అవును-కాదు అనే మాటలెంత చిన్నవో, వాటిని అనడం అంతకష్టం.

avunu-kadu ane matalenta chinnavo, vatini anadam antakashtam.

Translation

How small the words 'Yes' and 'No' are, saying them is that difficult.

Meaning

This expression highlights that although 'Yes' and 'No' are simple, short words, making a definitive decision or taking a firm stand is often emotionally or socially challenging. It is used to describe the difficulty of commitment or refusal.

Related Phrases

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 word 'tomorrow' has no form.

This proverb is used to emphasize that the future is uncertain and unpredictable. It serves as a reminder to not procrastinate or rely on tomorrow, as 'tomorrow' never truly arrives and its shape remains unknown.

Asceticism is difficult at the end, family life is difficult in the middle

This proverb highlights the challenges of different stages of life. Being a monk or ascetic (Sanyasam) is difficult in old age due to loneliness and physical ailments, whereas family life (Samsaram) is hardest in the middle years when one is burdened with responsibilities, financial stress, and raising children.

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.'

As big as the tree is, so much is the wind.

This proverb suggests that responsibilities, problems, or rewards are proportional to one's stature, status, or capacity. For example, a larger business faces bigger risks, or a person with a high income has higher expenses.

Telling is easy, doing is difficult.

This is a common saying used to point out that it is much easier to give advice or talk about a task than it is to actually execute it. It is the Telugu equivalent of 'easier said than done.'

While I was struggling to even understand the word 'Aavo' (Come), did you have to attach 'Khado' (Stand) to it?

This expression is used when someone is already struggling with a basic problem or task, and someone else adds a more complex or additional burden to it. It highlights a situation where one's existing confusion is exacerbated by further complications.

For as much light, there is that much darkness.

This expression is used to convey that every great success or positive situation often comes with an equivalent amount of hidden struggle, failure, or negative aspects. It emphasizes the balance between prosperity and adversity.

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.

Do not stir up troubles yourself until troubles trouble you.

This expression advises against seeking out or creating problems prematurely. It suggests that one should not worry about or interfere with potential difficulties until they actually manifest and require attention. It is similar to the English proverb 'Don't trouble trouble until trouble troubles you'.