గతకాలము మేలు వచ్చుకాలము కంటెన్

gatakalamu melu vachchukalamu kanten

Translation

The past is better than the future to come.

Meaning

This proverb expresses nostalgia and the human tendency to believe that 'the good old days' were superior to the present or the uncertain future. It is often used when people are dissatisfied with current circumstances or are apprehensive about upcoming changes, suggesting that what has passed was more comfortable, virtuous, or prosperous.

Related Phrases

The husband who rejected his wife during the drought, came to claim her during the harvest season.

This proverb describes a fair-weather friend or an opportunistic person. It refers to someone who abandons their responsibilities or relationships when times are difficult and resources are scarce, only to return and claim their rights or benefits when prosperity returns.

Does every thing that comes from milk possess good qua- lities? Good qualities are not always possessed by people of high birth.

This expression implies that noble birth or being born into a wealthy or virtuous family does not automatically guarantee that a person will possess good character or virtues. It emphasizes that character is determined by one's own nature and actions rather than lineage.

As long as hands and feet are working, time will pass.

This expression emphasizes the importance of physical health and self-reliance. It implies that as long as a person is physically capable and mobile, they can work, earn, and sustain themselves without depending on others.

You can fool some people for some time, but you cannot fool everyone all the time.

This expression emphasizes that while temporary deception or dishonesty might work on a few people, the truth will eventually come out and it is impossible to sustain a lie against everyone forever. It is often used as a warning against dishonesty in leadership or public life.

The mother-in-law's time lasts for a while, and the daughter-in-law's time lasts for a while.

This proverb signifies that power and circumstances are never permanent. Just as a daughter-in-law eventually becomes the mother-in-law in charge, everyone gets their turn to lead or dominate. It is used to remind people to be humble during their time of power, as the tables will eventually turn.

A time for misfortune, a time for fortune.

This proverb conveys that life is a cycle of ups and downs. Just as seasons change, periods of suffering will eventually be followed by periods of prosperity and happiness. It is used to offer hope during difficult times or to remind people to stay humble during successful times.

The past is better than the future. "The good old times."

This expression is used to reflect on the past with nostalgia or to express skepticism about the future. It suggests that people often perceive the present or the unknown future as more difficult or uncertain compared to the 'good old days' they have already experienced.

When divine support is absent, one may end up biting an axe in a quarrel.

This proverb highlights that when luck or divine grace is not on one's side, even simple situations can turn disastrous or lead to self-harm. It is used to describe a period of extreme misfortune where one's own actions or anger result in unexpected and painful consequences.

Lust knows no time

This expression suggests that intense desire or lust does not care for timing, circumstances, or appropriateness. It is used to describe a state where a person's impulses override their judgment of when and where it is suitable to act.

Even if you dream as if you are dead, you must wake up eventually.

This proverb is used to emphasize that no matter how deep an illusion, an escape, or a terrible situation may be, one must eventually return to reality and face the facts of life. It highlights the inevitability of facing the truth.