లక్షణం చెడితే అవలక్షణం
lakshanam chedite avalakshanam
If Lakshanam is neglected it becomes Avalakshanam.
This expression means that a small flaw or a lapse in character can turn a virtue into a vice. It is used to caution people that maintaining one's good reputation or quality requires consistency, as even a minor deviation can lead to being perceived negatively.
There is a pun here on the word Lakshanam which as a noun signifies the ' rules of classic composition,' and as an adjective ' handsome.'—Ava- lakshanam means ' ugly,' ' deformed.'
Related Phrases
క్షణం చిత్తం క్షణం మాయ
kshanam chittam kshanam maya
A moment of mind, a moment of illusion
This expression describes a person who is fickle-minded or highly unpredictable. It refers to someone whose thoughts, decisions, or moods change instantly, making it impossible to rely on their word or state of mind for more than a moment.
సులక్షణాల పెళ్ళికొడుకు అనుకుంటే, అవలక్షణాలన్నీ బయటపడ్డాయట
sulakshanala pellikoduku anukunte, avalakshanalanni bayatapaddayata
When thought to be a groom of good virtues, all the bad traits were revealed.
This expression is used when someone who was initially perceived to be highly virtuous, talented, or perfect turns out to have many hidden flaws or negative qualities. It highlights the disappointment when reality contradicts a positive first impression or an idealized image.
చెయ్యి చాపి అవలక్షణమనిపించుకున్నట్లు
cheyyi chapi avalakshanamanipinchukunnatlu
Like stretching out a hand and being called ill-mannered.
This expression describes a situation where someone who asks for help or a favor ends up being insulted, criticized, or gaining a bad reputation instead of receiving assistance. It is used when a person's vulnerability or request for aid backfires, leading to loss of dignity.
చెయ్యి చూపి అవలక్షణము అనిపించుకొన్నట్టు.
cheyyi chupi avalakshanamu anipinchukonnattu.
Pointing with the hand, and being called a luckless fellow. Indiscreetly accusing a person openly of something which you are not able to prove. A fool's tongue is long enough to cut his own throat. Hear, see, and say nothing, if you wish to live in peace. (Italian.)
This proverb describes a situation where someone unnecessarily invites trouble or criticism by interfering in something or volunteering information. It is used when a person's own actions lead to a negative reputation or a bad outcome that could have been avoided by staying quiet or staying out of the way.
అవలక్షణము గలవానికి అక్షతలు ఇస్తే, అవతలికి పోయి నోట్లో వేసుకున్నాడట
avalakshanamu galavaniki akshatalu iste, avataliki poyi notlo vesukunnadata
When sacred grain was given to a luckless fellow, he went away and ate it up (instead of placing it on his head). The term Avalakshana is applied to a man who bears unlucky marks on his person, or whose manners are inauspicious.
This proverb is used to describe a person who lacks basic sense, culture, or awareness of traditions. Akshatalu (sacred rice) are meant to be showered on the head for blessings, not eaten. It highlights how a foolish or ill-mannered person ruins a solemn or sacred gesture by acting out of ignorance or greed.
అయ్యవారి గుర్రానికి అన్నీ అవలక్షణాలే
ayyavari gurraniki anni avalakshanale
Every single trait of the teacher's horse is a bad omen.
This expression is used to describe a person or a situation where everything is flawed or full of defects. It originated from a story where a poor teacher's horse had no redeeming qualities, and it is now applied to people who possess only negative characteristics or projects that are doomed due to multiple failures.
క్షణం చిత్తం - క్షణం మాయ!
kshanam chittam - kshanam maya!
One moment mind - one moment illusion!
This expression describes the unpredictable and fickle nature of the human mind or behavior. It is used to describe a person who changes their thoughts, opinions, or decisions very quickly, or to illustrate how quickly situations can shift from clarity to confusion.
ఉద్యోగం పురుష లక్షణం, అది పోతే అవలక్షణం.
udyogam purusha lakshanam, adi pote avalakshanam.
Employment makes the man ; he is a luckless fellow if he lose it.
While the original proverb 'Udyogam Purusha Lakshanam' emphasizes that work/effort defines a person's character and dignity, this extended humorous or sarcastic version suggests that losing one's job or being unemployed is seen as a flaw or a social stigma. It is often used to highlight the societal pressure regarding employment and financial stability.
వేలుచూపి అవలక్షణ మనిపించుకొన్నట్లు.
veluchupi avalakshana manipinchukonnatlu.
Like pointing a finger and getting labeled as having bad traits.
This proverb describes a situation where someone tries to point out a minor flaw in others but ends up attracting negative attention or criticism towards themselves. It is used when someone's unnecessary interference or criticism backfires, making them look bad instead of the person they were targeting.
లక్షణాలు గల బావగారికి రాగి మీసాలు, అవలక్షణాలు గల బావగారికి అవీ లేవు.
lakshanalu gala bavagariki ragi misalu, avalakshanalu gala bavagariki avi levu.
The good looking brother-in-law has red mustaches, the ugly brother-in-law has none at all.
This proverb is a sarcastic way of describing a situation where there is no good choice available. It implies that even the 'best' option among the lot is flawed or mediocre, while the 'worst' option is completely devoid of any merit. It is used to mock someone's pretense of quality when even their best attributes are subpar.