కాదు అంటే కళ తక్కువ, అవును అంటే ఆయువు ఎక్కువ

kadu ante kala takkuva, avunu ante ayuvu ekkuva

Translation

Saying 'no' reduces grace, saying 'yes' increases life span.

Meaning

This expression highlights the social and personal value of being agreeable and positive. It suggests that a negative or confrontational attitude (saying 'no') makes one appear dull or ungraceful, whereas a positive, cooperative, or 'yes' attitude leads to a stress-free, longer, and more harmonious life.

Related Phrases

Little sense, great appetite. Eating one's senses away.

This expression is used to describe a person who lacks the common sense or skill to earn a living or work efficiently, yet has high demands or appetites. It highlights the irony of someone who cannot contribute much but expects a lot in return.

Low intelligence, high hunger

This expression is used to mock someone who lacks common sense or intelligence but has a very large appetite or demands a lot of resources. It describes a person who doesn't contribute much intellectually but consumes a lot.

Low intelligence, high hunger.

This expression is used to describe a person who lacks common sense or productivity but has excessive demands or needs. It highlights a mismatch between one's capabilities and their consumption or expectations, often used sarcastically to mock laziness or incompetence combined with greed.

Low livelihood, high arrogance.

This proverb is used to describe a person who lacks the financial means or capability to sustain themselves properly, yet behaves with excessive pride, arrogance, or puts on a grand show of attitude. It highlights the irony of someone having a poor lifestyle but a high level of pretension.

Less than an annual ceremony, more than a monthly ceremony.

This expression is used to describe something that is mediocre, awkward, or in an indeterminate state. It refers to something that doesn't fit into a specific category or standard—being neither significant enough to be considered important (like a 'Taddinam') nor small enough to be ignored (like a 'Masikam'). It often describes a person's height, the scale of an event, or the quality of a piece of work that is neither here nor there.

Low income, high showiness (or irritability).

This proverb is used to describe a person who has very limited financial means or resources but behaves with excessive pride, a quick temper, or an arrogant attitude. It highlights the irony of someone having little to sustain themselves while maintaining a high-handed or easily offended demeanor.

If Brahmâ wishes, will there be any lack in the length of your days? If the husband wishes, will there be any lack of blows?

This is a sarcastic or cynical proverb used to describe a situation where someone has absolute power or authority to inflict something—either positive or negative. Just as Lord Brahma (the creator) can grant infinite life, a dominant or abusive person can provide an endless supply of trouble or punishment if they set their mind to it. It highlights the inevitability of consequences when someone in power is determined to act.

Low-priced gold has more impurities.

This proverb is used to indicate that when something is sold at an unusually low price, it is often of poor quality or has many defects. It is a cautionary saying used to remind people that 'you get what you pay for' and that cheap goods often come with hidden costs or flaws.

Less work, more struggle (fidgeting/hustle)

This proverb is used to describe a person who does very little actual work but makes a huge fuss, creates unnecessary commotion, or tries too hard to appear busy. It characterizes someone who lacks efficiency but excels in pretending to be overwhelmed or ambitious.

Even if poor in food, is one poor in caste/status?

This proverb is used to express that even if someone lacks financial resources or basic necessities like food, they still maintain their self-respect, dignity, or social standing. It highlights the idea that poverty does not equate to a loss of character or heritage.