జనుములో పాము పోతే పాతిక నష్టం
janumulo pamu pote patika nashtam
If a snake enters a hemp field, it is a twenty-five percent loss.
This proverb is used to describe situations where searching for a small problem causes more damage than the problem itself. When a snake enters a dense hemp (Janumu) field, the process of trampling and clearing the crops to find or kill it results in a significant loss of harvest, even if the snake is caught.
Related Phrases
లోభికి నాలుగందాల నష్టం
lobhiki nalugandala nashtam
A miser suffers loss in four ways
This proverb explains that a miser, in an attempt to save small amounts of money, often ends up facing much larger losses or multiple disadvantages. It is used to highlight how extreme stinginess can backfire, leading to poor quality of life, loss of reputation, and eventual financial or material waste.
పోరు నష్టం పొందు లాభం
poru nashtam pondu labham
Quarrel leads to loss and friendship to gain.
There is much to gain by living/working together, rather than by quarreling over petty differences. This is a piece of sage advice to keep friendly relations all over.
అనుములు తింటూ మినుములు పెట్టినట్లు
anumulu tintu minumulu pettinatlu
Eating field beans while offering black gram
This proverb describes a situation where someone enjoys something superior or valuable for themselves while offering something inferior or cheaper to others. It is used to point out hypocrisy, selfishness, or a disparity in treatment where the person in power keeps the best resources and gives away the lesser ones.
వేలంత చోటిస్తే రోలంత నష్టం
velanta chotiste rolanta nashtam
If you give space as small as a finger, it leads to a loss as big as a mortar.
This expression is used to warn that giving someone even a tiny bit of leverage, opportunity, or space can result in them taking undue advantage and causing significant trouble or damage. It is similar to the English proverb: 'Give them an inch, and they'll take a mile.'
గుడిలో లింగం పోతే, నడుమ నంబికేం నష్టం?
gudilo lingam pote, naduma nambikem nashtam?
If the Lingam in the temple is gone, what loss is it to the priest?
This proverb is used to describe a person who is an intermediary or a mere employee and does not have a personal stake or emotional investment in the core asset or mission. It implies that if the main object of value is lost, the person who only manages it loses nothing of their own, highlighting a lack of accountability or personal concern.
లోభికి నాలుగందాలా నష్టము
lobhiki nalugandala nashtamu
A miser suffers loss on all sides. False economy. A stingy man is always poor. (French.)
This proverb highlights that a greedy or stingy person often ends up losing more than they save. Due to their excessive desire to save money, they might compromise on quality, health, or relationships, eventually leading to bigger financial or personal losses from multiple directions.
అందం చిందినట్టు, నాగరికం నష్టమయినట్టు.
andam chindinattu, nagarikam nashtamayinattu.
His beauty has overflowed and his politeness has gone.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone's attempt to look beautiful or sophisticated results in a loss of dignity or culture. It highlights a scenario where external decoration or modern pretense leads to the destruction of one's innate grace or traditional values. It is often used to criticize superficiality.
Said ironically of an ugly ruffian.
గోరంత ఆలస్యం కొండంత నష్టం
goranta alasyam kondanta nashtam
A fingernail-sized delay causes a mountain-sized loss.
This proverb emphasizes the critical importance of punctuality and timely action. It suggests that even a tiny or negligible delay can lead to catastrophic or massive consequences. It is used to advise someone to be prompt and not to underestimate the risks of procrastination.
అశ్విని కురిస్తే అంతా నష్టం
ashvini kuriste anta nashtam
If it rains during Ashwini (Karti), it results in total loss.
This is a traditional agricultural proverb referring to the 'Ashwini Karti' period (usually mid-April). It suggests that rainfall during this specific time is detrimental to crops that are ready for harvest or in specific growth stages, leading to significant financial loss for farmers.
వాది నాశం, ప్రతివాది మృతనష్టం, ప్లీడర్ల అదృష్టం, కోర్టువారి ఇష్టం.
vadi nasham, prativadi mritanashtam, plidarla adrishtam, kortuvari ishtam.
Plaintiff's ruin, defendant's dead loss, lawyer's fortune, and court's whim.
This saying highlights the cynical reality of prolonged legal battles. It implies that while the plaintiff and defendant lose their wealth and peace of mind in litigation, the lawyers profit from the fees, and the final outcome remains at the discretion of the court. It is used to advise people to settle disputes amicably rather than approaching the court.