ధర్మము తల కాచును
dharmamu tala kachunu
Virtue protects the head. The reward of virtue in this life is protection from evil.
This proverb means that one's righteous deeds and moral conduct will act as a shield and save them from danger or misfortune in critical times. It is used to encourage ethical behavior, suggesting that being good eventually leads to being protected by one's own karma.
Related Phrases
కడి గండం కాచును, వత్తి మిత్తి కాచును.
kadi gandam kachunu, vatti mitti kachunu.
The silver ring protects from danger; the wick protects from death.
This is an old Telugu saying related to superstitious beliefs and traditional medicine. It suggests that wearing a silver ring (kadi) can ward off accidents or evil eyes, while a medicinal wick or oil lamp (vatti) can prevent death or severe illness. It is used to highlight how small traditional remedies or protective charms are believed to save one from great calamities.
ధర్మానికి పోతే కర్మం చుట్టుకున్నట్టు
dharmaniki pote karmam chuttukunnattu
When one went to do a righteous deed, a misfortune wrapped around them.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone tries to do a good deed or help others, but instead of receiving gratitude or success, they end up getting into trouble or facing negative consequences themselves.
వచ్చిన కర్మము వద్దంటే పోతుందా?
vachchina karmamu vaddante potunda?
Will the result of your deeds go away at your bidding ?
This proverb is used to convey that one must face the consequences of their past actions or destiny, whether they like it or not. It suggests that avoiding inevitable difficulties is impossible and that one should develop the fortitude to endure them.
ధర్మానికి పోతే కర్మం చుట్టుకున్నదట
dharmaniki pote karmam chuttukunnadata
When one went to do a good deed, bad fate/karma coiled around them.
This expression is used when someone tries to help others or do something virtuous, but ends up facing unexpected trouble or negative consequences as a result of their kindness. It is similar to the English saying, 'No good deed goes unpunished.'
తాళిమి తన్నూ కాచును, ఎదుటినీ కాచును
talimi tannu kachunu, edutini kachunu
Patience will save you and your neighbour.
This expression highlights the virtue of patience (Tahlimi). It suggests that by remaining patient, a person can avoid self-destruction or making impulsive mistakes while also preventing conflict and harm to those around them. It is used to advise someone to stay calm in provocative situations.
పాము కరచును, అరవ చెరచును.
pamu karachunu, arava cherachunu.
A snake bites; a scream (or commotion) spoils.
This proverb suggests that while a snake's bite is a direct physical harm, the panic or loud screaming that follows can cause even more damage or ruin the situation. It is used to advise someone to stay calm during a crisis, as overreacting or creating a commotion can be more counterproductive than the problem itself.
నా పతివ్రతా ధర్మము నా మొదటి పెనిమిటికి తెలుసును.
na pativrata dharmamu na modati penimitiki telusunu.
My chastity is known to my first husband. Said by a widow who had passed herself off as a maid, and married again.
This is a sarcastic or ironic expression used to mock someone who is boasting about their integrity or loyalty when their past actions clearly prove otherwise. It highlights a contradiction where someone claims to be virtuous despite having a history of failure or betrayal. It is often used to expose hypocrisy.
నోరు ఉండాలే గానీ, తల గాచుకోవచ్చు
noru undale gani, tala gachukovachchu
If one has a mouth (speech), one can protect their head.
This proverb emphasizes the power of eloquence and diplomatic communication. It suggests that a person who knows how to speak wisely and persuasively can escape from dangerous situations or defend themselves against trouble, effectively 'saving their own head' through their words.
వచ్చిన కర్మము వద్దంటే పోతుందా?
vachchina karmamu vaddante potunda?
Will the destiny that has arrived go away just because you say no?
This proverb is used to express that one must face the consequences of their past actions (Karma) or inevitable life situations. It suggests that once a certain fate or trouble has arrived, it cannot be avoided simply by wishing it away or refusing to accept it; one must endure and go through it.
కడిగండము కాచును
kadigandamu kachunu
Washing protects against calamity.
This proverb highlights the importance of hygiene and cleanliness. It suggests that the simple act of washing (hands, feet, or body) can ward off diseases or 'gandamu' (critical dangers/accidents), implying that being clean prevents many avoidable troubles.