చుట్టూ అయినా మెట్టదారి మేలు

chuttu ayina mettadari melu

Translation

Even if it is a detour, a dry path is better.

Meaning

This proverb suggests that it is better to take a longer, safer, and more reliable route (or method) rather than a shortcut that is dangerous or difficult. It emphasizes choosing safety and certainty over speed.

Related Phrases

Even if it is a detour, it is better to go comfortably.

This expression emphasizes that taking a longer, safer, or more reliable path is better than taking a shortcut that is fraught with difficulties or danger. It is used to suggest that patience and safety should be prioritized over speed or risky convenience.

A mother-in-law is never soft, and a knife is never soft.

This proverb is used to describe relationships or objects that are inherently sharp or harsh by nature. It suggests that just as a knife's purpose is to cut and it cannot be blunt or soft, a mother-in-law (in traditional contexts) is expected to be strict or demanding, and one should not expect otherwise.

Does the river Ganga have good for this bank and evil for that bank?

This proverb is used to emphasize impartiality or the equal nature of natural forces and situations. Just as a river flows for everyone on both its banks without discrimination, certain consequences or rules apply universally to everyone involved, regardless of their position.

Even if it is a roundabout way, going comfortably is better.

This expression is used to advise that taking a longer, safer, or more reliable path is better than taking a shortcut that is fraught with danger or difficulties. It emphasizes prioritizing peace and safety over speed.

Even a mother cannot do as much good as an onion does.

This is a popular Telugu proverb emphasizing the immense medicinal and health benefits of onions. It suggests that while a mother is the ultimate caretaker, the therapeutic properties of onions are so unique and powerful for the body that they are incomparable. It is used to encourage the consumption of onions for well-being.

A husband who begs for alms is better than a son who rules villages.

This proverb emphasizes the traditional social security of a woman. In the context of the era it originated from, a husband is seen as a more reliable and direct source of support and status for a wife than a son, regardless of the son's power or wealth. It highlights the importance of the marital bond for a woman's immediate well-being.

Even if it is a fathom's length extra, go only by the established path.

This proverb emphasizes the importance of safety and reliability over shortcuts. It suggests that it is better to take a slightly longer, familiar, and safe route or method rather than taking a shorter but risky or unknown path. It is used to advise someone to follow conventions and proven ways to avoid unnecessary danger.

A monkey [ -like wife ] of good family is better [than a pretty wife of low origin ].

This proverb suggests that it is better to deal with someone familiar, even if they have flaws or are troublesome, rather than trusting a stranger. It emphasizes the comfort and safety found within one's own community, family, or social circle during times of need.

A squint eye is better than a blind eye.

This proverb is used to convey that having something imperfect or partial is better than having nothing at all. It is similar to the English expression 'Half a loaf is better than no bread' or 'Something is better than nothing.'

Of two evils choose the least.

Even if it is a long way around, an easy path is better.

This proverb suggests that it is better to take a longer, safer, and more convenient route rather than a shortcut that is difficult, risky, or problematic. It is used to advise patience and caution over hasty shortcuts that might lead to trouble.