కడిగండము కాచును

kadigandamu kachunu

Translation

Washing protects against calamity.

Meaning

This proverb highlights the importance of hygiene and cleanliness. It suggests that the simple act of washing (hands, feet, or body) can ward off diseases or 'gandamu' (critical dangers/accidents), implying that being clean prevents many avoidable troubles.

Related Phrases

The silver ring protects from danger; the wick protects from death.

This is an old Telugu saying related to superstitious beliefs and traditional medicine. It suggests that wearing a silver ring (kadi) can ward off accidents or evil eyes, while a medicinal wick or oil lamp (vatti) can prevent death or severe illness. It is used to highlight how small traditional remedies or protective charms are believed to save one from great calamities.

A mountain looks small when seen through a telescope and large when seen through a magnifying glass (it is the perspective that changed, not the mountain).

This expression emphasizes that reality remains constant, but our perception of it changes based on our mindset or the tools we use to judge a situation. It is used to advise someone that their subjective view or prejudice doesn't change the objective truth of a matter.

Evil may be predicted to the mother or to the child, but will any harm come to the midwife?

This proverb is used to describe a situation where a person in charge or a middleman remains safe and unaffected while the primary parties involved face all the risks and consequences. It highlights the immunity or lack of accountability of a facilitator when things go wrong for those they are serving.

The mother will look at his belly the wife at his back. The mother will look to see how her son fares, the wife to see what her husband has brought home for her. Come but come stooping.

This proverb contrasts the different perspectives of love and dependency. A mother's love is selfless, worrying if her child has eaten enough (stomach), whereas a wife's perspective (historically in this context) might be focused on the provisions or earnings the husband brings home (the load on the back). It highlights the transition from being cared for to having responsibilities.

* 'Ακέφαλος μυθος. † II domandar costa poco.

A lump of food [given in charity] will save you from trouble. He who lends to the poor, gets his interest from God. (German.)

This proverb highlights the importance of timely help or minimal sustenance. It implies that even a very small amount of food or a minor timely intervention can save a person from a life-threatening situation or a major calamity.

Patience will save you and your neighbour.

This expression highlights the virtue of patience (Tahlimi). It suggests that by remaining patient, a person can avoid self-destruction or making impulsive mistakes while also preventing conflict and harm to those around them. It is used to advise someone to stay calm in provocative situations.

A snake bites; a scream (or commotion) spoils.

This proverb suggests that while a snake's bite is a direct physical harm, the panic or loud screaming that follows can cause even more damage or ruin the situation. It is used to advise someone to stay calm during a crisis, as overreacting or creating a commotion can be more counterproductive than the problem itself.

Virtue protects the head. The reward of virtue in this life is protection from evil.

This proverb means that one's righteous deeds and moral conduct will act as a shield and save them from danger or misfortune in critical times. It is used to encourage ethical behavior, suggesting that being good eventually leads to being protected by one's own karma.

Are you to ask the bullock before putting on the packsaddle?

This proverb is used to describe situations where a dominant person or authority figure takes action without consulting the subordinate party, especially when the action is mandatory or inevitable. It highlights that in certain power dynamics, consent is not sought because the outcome is already decided.

Like a fight between an elephant and a tortoise.

This expression describes a fierce, prolonged, and equally matched struggle or rivalry between two powerful entities. It originates from Hindu mythology where an elephant and a tortoise (who were brothers in a previous life) fight relentlessly. It is used to describe intense competition where neither side easily gives up.