గుడి మణియము చేయబోకు

gudi maniyamu cheyaboku

Translation

Do not manage temple affairs

Meaning

This expression serves as a warning against managing or meddling with public or religious funds/property. In a traditional context, it implies that handling temple administration (Manayam) often leads to false accusations, spiritual downfall, or great difficulty in maintaining absolute honesty, thus suggesting it is better to avoid such positions of public trust where integrity is easily questioned.

Related Phrases

He intended to make a large boat but ended up making a small measuring cup.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone attempts a grand or ambitious project but, due to incompetence or poor planning, ends up with something very small or insignificant. It highlights failure in scaling or a mismatch between ambition and ability.

It doesn't let you cook and see, and it doesn't stop burning.

This expression is used to describe a problematic, irritable, or difficult person or situation that is constantly bothersome. It refers to a fire that is too smokey to allow cooking but too stubborn to go out, representing a state of constant annoyance that neither resolves nor allows progress.

Rain in the Revati nakshatra is beautiful

This proverb refers to the agricultural significance of the Revati nakshatra (the last lunar mansion). It suggests that rainfall during this period is highly beneficial and pleasant, as it helps in the final stages of crop growth and ensures a bountiful harvest. It is used to highlight the auspicious nature of rain at the right time.

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.

Do not do what you have said; do not say what you are doing.

This proverb advises discretion and humility. It suggests that one should not brag or announce their intentions before acting (to avoid failure or interference), nor should one blindly follow spoken advice without evaluation. It is often used to emphasize that actions should speak louder than words and that true success is achieved through silent hard work.

Do not count the molar teeth of a donated cow

This is the Telugu equivalent of the English proverb 'Don't look a gift horse in the mouth'. It means that one should not find faults or criticize the quality of something received as a gift or for free.

Cheapness doesn't let you buy; dearness doesn't let you sell.

This proverb describes the irony of human indecisiveness in the market. When prices are very low (cheap), people suspect the quality and hesitate to buy. Conversely, when prices are high (dear), people hesitate to sell because they hope for even higher prices or fear they won't be able to replace the item. It is used to describe a state of perpetual hesitation or missed opportunities.

An old tree has a firm core. A brave heart in a weak body.

This expression refers to the inherent strength, wisdom, or resilience that comes with age and experience. Just as an old tree has a strong, dense core (heartwood), an elderly or experienced person possesses deep-rooted knowledge and character that youngsters might lack. It is used to praise the sturdiness or capability of someone despite their old age.

When trying to make a sage, it turned into a cat

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone attempts to do something great or noble, but due to lack of skill or bad luck, the end result is mediocre or a failure. It is similar to the English expression 'The best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry.' Note: The user provided 'Malli' (Jasmine) or 'Munni', but the standard proverb is 'Muni' (Sage/Ascetic).

The name and the rules are both ruined.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone fails so badly that they lose both their reputation (name) and their discipline or principles (rules). It describes a total loss of character and standing.