కిమాలస్యం - అమృతం విషం
kimalasyam - amritam visham
When one said " Kimâlasyam ?" the other replied " Âlasya, Arasasya, Pungasya, Puliyasya, Vêpasya." A learned Paṇḍit once asked, in Sanscrit, an ignorant but witty Village priest who had named an unlucky day for an auspicious ceremony " Why this delay? [in explaining the matter]"; the other replied, punning upon the word Âlasya, " Banyan tree, holy fig tree, Punga tree, Tamarind tree, and Margosa tree." ( The words used are Tamil. ) The Village priest had previously to the disputation agreed with his fellow villagers that the man who spoke most words should be considered the more learned of the two; they therefore thrashed the Paṇḍit and turned him out of their village.
This expression is used to emphasize the importance of acting immediately on a good opportunity or a noble task. It suggests that procrastination or unnecessary waiting can ruin the value of a positive outcome, effectively turning something sweet (nectar) into something harmful (poison).
Related Phrases
హాస్యగానికి తేలు కుట్టినట్లు, కోతికి దయ్యం పట్టినట్లు.
hasyaganiki telu kuttinatlu, kotiki dayyam pattinatlu.
Like a comedian bitten by a scorpion, or a monkey possessed by a ghost.
This expression is used to describe situations where someone's genuine distress or serious problems are dismissed as a joke or ignored because of their reputation. Just as people might laugh thinking a comedian is acting when they are actually in pain, or fail to notice a monkey's erratic behavior because monkeys are naturally hyperactive, it highlights the irony of being ignored when you most need help.
ఆలస్యం అమృతం విషం
alasyam amritam visham
Delay makes even nectar turn into poison
This expression highlights the importance of punctuality and taking timely action. It suggests that even the best opportunities or benefits can lose their value or become harmful if one hesitates or procrastinates for too long.
హాస్యగాణ్ని తేలు కుట్టినట్టు
hasyaganni telu kuttinattu
Like a scorpion stinging a jester. No one believes it. One may cry " Wolf !" too often. క్ష.
This expression is used to describe a situation where a person who is usually funny or non-serious is genuinely suffering or in trouble, but others mistake it for a joke or part of an act. It refers to a tragedy that is perceived as comedy by observers, leading to a lack of sympathy or help when it is actually needed.
ఆలస్యం అమ్రుతం విషం.
alasyam amrutam visham.
Delay turns nectar into poison.
Opportunity unavailed becomes harmful. One should not delay.
అమావాస్యకు అట్లు, పున్నానికి బూరెలు.
amavasyaku atlu, punnaniki burelu.
Dosas for the New Moon, Boorelu (sweet dumplings) for the Full Moon.
This expression describes a person who expects specific treats or rewards according to a fixed schedule or ritual, or someone who is overly fond of festive food. It is often used to characterize a routine-based lifestyle centered around celebrations and eating.
తొందరకి ఆలస్యం మొగుడు
tondaraki alasyam mogudu
Delay is the husband (master) of haste.
This proverb is used to warn that being overly hasty often leads to mistakes or complications that ultimately result in even greater delays. It is similar to the English proverb 'Haste makes waste.'
చిదంబర రహస్యం
chidambara rahasyam
The secret of Chidambaram
This expression refers to a deep mystery or an unsolvable secret. It originates from the Nataraja temple in Chidambaram where a curtain is pulled back to reveal an empty space (symbolizing the formless divine), often leaving observers confused. In common usage, it describes something that is intentionally kept obscure, highly complex, or a secret that remains a mystery despite efforts to understand it.
గోరంత ఆలస్యం కొండంత నష్టం
goranta alasyam kondanta nashtam
A fingernail-sized delay causes a mountain-sized loss.
This proverb emphasizes the critical importance of punctuality and timely action. It suggests that even a tiny or negligible delay can lead to catastrophic or massive consequences. It is used to advise someone to be prompt and not to underestimate the risks of procrastination.
ఆలస్యమైనా అంటుబొడ్డుదాన్నే కనాలి.
alasyamaina antuboddudanne kanali.
Even if it is delayed, one should give birth to a child with an attached umbilical cord.
This proverb emphasizes quality over speed. It suggests that it is better to wait and achieve a perfect or legitimate result rather than rushing and ending up with something flawed or incomplete. It is often used to advise patience in important matters to ensure a successful outcome.
అతి రహస్యం బట్టబయలు
ati rahasyam battabayalu
The great secret is laid bare to all.
This expression is used when a matter that was meant to be kept strictly confidential or hidden is suddenly revealed to everyone. It implies that the more one tries to conceal something intensely, the more likely it is to be exposed in a grand or public manner.
Tom Noddy's secret.