ఇచ్చి వచ్చే నిష్ఠురముకన్నా, ఇవ్వక వచ్చే నిష్ఠురము నయము.
ichchi vachche nishthuramukanna, ivvaka vachche nishthuramu nayamu.
The offence given by not lending is to be preferred to the annoyance caused after lending. By anger on account of some damage done to the article lent.
This proverb suggests that it is better to refuse someone a favor or a loan immediately and face their temporary displeasure, rather than helping them and eventually facing conflict or broken relationships due to delayed repayment or unmet expectations later. It emphasizes that a clear 'no' is often better than a problematic 'yes'.
Related Phrases
కలిసివచ్చే కాలానికి నడిచి వచ్చే బిడ్డలు పుడతారు
kalisivachche kalaniki nadichi vachche biddalu pudataru
When the time is favorable, children will come walking to you.
This proverb signifies that when luck or time is on your side, success and prosperity come effortlessly. It is used to describe a period of life where everything falls into place perfectly without much struggle, and even unexpected benefits occur.
ముందు వచ్చిన చెవులకన్నా, వెనక వచ్చిన కొమ్ములు వాడి
mundu vachchina chevulakanna, venaka vachchina kommulu vadi
The horns which came last are sharper than the ears which came first. Said of a new comer wishing to usurp authority over his seniors.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where a newcomer, junior, or younger person surpasses their senior or predecessor in skill, power, or success. It highlights that experience (age) doesn't always guarantee superiority over late-blooming talent or sharp ambition.
నిజమాడితే నిష్ఠురము
nijamadite nishthuramu
If you tell the truth [it causes ] annoyance.
This proverb is used to describe how telling the truth often causes offense or makes people unhappy. It suggests that while honesty is a virtue, it can lead to friction or bitterness in relationships because people often prefer hearing pleasant lies over harsh realities.
Truth is bitter food. (Danish.)*
నాగవల్లి నిష్టూరం
nagavalli nishturam
Nagavalli resentment
This expression refers to finding faults or showing resentment even after a grand celebration or a positive event. It originates from the 'Nagavalli' ceremony (the concluding part of a traditional five-day Hindu wedding) where, despite the elaborate arrangements, some relatives or guests inevitably find trivial reasons to complain or act offended.
నిజమాడితే నిష్టూరం
nijamadite nishturam
Speaking the truth leads to resentment.
This expression is used to describe a situation where telling the truth makes others angry or offended. It suggests that people often prefer hearing pleasant lies over harsh realities, and the person who dares to be honest is frequently viewed as unkind or becomes the target of blame.
నాగవల్లి నిష్ఠురము
nagavalli nishthuramu
Squabbling on the fourth day of the marriage. Any disputes with regard to the presents, &c., are brought forward on the fourth day; until then no one can open his mouth. Forgetting many past benefits on account of one slight fault.
This expression refers to finding faults or making complaints during the 'Nagavalli' ceremony (a concluding wedding ritual). It is used to describe situations where people find petty reasons to be offended or complain even when everything has gone well, or when someone brings up grievances at the very last moment of an event.
నాగవల్లి నిష్టూరాలు
nagavalli nishturalu
Complaints during the Nagavalli ceremony
This expression is used to describe petty, unnecessary, or fabricated complaints and grievances raised during the final stages of an event, similar to how relatives often find faults or express dissatisfaction during the 'Nagavalli' ritual of a traditional wedding even when everything has gone well.
అంత్య నిష్టూరం కంటే ఆది నిష్టూరం మేలు.
antya nishturam kante adi nishturam melu.
Better to get the blame (for an action or for help asked) earlier (at the beginning) than later.
Before taking up any activity, it is better to get to know the objections or criticism of others, so that one need not regret one's effort at the end.
వచ్చే కాలము కన్నా, వచ్చిన కాలము మేలు.
vachche kalamu kanna, vachchina kalamu melu.
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.
కలిసి వచ్చే కాలం వస్తే, నడిచి వచ్చే కొడుకు పుడతాడు
kalisi vachche kalam vaste, nadichi vachche koduku pudatadu
When times are favorable a walking (precocious) son will be born.
When circumstances are favorable, good things happen in quick succession. One should wait for the right time, when good fortune will smile on him, instead of losing hope in moments of misfortune.