దేవుడికి మొక్కు, దయ్యానికి మంత్రం

devudiki mokku, dayyaniki mantram

Translation

An offering for the God, an incantation for the devil

Meaning

This expression refers to using different strategies to deal with different types of people or situations. It implies that while goodness and devotion (offerings) work for the virtuous, one must use force or clever tactics (incantations/spells) to handle wicked or difficult people. It is similar to the English idea of 'Horses for courses' or 'Speak to someone in the language they understand'.

Related Phrases

Like tying a knot between the sky and the earth

This expression is used to describe an impossible task, a highly exaggerated statement, or a clever person who can bridge two completely unrelated or extreme things through their talk or actions. It is often used to describe someone who spins tall tales or attempts to reconcile vast differences.

Women and gold are the root causes of conflict

This is a popular proverb used to describe the primary motives behind most human disputes, wars, or rivalries. 'Kaanta' (woman/lust) and 'Kanakam' (gold/wealth) represent the two main worldly desires that lead to disagreements or violence throughout history. It is often cited when explaining the cause of a complex feud.

To the great person who has mastered their mind, why are there any more mantras or rituals?

This expression suggests that self-control and mental mastery are the ultimate spiritual achievements. It implies that for someone who has absolute control over their thoughts and desires, external rituals, religious chants, or complex ceremonies become unnecessary as they have already reached the highest state of consciousness.

Like climbing the hill and praying to God.

This expression describes doing things for the sake of formality or in a routine, mechanical manner without real devotion or focus. It is used when someone performs a task just to get it over with or to show others they have done it, rather than putting in genuine effort or intent.

Equality is necessary for marriage and for war.

This proverb emphasizes that both marital alliances and rivalries (fights) should occur between equals. In marriage, it suggests that compatibility in status, wealth, and background ensures a smooth relationship; in conflict, it implies that one should only engage with an opponent of equal strength for a fair or meaningful outcome.

Like praying to a deity, only for it to possess you like a ghost.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone seeks help or protection from a person or entity, but instead of receiving help, that very person or entity becomes a source of trouble or misery. It is similar to the concept of a 'blessing becoming a curse' or a savior turning into an oppressor.

Manure for the field, a flock for the plot.

This proverb emphasizes the importance of fertilization in agriculture. It suggests that just as manure enriches the crop field, allowing a flock of sheep or cattle to stay in a small plot (penning) naturally fertilizes the soil with their waste, ensuring a healthy yield. It is used to highlight that timely and appropriate inputs lead to better results.

An offering for God, an incantation for the devil.

This expression suggests using different approaches for different types of people or situations. It implies that good people should be dealt with through kindness and gifts, while wicked or difficult people must be handled with appropriate force or clever tactics to keep them at bay.

What does a woman without a husband want with a midwife ?

This proverb is used to highlight the absurdity of preparing for an outcome that is impossible or irrelevant due to the absence of the primary cause. Just as a woman without a husband cannot become pregnant and thus doesn't need a midwife, one shouldn't waste resources or worry about processes for a situation that hasn't even begun or cannot occur.

Is there only one mantra for both a lightning strike and for rice?

This expression is used to criticize someone who tries to apply the same solution or logic to two completely different and unrelated problems. It highlights that different situations require different approaches; you cannot treat a dangerous disaster (lightning) and a daily necessity (rice) with the same ritual or remedy.