కత్తిపోటు తప్పేనా, కలం పోటు తప్పదు.
kattipotu tappena, kalam potu tappadu.
One might escape a sword strike, but one cannot escape the strike of a pen.
This expression highlights that written words have a more permanent and devastating impact than physical violence. While physical wounds may heal or be avoided, the consequences of what is written—such as laws, journalism, or literature—are enduring and inescapable. It is often used to emphasize the power of the media or the written record in holding people accountable.
Related Phrases
అన్ని కార్తెలు తప్పినా హస్త తప్పదు
anni kartelu tappina hasta tappadu
Even if all other seasons fail, the Hasta rain will not fail.
This is a traditional agricultural proverb related to the lunar mansions (Kartes). It implies that even if the rains fail during other periods, the rains during the 'Hasta Karthe' are reliable and inevitable. In a broader sense, it refers to a dependable final chance or a certainty that one can rely on when everything else fails.
వయసు తప్పినా వయారము తప్పలేదు.
vayasu tappina vayaramu tappaledu.
Though he is old he is still a fop.
This expression is used to describe someone who maintains their elegance, charm, or style despite growing old. It suggests that while physical youth may fade, one's poise and attractive demeanor remain intact.
కత్తిపోటు తప్పినా కలంపోటు తప్పదు.
kattipotu tappina kalampotu tappadu.
Though the stab of the sword may fail, the stab of the pen will not fail.
This expression highlights the power of the written word over physical force. While a physical injury from a weapon might heal, the consequences of written documentation, laws, or press reports are permanent and far-reaching. It is used to caution people about the lasting impact of administrative decisions or journalism.
ఏ పాటు తప్పినా సాపాటు తప్పదు.
e patu tappina sapatu tappadu.
Whatever work is neglected, eating is not forgotten.
This proverb highlights that regardless of one's struggles, difficulties, or busy schedule, the basic necessity of eating is unavoidable and essential for survival. It is often used to emphasize that humans must work to satisfy their hunger, or as a justification for taking a break to eat despite being in the middle of a crisis.
బాపలు తప్పినా వేపలు తప్పవు, వేపలు తప్పినా ఏరువాకా పున్నమి తప్పదు
bapalu tappina vepalu tappavu, vepalu tappina eruvaka punnami tappadu
Even if the Brahmins miss (the predictions), the neem trees won't; even if the neem trees miss, the Eruvaka Purnima won't.
This is a traditional agricultural proverb highlighting the certainty of seasonal cycles. It suggests that while human predictions (astrology/almanacs) might fail, nature's signs (like neem trees flowering) and fixed seasonal festivals (like Eruvaka Purnima, which marks the start of the sowing season) are reliable indicators for farmers to begin their work.
ముండ చావనూ చావదు, ముట్టు తప్పనూ తప్పదు
munda chavanu chavadu, muttu tappanu tappadu
The widow neither dies nor does her menstrual cycle stop.
This proverb is used to describe a persistent, annoying problem or a person who remains a constant nuisance without any resolution. It refers to a situation that is stuck in a stagnant, unpleasant state where there is neither an end to the trouble nor any relief from the daily difficulties associated with it.
సొమ్ము పోయేటప్పుడు, తట్టు తగిలేటప్పుడు మతి ఉండదు.
sommu poyetappudu, tattu tagiletappudu mati undadu.
When money is leaving or when a physical blow hits, one's senses do not function.
This proverb highlights human nature's lack of foresight or awareness during critical moments. It suggests that people often fail to be careful or sensible when they are in the process of losing their wealth or when they are about to face a misfortune/accident. It is used to remark on how hindsight is always clearer than foresight.
మర్యాద రామన్న మాట తప్పినా, నా వేటు తప్పదు.
maryada ramanna mata tappina, na vetu tappadu.
Though the word of Maryâda Râmanna fail, my blow will not fail. Maryâda Râmanna ( 'the respected Râmanna' ) was a famous minister, renowned for his judgment and the wisdom of his decisions.
This expression signifies an absolute determination or an unshakeable commitment to an action. It implies that while even a person known for supreme integrity (like the legendary judge Maryada Ramanna) might theoretically fail or falter, the speaker's resolve or the consequence of their action is inevitable and certain.
పదము తప్పినా ప్రాస తప్పరాదు
padamu tappina prasa tapparadu
Even if the word is missed, the rhyme must not be missed.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone prioritizes style, rhythm, or external appearance over the actual content or truth. In a literal sense, it refers to poetry where maintaining the rhyme (prasa) is seen as more important than the choice of words. In a general context, it refers to people who focus on sticking to a pattern or keeping up appearances even when the substance is lost.
కాటికి పోయినా కాసు తప్పదు.
katiki poyina kasu tappadu.
Even if one goes to the cremation ground, the coin is inevitable.
This proverb highlights the persistent nature of greed or the inevitable burden of taxes and expenses. It refers to the tradition of placing a coin on a deceased person's body or paying a fee at the funeral pyre, implying that financial obligations or worldly attachments follow a person until the very end.