కలగక ఆడు మాట లయకాలునినైన శమింపజేయు.
kalagaka adu mata layakaluninaina shamimpajeyu.
A word spoken calmly can appease even the Lord of Destruction.
This expression emphasizes the power of gentle and composed speech. It suggests that when a person speaks without agitation or anger, they have the ability to pacify even the most furious or powerful individuals, figuratively represented here by 'Layakaala' (Lord Shiva/Yama). It is used to advise someone to maintain their cool during conflicts to achieve a peaceful resolution.
Related Phrases
పదుగురాడుమాట పాడియై ధర చెల్లు, ఒక్కడాడుమాట ఎక్కదెందు
paduguradumata padiyai dhara chellu, okkadadumata ekkadendu
The word spoken by ten people becomes the justice that prevails on earth, while the word of a single person goes nowhere.
This proverb emphasizes the power of collective opinion and democratic consensus. It suggests that when a group of people agrees on something, it gains the status of truth or law in society, whereas an individual's isolated opinion, regardless of its merit, often lacks the influence to be accepted or implemented. It is used to highlight the importance of social validation and the strength in numbers.
ముదిత చను మెత్తనైనా, అధికారం మెత్తనైనా రోతురు
mudita chanu mettanaina, adhikaram mettanaina roturu
If a woman's breast is soft, or if authority is soft, people will despise it.
This proverb suggests that just as softness is expected in some contexts, in administration or leadership, being too 'soft' or lenient leads to a loss of respect. It implies that a ruler or person in power must be firm to maintain order, otherwise, the subjects or subordinates will disregard their authority.
బహునాయకం, బాలనాయకం, స్త్రీ నాయకం
bahunayakam, balanayakam, stri nayakam
Having many leaders, having a youthful leader, having a female leader. Said of people, an army, &c.
This expression refers to situations or institutions that are destined for failure or decline. It suggests that a kingdom or an organization will perish if it is governed by too many leaders (causing chaos), an immature/inexperienced leader (lack of wisdom), or, in traditional contexts, where power is misplaced or lacks decisive leadership. It is used to describe mismanagement and lack of a single, strong, and capable direction.
ఎత్తివచ్చిన కాపురానికి ఏ కాలూనినా ఒకటే.
ettivachchina kapuraniki e kalunina okate.
For a household that has already been uprooted, it doesn't matter which foot you step forward with.
This proverb is used to describe a situation that is already ruined or in complete disarray. It suggests that when someone has already lost everything or is in a desperate state, minor decisions or further misfortunes do not make a significant difference. It is often said when someone is indifferent to further risks because they have already faced the worst.
పానకంలో పుడకలాగా
panakamlo pudakalaga
Like a splinter in the panakam (sweet drink).
This expression is used to describe a person or a thing that acts as a nuisance or an obstacle in an otherwise pleasant or smooth situation. Just as a small piece of wood or a splinter ruins the experience of drinking a delicious sweet beverage, this refers to an unwelcome interruption.
బహు నాయకము, బాల నాయకము, స్త్రీ నాయకము
bahu nayakamu, bala nayakamu, stri nayakamu
Multiple leaders, a child leader, or a woman leader.
This traditional proverb suggests that a kingdom, organization, or family will face downfall if it is led by too many people (causing chaos), an immature child (lacking wisdom), or a woman (reflecting historical patriarchal views on leadership). It is used to describe situations where leadership is fragmented or perceived as weak.
అతడెంత ఘనుడైన అడుగక తీరదు.
atadenta ghanudaina adugaka tiradu.
No matter how great he is, one must ask.
This expression emphasizes that regardless of a person's status, wealth, or power, specific needs or permissions still require a formal request. It is often used to remind someone that things won't simply be handed over without communication or that certain protocols must be followed by everyone, no matter their importance.
కాకరకాయకు కంతలు ఎన్ని అంటే ములగకాయకు ముంగ్లెన్ని అన్నాడట.
kakarakayaku kantalu enni ante mulagakayaku munglenni annadata.
When asked how many bumps a bitter gourd has, he asked how many ridges a drumstick has.
This proverb describes a situation where someone answers a question with another irrelevant or counter-question to avoid admitting ignorance. It is used when someone tries to cover up their lack of knowledge by being argumentative or evasive.
అలుసైనవాని ఇల్లాలు నాక్రమింపజూచు, తనకు ఈడైన పాదములబట్టు.
alusainavani illalu nakramimpajuchu, tanaku idaina padamulabattu.
A person will try to dominate the wife of a weak man, but will fall at the feet of someone who is their equal.
This proverb describes the behavior of bullies or opportunistic people. It highlights how some individuals exploit or disrespect those they perceive as weak or vulnerable (symbolized by the 'wife of a weak man'), yet behave submissively or with excessive respect when faced with someone who can challenge them or holds equal power.
పురుగు చేరిన పన్ను పలవింపజేయదా?
purugu cherina pannu palavimpajeyada?
Will a worm-infested tooth not cause pain?
This proverb is used to describe how a single bad person or a small internal problem can cause immense distress to the entire group or family. Just as a tiny cavity (worm) in one tooth causes the whole mouth to ache, a troublemaker can ruin the peace of an organization.