuccessfully trying to gain something more. It is used to caution against excessive greed or poor decision-making that results in a total loss of both the old and the new.

Like losing one's senses while going for an ascetic.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where a person, in the pursuit of something minor or spiritual, ends up losing their common sense or something far more valuable. It highlights a loss of perspective or poor judgment during a specific endeavor.

Even when life is leaving, the cobra does not lower its hood.

This proverb is used to describe an extremely stubborn, arrogant, or prideful person who refuses to give up their ego or status even in the face of absolute destruction or death. It highlights a character that remains defiant and unyielding until the very end.

Why live after losing one's honor?

This expression emphasizes that self-respect and dignity are more valuable than life itself. It is used to suggest that living a life of disgrace or shame is meaningless and that one should prioritize their reputation over survival.

Even if life is lost, honor must be saved.

This proverb emphasizes that one's dignity and honor are far more important than physical existence. It is used to inspire integrity and courage, suggesting that it is better to die with honor than to live in disgrace or shame.

Even if life is lost, one must protect their honor.

This expression emphasizes that self-respect and dignity are more valuable than life itself. It is used to encourage someone to uphold their integrity and reputation even in the face of extreme adversity or life-threatening situations.