గంగకు ఇద్దరి మేలు, అద్దరి కీడునుంగలదే

gangaku iddari melu, addari kidunungalade

Translation

Does the river Ganga have good for this bank and evil for that bank?

Meaning

This proverb is used to emphasize impartiality or the equal nature of natural forces and situations. Just as a river flows for everyone on both its banks without discrimination, certain consequences or rules apply universally to everyone involved, regardless of their position.

Related Phrases

If it is for free, give me two, he said.

This proverb is used to mock people who are overly greedy or take undue advantage when something is offered for free. It describes a situation where someone wants more than they need simply because they don't have to pay for it.

Ganga, saliva, and split legs are inevitable.

This is a traditional Telugu proverb used to describe the unavoidable physical transformations and loss of bodily control that come with extreme old age. 'Ganga' refers to the watering of eyes or nose, 'Songa' to drooling, and 'Panga' to the inability to walk straight (bowed legs). It is used to philosophize about the reality that no matter how great one is, the indignities of aging spare no one.

Even if it is a detour, a dry path is better.

This proverb suggests that it is better to take a longer, safer, and more reliable route (or method) rather than a shortcut that is dangerous or difficult. It emphasizes choosing safety and certainty over speed.

Shackles for the front legs

This expression is used to describe an action taken in advance to prevent someone or something from moving forward or causing trouble. It refers to the practice of tying the front legs of an animal to restrict its movement, figuratively implying a preemptive strike or a preventative measure to keep a situation under control.

When asked which way, saying Godavari.

This expression describes a situation where someone gives an irrelevant, nonsensical, or rhyming answer to a question instead of providing the actual information requested. It highlights a lack of connection between the question asked and the response given, often used when someone is being evasive or is completely lost in conversation.

A fig fruit looks bright on the outside, but inside it is full of worms.

This proverb is used to describe something or someone that appears attractive, virtuous, or perfect on the surface but is actually rotten, deceptive, or flawed internally. It serves as a warning not to judge based solely on outward appearances.

There is no fault for the river Ganga, for drool, or for bending.

This proverb highlights exceptions where things that are usually seen as impure or weak are considered acceptable. 1. The River Ganga remains pure regardless of what flows into it. 2. A child's drool (songa) is never seen as disgusting by parents. 3. Bending (ongu) or bowing before elders or for work is not a sign of inferiority, but a sign of respect or necessity.

When asked which way, saying 'Godavari' way.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone gives an irrelevant or nonsensical answer to a specific question, or when there is a complete lack of communication/understanding between two people. It highlights a disconnect where the response has nothing to do with the query.

Ganga is good for both sides, is there any harm to either bank?

This proverb highlights a person or situation that is universally beneficial and impartial. Just as a flowing river provides water and fertility to both its banks without discrimination or harm, a truly noble person or a balanced system serves everyone equally well without causing disadvantage to anyone.

Even if it is a long way around, an easy path is better.

This proverb suggests that it is better to take a longer, safer, and more convenient route rather than a shortcut that is difficult, risky, or problematic. It is used to advise patience and caution over hasty shortcuts that might lead to trouble.