కర్మ చండాలుని కంటె, జాతి చండాలుడు మేలు.
karma chandaluni kante, jati chandaludu melu.
A person born into a marginalized caste is better than a person who commits wicked deeds.
This expression emphasizes that character and actions are more important than birth or social status. It suggests that someone who is socially stigmatized by birth is still superior to a person from a 'higher' status who behaves immorally or performs evil actions. It is used to critique hypocrisy and promote moral integrity over social hierarchy.
Related Phrases
పూస గుచ్చిన చందము
pusa guchchina chandamu
Like stringing beads. All in harmony.
This expression is used to describe a narration or explanation that is extremely clear, orderly, and detailed. Just as beads are meticulously arranged one by one on a string, it refers to telling a story or presenting facts in a seamless, sequential, and lucid manner.
అండలుంటే కొండలు దాటవచ్చు.
andalunte kondalu datavachchu.
If you have support, you can cross mountains.
This proverb emphasizes the power of having backing or support (financial, social, or emotional). It suggests that with the right assistance or a strong foundation, one can overcome even the most formidable obstacles that would be impossible to tackle alone.
తాళ్లకు తలను చండ్లు, మేకలకు మెడను చండ్లు
tallaku talanu chandlu, mekalaku medanu chandlu
The Palmyra trees have teats on their heads, the goats have teats ( wattles ) on their necks.
This proverb is used to describe things or situations that are useless, misplaced, or functionally redundant. Just as the nipple-like growths on the head of a palm tree or the neck of a goat serve no purpose for milking, some efforts or objects lack any practical utility.
The Hindus call the flower stalk ( spadix ) of the Palmyra a teat. Useless appendages.
ఒంటి కంటే జంట మేలు
onti kante janta melu
A pair is better than being alone
This proverb emphasizes the value of companionship and cooperation. It suggests that two people working together or supporting each other is always better and more effective than a person acting alone. It is often used to encourage marriage, partnership, or teamwork.
కాంచనం కర్మ విమోచనం
kanchanam karma vimochanam
Gold is the release from karma (or debts).
This proverb suggests that money or wealth has the power to solve many problems, settle obligations, and free one from various worldly troubles or sins. It is often used to highlight the influence and necessity of money in resolving difficult situations.
రేపటి నెమలి కంటే, ఈనాటి కాకి మేలు.
repati nemali kante, inati kaki melu.
A crow today is better than a peacock tomorrow.
This proverb emphasizes the value of immediate certainty over future possibilities. It is similar to the English idiom 'A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush,' suggesting it is better to have something small but guaranteed right now than the hope of something better that might never arrive.
కర్మ ఛండాలుడి కంటే జాతి ఛండాలుడు మేలు.
karma chhandaludi kante jati chhandaludu melu.
A person who is an outcast by birth is better than one who is an outcast by their actions.
This proverb emphasizes that character and behavior are more important than social status or birth. It suggests that someone born into a lower social standing but possessing good character is far superior to someone from a respectable background who commits wicked or immoral acts. It is used to criticize those who behave despicably despite their upbringing.
దండించే వాడు లేకుంటే, తమ్ముడు చండప్రచండుడు
dandinche vadu lekunte, tammudu chandaprachandudu
If there is no one to discipline him, even the younger brother acts like a fierce warrior.
This proverb is used to describe a person who acts arrogantly or recklessly simply because there is no authority figure around to keep them in check. It highlights how people's behavior changes when they lack accountability or supervision.
రేపల్లె వాడ చందము
repalle vada chandamu
Like a row of houses in Rēpalle. Rēpalle ( or Vrēpalle ) is the Telugu name of Nandavraja, the scene of the youthful exploits of Krishṇa. It was famous for its prosperity according to some—according to others, for the unchastity of its women.
This expression describes a place or a scene that is extremely noisy, crowded, or chaotic, similar to the bustling atmosphere of Repalle during Lord Krishna's childhood. It is used to describe a house or a gathering where everyone is talking at once or there is constant commotion.
అందచందాలు లేని మొగుడు మంచంనిండా ఉన్నట్టు.
andachandalu leni mogudu manchamninda unnattu.
A husband without any looks or charm feels like he is occupying the whole bed.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone or something that lacks value or appeal feels like an overwhelming burden. It highlights how defects or undesirable qualities in a person make their presence feel more intrusive or annoying than it would otherwise be.