కులము చెడ్డా సుఖం దక్కాలి
kulamu chedda sukham dakkali
Even if the caste status is lost, one should at least gain comfort/happiness.
This proverb is used when someone sacrifices their reputation, social standing, or principles to achieve a goal. It implies that if you are going to take a risk that might ruin your name, the result should at least be worth the loss and bring you some benefit or pleasure.
Related Phrases
చిన్నక్కను పెద్దక్కను, పెద్దక్కను చిన్నక్కను చేసే వాడు
chinnakkanu peddakkanu, peddakkanu chinnakkanu chese vadu
He makes the younger sister the elder, and the elder sister the younger.
This expression is used to describe a person who is extremely cunning, manipulative, or a master of deception. It refers to someone capable of twisting facts or reality so convincingly that they can make even the most obvious truths appear reversed.
Said of an unprincipled, untruthful man.
వ్రతం చెడ్డా సుఖం దక్కలేదు
vratam chedda sukham dakkaledu
The ritual was ruined, and no pleasure was gained.
This proverb is used when someone compromises their principles or makes a sacrifice to achieve a certain benefit, but ends up losing both their integrity and the expected reward. It describes a situation of total loss where a 'sin' was committed for a gain that never materialized.
చిన్నక్కను పెద్దక్కను, పెద్దక్కను చిన్నక్కను చేసినట్లు
chinnakkanu peddakkanu, peddakkanu chinnakkanu chesinatlu
Like making the younger sister the older one, and the older sister the younger one.
This expression is used to describe a situation where things are completely mixed up, shuffled, or inverted. It refers to a state of total confusion or an illogical reversal of roles or order.
కక్కుర్తి పడ్డా సుఖం దక్కాలి.
kakkurti padda sukham dakkali.
Even if you act stingy or greedy, you should at least enjoy the benefit.
This proverb is used when someone compromises their dignity, quality, or ethics for a small gain or to save money, but fails to actually enjoy or benefit from the result. It implies that if you are going to be miserly or endure some embarrassment, it should at least be worth the trouble.
సుఖం స్వర్గం, దుఃఖం నరకం
sukham svargam, duhkham narakam
Happiness is heaven, suffering is hell.
This expression simplifies the philosophical concept that heaven and hell are not physical places one goes to after death, but are states of mind experienced in the present life based on one's circumstances and mental outlook. It is used to emphasize that living happily is equivalent to being in paradise.
వ్రతం చెడ్డా సుఖం దక్కాలి
vratam chedda sukham dakkali
Even if the ritual is ruined, one should at least gain comfort/happiness.
This proverb is used when a person has already compromised their principles, rules, or integrity for a task, but they want to ensure that they at least get the desired benefit or result out of it. It implies: 'If I have already lost my reputation or broken the rules, I might as well enjoy the reward.'
కుక్కను ఎక్కితే సుఖమూ లేదు, కూలబడితే దుఃఖమూ లేదు
kukkanu ekkite sukhamu ledu, kulabadite duhkhamu ledu
There is no pleasure in riding a dog, and no pain if it collapses.
This expression is used to describe a situation or a thing that is of very low value or trivial significance. It implies that being associated with such a person or thing brings no real benefit (honor), and losing it or failing in it causes no real loss or sorrow. It emphasizes the pointlessness of pursuing something inferior.
వ్రతము చెడ్డా సుఖము దక్కవలెను
vratamu chedda sukhamu dakkavalenu
If the vow be broken, some enjoyment must be obtained. There must be some inducement to transgress the bounds of virtue.
This proverb is used when a person has already compromised their principles, values, or hard work for something; in such a situation, they should at least ensure they get the desired result or benefit from that compromise. It is similar to the idea of 'if you're going to do something wrong or difficult, make sure it's worth the effort.'
నిధి సుఖమా, రాముని సన్నిధి సుఖమా?
nidhi sukhama, ramuni sannidhi sukhama?
Is material wealth happiness, or is being in the presence of Rama happiness?
This expression is used to question the true source of contentment, contrasting temporary material riches with spiritual peace or divine proximity. It originated from a famous kirtana by the saint-composer Tyagaraja, who refused royal gifts in favor of his devotion.
మర్యాదకు పోతే మానం దక్కదు.
maryadaku pote manam dakkadu.
If you go for courtesy, you will lose your dignity.
This expression is used when someone's attempt to be polite, formal, or overly respectful towards someone who doesn't deserve it results in them being insulted or humiliated. It warns that being too submissive or courteous in the wrong situation can lead to a loss of self-respect.