ఎంత మంచి కత్తి అయినా, తన పిడిని గంటు చేయదు.

enta manchi katti ayina, tana pidini gantu cheyadu.

Translation

No matter how sharp the sword is, it will not cut its own handle.

Meaning

This proverb highlights that no matter how powerful, talented, or destructive a person or thing may be, they generally do not cause harm to their own support system, family, or source of existence. It is used to describe loyalty to one's roots or the natural instinct to protect what sustains you.

Related Phrases

However good the pig may be, it will never cease to eat filth.

This proverb is used to describe an individual's innate or ingrained nature. It suggests that even if someone appears to have changed or improved, they will eventually return to their true, often negative, habits or character when the opportunity arises. It is similar to the English expression 'A leopard cannot change its spots'.

A hog in armour is still but a hog.

A cat which kills a rat is a cat, whether it be of wood or mud. If the work be well done, never mind the instrument.

This expression emphasizes pragmatism and results over appearance or origin. It suggests that the value of someone or something should be judged by their ability to perform their intended task or achieve a goal, rather than their outward characteristics or status.

As if everything spun became cotton again.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where a lot of hard work or effort results in zero progress, or when things return to their original raw state despite the labor put in. It signifies wasted effort or a futile exercise where the end product is no better than the starting material.

Trying to make an idol of a teacher (or god), but it turned into a monkey.

This expression is used when a well-intentioned task or project goes completely wrong due to incompetence or unexpected errors, resulting in something unintended and often ridiculous. It describes a situation where an attempt to create something noble or superior ends up as a mess.

There is no softness in a sword, nor goodness in a mother-in- law.

This is a traditional proverb used to describe situations or relationships that are inherently difficult or sharp by nature. Just as a knife cannot fulfill its purpose if it is soft, the proverb suggests that the relationship with a mother-in-law is traditionally expected to be strict or stern rather than purely 'soft' or 'kind'. It is often used to comment on the inevitable friction in certain roles or power dynamics.

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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.

Everything is only for our good.

Normally used in comforting someone, the statement indicates that acceptance of what befalls one is a positive attitude. Worrying about what is unavoidable serves no purpose. One should realize what will be, will be.

One should either stay where they are born or live in their parents' home.

This expression emphasizes the importance of stability and having a secure home base. It is often used to suggest that if one cannot succeed or find peace elsewhere, it is best to return to one's roots or parental home where there is unconditional support and safety.

In bad times, even a pigeon pea plant will not bear fruit

This proverb describes a period of misfortune where even the simplest or most reliable tasks fail to yield results. It is used to express that when luck is against someone, even their best efforts and usually dependable resources will let them down.

A crop that is not weeded will not reach the eye (yield).

This proverb emphasizes that without proper maintenance and the removal of unwanted elements (weeds), one cannot expect a good result or harvest. In a broader sense, it means that if you don't address problems or distractions in your work or life early on, you won't achieve the desired success.