కాలు జారిన పిల్ల బతుకు, నోరు జారిన పెద్ద బతుకు వ్యర్థం

kalu jarina pilla batuku, noru jarina pedda batuku vyartham

Translation

The life of a child who slips (physically) and the life of an elder who slips (verbally) are wasted.

Meaning

This proverb emphasizes the gravity of words spoken by mature individuals. Just as a physical fall can permanently disable a child's future, a person of status or age who speaks carelessly or fails to keep their word loses all respect and credibility in society. It highlights that responsibility and verbal integrity are the foundation of a meaningful life.

Related Phrases

A slip of the leg is the excuse of a lame donkey.

This proverb is used to describe people who are already lazy or incompetent and use any minor mishap or external circumstance as a convenient excuse to avoid work or justify their failure.

For a lame donkey, a slip is just an excuse.

This proverb is used to describe someone who is already lazy or incapable and uses any small mishap or external circumstance as a convenient excuse to stop working or avoid their responsibilities. It suggests that the person was looking for a reason to fail or quit all along.

A quilt of patches, a road of ruts

This expression describes a situation or a thing that is poorly managed, disorganized, or full of flaws. Just as a quilt made of random patches looks messy and a road with potholes is difficult to travel, this phrase is used to criticize a system, a project, or a life that is full of inconsistencies and constant struggles.

Whichever leg slips there is danger to the child.

This expression refers to a situation where a child being carried is at risk regardless of which leg the carrier slips on. It is used to describe scenarios where a vulnerable party or a dependent will suffer the consequences regardless of which specific mistake is made by the person in charge or the authority figure.

Wasted wealth reaches wasteful people

This expression means that money earned or spent foolishly ends up in the hands of those who do not value it. It is often used to describe how ill-gotten gains or poorly managed resources are eventually squandered by incompetent or undeserving individuals.

If your foot slips you may recover your balance, but if your mouth slips you cannot recall your words. A slip of the foot may be soon recovered; but that of the tongue perhaps never. Better a slip of the foot than of the tongue. (French.)* A word and a stone once let go cannot be recalled. (Spanish.)

This proverb emphasizes the permanence of spoken words. While a physical fall or slip can be recovered from, words spoken carelessly or hurtfully cannot be retracted once they are out. It is used as a caution to think carefully before speaking.

* Mieux vaut glisser du pied que de la langue. † Palabra y piedra suele no tiene vuelta.

Even if your foot slips, your mouth should not slip.

This proverb emphasizes the permanence of spoken words. While a physical fall (slipping your foot) causes temporary injury that can heal, a slip of the tongue (speaking thoughtlessly or hurtful words) can cause irreparable damage to relationships and reputation. It serves as a warning to think carefully before speaking.

For the life lived, is it necessary to rear a pig?

This expression is used to criticize someone who, despite having lived a respectable or decent life, stoops to low, undignified, or petty behavior. It is often used to question why someone would tarnish their reputation or standard of living by engaging in something considered base or beneath them.

For a widow with sagging breasts, a lover with sagging testicles.

This proverb is used to describe a pair or a match where both parties are equally flawed, aged, or past their prime. It implies that people often find partners or associates who are at a similar level of disadvantage or condition as themselves. It is used in a derogatory or mocking sense to point out that 'like meets like' in suboptimal situations.

Even though the child died, the naming ceremony went well.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where the primary purpose or the main goal of an event is lost or failed, but the superficial or secondary formalities were celebrated successfully. It highlights the irony of focusing on the process or celebration while ignoring a catastrophic outcome.