దానాలలో కెల్లా నిదానం శ్రేష్టం.

danalalo kella nidanam shreshtam.

Translation

Among all types of donations, patience is the best.

Meaning

This is a witty play on words in Telugu. While 'daanam' usually means charity or donation, here it is paired with 'nidaanam' (patience/composure). The expression suggests that being patient and composed is a greater virtue than any act of giving material wealth. It is used to advise someone to stay calm and patient in difficult situations.

Related Phrases

A woman in a dream is equal to a shadow in the water.

This proverb refers to the transient and illusory nature of certain desires or possessions. Just as you cannot hold a woman seen in a dream or grab a reflection in the water, some things in life are unreachable or temporary despite appearing real or attractive.

A miser suffers loss in four ways

This proverb explains that a miser, in an attempt to save small amounts of money, often ends up facing much larger losses or multiple disadvantages. It is used to highlight how extreme stinginess can backfire, leading to poor quality of life, loss of reputation, and eventual financial or material waste.

Cactus is best for a fence, black soil is best for a field.

This proverb highlights that everything has its own specific value depending on its placement or context. Just as a thorny cactus makes an impenetrable boundary and fertile black soil produces the best crops, individuals or tools are most effective when utilized in the roles they are naturally suited for.

Corrupt in argument, excellent in medicine.

This proverb suggests that a doctor who loses or avoids arguments is often a better healer. It implies that a physician's skill lies in their practice and results rather than in their rhetorical or debating abilities. It is used to describe professionals who prioritize their craft over winning verbal disputes.

Among all forms of charity, the gift of education is the greatest.

While the user provided a phrase containing a vulgar pun or error ('garbhadhanam'), the intended traditional proverb is 'Vidhyadanam' or 'Annadanam'. The actual noble expression 'Vidhyadanam mahadanam' signifies that while food or money provide temporary relief, education empowers a person for a lifetime, making it the highest form of giving.

Plaintiff's destruction, defendant's total loss, lawyer's fortune, and the court's whim.

This proverb satirizes the legal system. It implies that in a legal battle, both the plaintiff and the defendant end up losing their wealth and peace of mind, while only the lawyers benefit financially. The final outcome remains unpredictable as it depends entirely on the court's discretion. It is used to advise people to settle disputes outside of court.

Old wood for burning, old water for drinking, old friends for trusting, and old books for reading are the best.

This proverb highlights the value of experience, reliability, and time-tested quality. Just as old wood burns better and aged water is settled, long-standing friendships are the most trustworthy and classic books contain timeless wisdom.

Of all the days, childhood days are the best.

This expression highlights that childhood is the most carefree, happy, and golden period of a person's life compared to adulthood or old age. It is used when reminiscing about the simplicity and joy of one's early years, often implying that as we grow older, responsibilities and worries increase.

Loss and hardship

This expression is used to describe a situation involving significant trouble, loss, and suffering. It is often used when someone explains the various difficulties or 'trials and tribulations' they have endured to achieve something or during a bad phase in life.

Kshetrayya's poetry is dear to Gopala; Tyagayya's song is dear to Sri Rama.

This expression highlights the perfect pairing of a creator's work with their chosen deity. It is used to describe situations where someone has a specific, unparalleled mastery in a particular niche or where two things are perfectly suited for each other. It celebrates the unique devotional styles of two great vaggeyakaras (composer-singers) of Telugu literature and Carnatic music.