మంచివానికి మాటకన్నా మందు లేదు
manchivaniki matakanna mandu ledu
To a good man silence is reproof.
This proverb highlights that a simple, kind, or honest word is sufficient to correct or influence a person of good character. While a stubborn or wicked person might require force or punishment, a virtuous person understands and responds to reason and gentle communication.
Related Phrases
లంచం లేనిదే మంచమెక్కదు
lancham lenide manchamekkadu
Without a bribe, one cannot even get onto the bed.
This expression is used to highlight extreme corruption. It suggests that nothing, even the most basic or essential action, can be accomplished without paying a bribe. It is typically used when criticizing a system where illegal gratification has become mandatory for every step of a process.
కూలికి వచ్చి పాలికి మాట్లాడినట్లు
kuliki vachchi paliki matladinatlu
Coming for daily wages but asking for a share in the property.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone who is hired for a small task or holds a subordinate position oversteps their boundaries and demands authority, ownership, or a share in the profits. It highlights the audacity of a person who forgets their actual status and expects more than what they are entitled to.
మంచి వానికి మరణమే సాక్షి.
manchi vaniki maraname sakshi.
Death is witness to a good man. A good man's character is borne testimony to, after his death. Good men must die, but death cannot kill their names. " The memory of the just is blessed." Proverbs x. 7.
This proverb means that the true character and goodness of a person are fully recognized and validated by the world only after their death. It is often used to suggest that while people may overlook or criticize someone during their lifetime, their virtues are finally honored when they are gone.
మానేదానికి మందేల మానేదానికి మందేల
manedaniki mandela manedaniki mandela
Why take medicine for something that heals itself, and why take medicine for something that won't?
This expression highlights the futility of worrying or intervening in certain situations. It suggests that if a problem will resolve on its own, intervention is unnecessary; if a problem is incurable or inevitable, intervention is useless. It is used to describe situations where one should accept the outcome rather than struggling in vain.
కూలికి వచ్చి పాలికి మాట్లాడినట్టు.
kuliki vachchi paliki matladinattu.
He came for hire, and asked for a share [in the business]. A cool request.
This proverb is used to describe a person who, despite having a very minor or temporary role in a task or organization, tries to claim ownership, authority, or a large share of the profits. It highlights the audacity of someone overstepping their boundaries.
వెనకా ముందూ చూచి మాట్లాడండి
venaka mundu chuchi matladandi
Having looked before and behind, speak, Sir. A story is told of a corrupt judge behind whose seat one of the parties in a suit placed a bag of money and when he perceived that the case was going against him, called out " Look before and behind you Sir, and decide." The judge, perceiving the bribe, adroitly turned his judgment against the opposite party.
This expression is used as a piece of advice or a warning to someone to be cautious with their words. It suggests thinking about the consequences, the context, and the people present before speaking, ensuring one doesn't say something regrettable or inappropriate.
మించినదానికి విచారించి ఫలం లేదు
minchinadaniki vicharinchi phalam ledu
There is no point in worrying about what is past.
This proverb is equivalent to 'don't cry over spilled milk'. It is used to suggest that once something has happened or a mistake has been made that cannot be undone, there is no use in feeling regret or sorrow about it; instead, one should move forward.
పగలు పక్కచూచి మాట్లాడు, రాత్రి అదీ మాట్లాడ వద్దు.
pagalu pakkachuchi matladu, ratri adi matlada vaddu.
When you speak in the day time, look around ; at night don't speak at all. ( Hills see, walls hear. ( Spanish. ) )
This proverb warns about the importance of secrecy and caution when discussing sensitive matters. It suggests that even in daylight, one must check their surroundings for eavesdroppers, but at night, when sounds travel further and silence is unpredictable, it is better to remain completely silent to avoid being overheard.
మాట్లాడేవానికి వినేవానికి అర్థం కానిదే వేదాంతం
matladevaniki vinevaniki artham kanide vedantam
Philosophy is that which neither the speaker nor the listener understands.
This is a humorous and satirical expression used to describe complex, abstract, or overly intellectual talk that lacks clarity. It suggests that when a conversation becomes so convoluted that neither the person speaking nor the person listening knows what is going on, it is often pretentiously labeled as 'Vedanta' (philosophy).
మానింది మందు
manindi mandu
That which heals is the medicine
This expression is used to convey that the effectiveness of a remedy or solution is what truly matters, regardless of its cost, origin, or reputation. If a treatment works and the ailment is cured, it is considered the right 'medicine'. It is often applied to situations where practical results are valued over theoretical perfection.