ఈటెపోటు మానుతుంది గాని మాటపోటు మానదు

itepotu manutundi gani matapotu manadu

Translation

A wound from a spear will heal, but a wound from a word will not.

Meaning

Physical injuries or wounds caused by weapons heal over time, but the pain caused by harsh, cruel, or insulting words leaves a permanent scar on the mind. This proverb emphasizes the lasting impact of speech and warns people to be careful with their words, as emotional damage is much harder to repair than physical hurt.

Related Phrases

Though the stab of the sword may fail, the stab of the pen will not fail.

This expression highlights the power of the written word over physical force. While a physical injury from a weapon might heal, the consequences of written documentation, laws, or press reports are permanent and far-reaching. It is used to caution people about the lasting impact of administrative decisions or journalism.

A grasshopper eating the seed in the drilling machine. Premature ruin.

This expression is used to describe an unexpected disaster or a significant problem that occurs at the very beginning of a task. A seed drill (jaddigamu) is used to plant seeds for the future; if a locust (midatha) attacks at that specific point, it ruins the entire potential crop before it even has a chance to grow. It is similar to the English idiom 'to nip it in the bud,' but refers to a negative external event ruining the foundation of an endeavor.

A prick from the weaver's spindle in front is better than a stab from the warrior's dagger from behind.

This proverb emphasizes that facing a minor or blunt confrontation directly is far better than suffering a lethal or severe betrayal from an unexpected source. It is often used to suggest that honest, direct opposition is preferable to hidden or backstabbing enemies.

If the son is ours, will the daughter-in-law also become ours?

This proverb is used to express the reality that one's influence or claim over their own children does not automatically extend to their children's spouses. It highlights the natural distance or lack of blood relation between a person and their daughter-in-law, suggesting that one cannot expect the same level of loyalty or belonging from her as they do from their son.

Training a hornless bullock to gore. Leading the innocent to vice.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone is trying to teach a skill or a task to a person who lacks the basic tools, capability, or inherent nature to perform it. It highlights the futility of an effort when the subject is fundamentally unsuited for the goal.

Even if the wound heals, the scar (stiffness) remains.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where, although a primary problem or conflict has been resolved, the emotional damage, psychological impact, or physical trace of that event persists. It highlights that certain experiences leave lasting marks that do not disappear even after the initial 'pain' is gone.

One might escape a sword strike, but one cannot escape the strike of a pen.

This expression highlights that written words have a more permanent and devastating impact than physical violence. While physical wounds may heal or be avoided, the consequences of what is written—such as laws, journalism, or literature—are enduring and inescapable. It is often used to emphasize the power of the media or the written record in holding people accountable.

There is no substitute or remedy for a word that has crossed its limits.

This proverb emphasizes the permanence and impact of spoken words. Once someone says something hurtful or excessive (crossing the boundary of decency or patience), the damage is irreversible. It is used to advise people to think before they speak and to maintain self-control in conversation.

The day may pass by, but the word spoken remains forever.

This expression emphasizes the permanence and power of one's words. While time and moments are fleeting, the promises made or the words spoken (whether kind or hurtful) leave a lasting impact and are remembered long after the situation has ended. It is used to advise someone to be mindful of what they say.

Time passes away, but the word remains

This expression emphasizes the permanence and importance of one's promises or speech. While time is fleeting and situations change, the words you speak—especially promises or insults—leave a lasting impact and are remembered long after the moment has passed. It is used to advise someone to be careful with their words or to honor their commitments.