దలారికి దండుగ భయం, మసీదుకు చొంగ భయం లేదు
dalariki danduga bhayam, masiduku chonga bhayam ledu
A broker fears loss, but a mosque has no fear of drool.
This proverb highlights the difference between those who have much to lose and those who have nothing at stake. A businessman or broker (Dalari) is always worried about financial loss (Danduga), whereas an inanimate object like a mosque (Masid) or someone with no reputation/possessions is indifferent to minor insults or filth (Chonga). It is used to describe how people's anxieties depend on their status or what they stand to lose.
Related Phrases
చమురు దండుగ భాగవతం
chamuru danduga bhagavatam
A Bhagavatam performance that is a waste of oil
This expression is used to describe an activity, project, or performance that is so poorly executed or ineffective that it doesn't even justify the basic cost of the resources consumed (like the oil used in lamps for light during an old-time play). It signifies a complete waste of time, effort, and resources.
దొంగల తల్లికి ఏడవ భయం.
dongala talliki edava bhayam.
A robber's mother fears to weep. When her son is caught. A person will suffer rather than criminate or bring shame upon himself.
This proverb describes a situation where someone involved in a wrongdoing or associated with wrongdoers cannot express their grief or problems openly for fear of exposing the truth. It signifies the hidden suffering and constant fear of consequences that come with illegal or unethical actions.
నయమంటే భయమేమి?
nayamante bhayamemi?
If it is the right path, why fear?
This expression is used to state that one who acts with integrity, honesty, and follows the righteous path has no reason to be afraid of anyone or any consequences. It is similar to the English proverb 'A clean hand wants no washing'.
సన్యాసికి దొంగల భయమేమి?
sanyasiki dongala bhayamemi?
Why should an ascetic/monk fear thieves?
This proverb is used to describe a situation where a person who has nothing to lose has no reason to be afraid. Since an ascetic (Sanyasi) possesses no material wealth, thieves have nothing to steal from them. It is applied to people who are in a position where they are immune to threats or losses because they lack the assets or status that others might target.
మంచి వానికి మరణం లేదు
manchi vaniki maranam ledu
A good person has no death
This expression signifies that while a person may physically pass away, their virtuous deeds, character, and legacy live on forever in the hearts of others. It is used to emphasize the immortality of a good reputation.
జయమున్నంత వరకూ భయం లేదు
jayamunnanta varaku bhayam ledu
As long as there is victory, there is no fear
This expression is used to signify that success and confidence eliminate fear. It suggests that when one is continuously winning or in a state of triumph, they do not feel intimidated by challenges. It is often used to motivate someone to focus on achieving success to overcome their insecurities.
నీళ్ళలో మునిగి ఉన్న వానికి నిప్పు భయం లేదు
nillalo munigi unna vaniki nippu bhayam ledu
One who is submerged in water has no fear of fire
This proverb is used to describe a person who is already in a state of extreme misery or facing a massive problem, such that additional smaller problems or threats no longer bother them. It suggests that once a person has reached the lowest point or is fully overwhelmed, they become indifferent to further risks.
నయానా భయానా
nayana bhayana
By mildness or severity. If one does not answer, the other must be tried.
This expression refers to a strategy of using both persuasion (friendly approach) and intimidation (threats) to get something done. It is equivalent to the English idiom 'by hook or by crook' or 'the carrot and the stick' approach.
ప్రాణముండేవరకు భయం లేదు
pranamundevaraku bhayam ledu
There is no fear as long as there is life.
This expression is used to convey resilience and courage. It suggests that as long as one is alive, there is still hope and no reason to succumb to fear, emphasizing that life itself is the ultimate strength.
మనకు పులి భయం, పులికి మన భయం.
manaku puli bhayam, puliki mana bhayam.
We fear the tiger, and the tiger fears us.
This expression describes a state of mutual fear or a standoff between two parties. It is used in situations where both sides are equally intimidated by each other, preventing either from taking action. It highlights that the perceived threat is often reciprocal.