కాలితే మచ్చపడుతుంది, కాచితే మెత్తపడుతుంది

kalite machchapadutundi, kachite mettapadutundi

Translation

If burnt, it leaves a scar; if heated/tempered, it becomes soft.

Meaning

This proverb highlights the difference between harshness and patience. It suggests that reacting with extreme anger (burning) causes permanent damage or scars in relationships, whereas treating a situation with controlled, gentle persistence (tempering/heating) makes things pliable and manageable.

Related Phrases

Rain during the Chitta star period falls wherever it pleases.

This proverb is based on agricultural observations regarding the 'Chitta' nakshatram (a specific period in the lunar calendar). It suggests that rainfall during this time is highly unpredictable and localized, falling in one spot while leaving a nearby area dry. It is used metaphorically to describe situations that are inconsistent, whimsical, or depend entirely on the unpredictable will of a person or nature.

If left alone it ripens, if plucked out it withers.

This proverb emphasizes the importance of patience and letting things take their natural course. Just as a fruit needs time on the tree to ripen and will wither if picked too early, certain situations or relationships require time and space to mature. It is used to advise against being impulsive or forceful.

Whether the thread in a blind man's hand falls on the spindle or on the pillow.

This expression is used to describe a situation where the outcome is purely a matter of chance or luck rather than skill or certainty. It refers to an unpredictable result where one cannot be sure if an effort will hit the target or miss it completely.

If there is sunlight there is life, if there is life there is cooking, if there is cooking there is food, and if there is food there is sleep.

This traditional proverb highlights the interconnectedness of nature and human survival. It emphasizes that the sun is the primary source of life (agriculture/sustenance), which leads to domestic stability, the ability to prepare meals, nourishment, and ultimately, the comfort of rest. It is used to describe the natural order of life and the importance of favorable conditions for prosperity.

To see the world of Lord Indra from a single blow.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone experiences a sudden, severe shock or a powerful physical blow that leaves them dazed, stunned, or momentarily unconscious. It implies that the impact was so intense that it made them see stars or transported them to another realm (Devendra Lokam/Heaven) due to the intensity of the pain or surprise.

When the buffalo dies, it comes out how much milk she gave.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where the true value, contribution, or secrets of a person are only fully realized or disclosed after they are gone or when a resource is lost. It often implies that someone was exaggerating their worth or productivity while they were active.

Asking feels shameful, but not asking results in a heavy burden (or an empty stomach).

This proverb describes a dilemma where one feels embarrassed to ask for help or their due, but staying silent leads to hardship or suffering. It is used to encourage someone to overcome their hesitation and speak up for what they need.

To a person with jaundice, the whole world appears yellow.

This proverb describes a cognitive bias where a person's own perspective, prejudices, or mental state colors their perception of reality. Just as a jaundice patient sees everything through a yellow tint due to their illness, a person with a biased mind assumes everyone else has the same flaws or intentions that they themselves possess.

A fully ripened fruit will fall on its own.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where a natural outcome or a result occurs automatically when the time is right, without needing external force. It suggests patience, implying that when a process is complete or a person is mature enough, the transition or consequence will happen naturally.

If you leave it alone, it will bear fruit; if you pull it up, it will wither away.

This proverb highlights the importance of patience and allowing things to take their natural course. It is often used to advise someone not to rush a process or interfere prematurely, as doing so might spoil the end result, just as a fruit needs time on the tree to ripen but will dry up if picked too early.