లేని బావకంటే గుడ్డి బావ అయినా మేలు.
leni bavakante guddi bava ayina melu.
A blind brother-in-law is better than none at all.
This proverb is used to convey that having something imperfect or flawed is better than having nothing at all. It is similar to the English expression 'Something is better than nothing'.
Better a bare foot than no foot at all. Better a blind horse than an empty halter. (Dutch.)*
Related Phrases
బావా బావా అంటే పక్కలోకి రమ్మన్నాడట
bava bava ante pakkaloki rammannadata
When addressed affectionately as brother-in-law, he invited her to bed.
This proverb describes a situation where someone takes undue advantage of friendliness or intimacy. It is used when a person mistakes a polite or affectionate gesture for a weakness and responds with an inappropriate or overstepping demand. It highlights the behavior of individuals who lack boundaries and exploit a relationship's closeness.
చుట్టూ అయినా మెట్టదారి మేలు
chuttu ayina mettadari melu
Even if it is a detour, a dry path is better.
This proverb suggests that it is better to take a longer, safer, and more reliable route (or method) rather than a shortcut that is dangerous or difficult. It emphasizes choosing safety and certainty over speed.
ఎక్కడనయినా బావా అనవచ్చునుగాని, వంగతోట వద్ద బావా అనగూడదు.
ekkadanayina bava anavachchunugani, vangatota vadda bava anagudadu.
Call me brother-in-law any where but at the Brinjal garden. Unwillingness to acknowledge relationship when it would cost anything.
This proverb highlights the importance of context and boundaries. While a relationship might be informal and friendly (calling someone 'Bava'), using that intimacy in a place where it could lead to suspicion or theft (like a garden where one might steal produce) is unwise. It warns that certain behaviors, though generally acceptable, are inappropriate in specific sensitive situations.
బడాయి బావగారూ అంటే, ఏమే గుడ్డికంటి మరదలా అన్నాడట
badayi bavagaru ante, eme guddikanti maradala annadata
When a woman said "O conceited brother-in-law," he answered "Well, one eyed sister-in-law."
This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone who is criticized for their flaws or arrogance immediately retaliates by pointing out a bigger or equally hurtful flaw in the critic. It highlights a cycle of mutual insults or a situation where a person with faults tries to silence another person's valid observation with rudeness.
ఒంటి కంటే జంట మేలు
onti kante janta melu
A pair is better than being alone
This proverb emphasizes the value of companionship and cooperation. It suggests that two people working together or supporting each other is always better and more effective than a person acting alone. It is often used to encourage marriage, partnership, or teamwork.
దరిలేని బావి దాపులేని కొంప
darileni bavi dapuleni kompa
A well without a ledge and a house without neighbors.
This proverb highlights the dangers of vulnerability and isolation. A well without a protective wall (ledge) is a safety hazard, just as a house located in a remote area without neighbors lacks support and security. It is used to describe a situation or lifestyle that is precarious and lacks a safety net.
కులమింటి కోతి అయినా మేలు.
kulaminti koti ayina melu.
A monkey [ -like wife ] of good family is better [than a pretty wife of low origin ].
This proverb suggests that it is better to deal with someone familiar, even if they have flaws or are troublesome, rather than trusting a stranger. It emphasizes the comfort and safety found within one's own community, family, or social circle during times of need.
మొసలిబావా కడియమే పోయింది కానీ, కాలైనా ఇంతే కదా!
mosalibava kadiyame poyindi kani, kalaina inte kada!
O my friend alligator! If this root had been my leg you would have treated it in the same way, would you not? An alligator enticed a man into the water with fair promises. But after- wards caught him by the leg. The man in turn deceived the alligator by a ruse and escaped.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where one experiences a significant loss but finds a small, somewhat ironic consolation in the fact that it wasn't a total disaster. It is often used to mock someone who tries to stay positive or save face after a major setback by focusing on a trivial survival detail.
ఎక్కడయినా బావ అనుగాని, వంగతోటలో బావ అనకు
ekkadayina bava anugani, vangatotalo bava anaku
Call me brother-in-law anywhere, but do not call me brother-in-law in the brinjal garden
This proverb highlights hypocrisy or situational convenience. It refers to someone who wants to maintain a relationship or friendship in public but refuses to acknowledge it when there is work to be done or when their personal interests (like guarding a harvest) are at stake. It is used to describe people who are friendly only when it doesn't cost them anything.
గుడ్డి కన్నా మెల్ల మేలు.
guddi kanna mella melu.
A squint eye is better than a blind eye.
This proverb is used to convey that having something imperfect or partial is better than having nothing at all. It is similar to the English expression 'Half a loaf is better than no bread' or 'Something is better than nothing.'
Of two evils choose the least.