కోపం గొప్పకు ముప్పు, అల్లరి హంగుకు ముప్పు
kopam goppaku muppu, allari hanguku muppu
Anger is a threat to greatness, and mischief is a threat to dignity.
This proverb highlights how negative traits can destroy one's reputation. It suggests that uncontrolled anger can ruin a person's stature or achievements, while chaotic or mischievous behavior can strip away one's social standing and elegance. It is used to advise people to maintain self-control and decorum to protect their status.
Related Phrases
తడిసి ముప్పందుము మోసినట్టు
tadisi muppandumu mosinattu
Like carrying three measures of grain after they have become wet
This proverb describes a situation where an already difficult task becomes significantly more burdensome due to unfavorable circumstances. Just as dry grain becomes much heavier when soaked in water, a problem or responsibility becomes harder to handle when complications are added.
హనుమంతుడి భక్తి గొప్పా? రాముడి రూపం గొప్పా?
hanumantudi bhakti goppa? ramudi rupam goppa?
Is Hanuman's devotion greater, or Rama's form?
This expression is used to highlight a philosophical debate where the depth of devotion (Bhakti) is compared against the divinity of the Godhead (Roopam). It is often used to suggest that the power of a true devotee can sometimes overshadow the fame of the deity they serve, or to point out a situation where choosing between two equally great qualities is impossible.
ముసలి కాలానికి ముప్పతిప్పలు
musali kalaniki muppatippalu
Three times the troubles in old age.
This expression refers to the immense hardships, health issues, and dependencies that often plague a person during their old age. It is used to describe a situation where one faces constant, overwhelming difficulties during the final stages of life.
కుక్కకు కూడువేస్తే కూటికుండకు ముప్పు
kukkaku kuduveste kutikundaku muppu
If you feed the dog, the food-pot is at risk.
This proverb refers to people who are ungrateful or those who, when helped, try to take advantage of or harm their benefactor. It describes a situation where showing kindness to an unworthy or untrustworthy person results in them endangering your own resources or well-being.
వరిపట్టు కడితే వర్షం గొప్ప
varipattu kadite varsham goppa
If the paddy field is ready to be harvested, the rain is great (ironic)
This expression is used to describe an event that happens at the most inconvenient or destructive time possible. Just as rain ruins a crop that is ready for harvest, it refers to a situation where a positive occurrence becomes a disaster due to its timing.
అప్పు ముప్పు
appu muppu
Debt is danger
This proverb serves as a warning about the risks associated with borrowing money. It implies that being in debt brings unforeseen troubles, stress, and potential ruin to one's life. It is used to advise people to live within their means and avoid financial liabilities.
ఇంటికి ఆడపిల్ల ముప్పు, దొడ్డికి వారసప్రం ముప్పు
intiki adapilla muppu, doddiki varasapram muppu
A girl is a danger to the house, a thorny climber is a danger to the backyard.
This traditional proverb highlights the fragility of social and physical structures. In a historical context, it suggests that a daughter's reputation or marriage could bring immense responsibility or risk to a family's honor, much like how 'Varasapram' (a specific invasive weed or thorny vine) can ruin a garden or backyard if left unchecked. It is used to describe things that require constant care and vigilance.
ఎవడి జందెం వాడికి ముప్పు
evadi jandem vadiki muppu
One's own sacred thread is a danger to oneself.
This proverb describes a situation where a person's own characteristic, possession, or identity becomes the cause of their downfall or trouble. It is used when someone is trapped or harmed by their own tools or status.
కార్యం గొప్పా వీర్యం గొప్పా?
karyam goppa viryam goppa?
Is the business of importance or are the means ?
This proverb is used to emphasize that results (the task accomplished) are more important than mere strength or ego. It suggests that one should focus on getting the work done successfully rather than boasting about one's power or status.
భంగు తాగేవానికి హంగుగాళ్ళు పదిమంది.
bhangu tagevaniki hangugallu padimandi.
A person who consumes hemp will have ten sidekicks.
This proverb describes how people with bad habits or those who indulge in intoxicants often find a group of followers or sycophants who encourage them. It is used to highlight that a person's vices easily attract like-minded company or flatterers who join in for the sake of companionship or free benefits.