మంచివాని చావు మరణంలో తెలుస్తుంది (పుణ్యపాలకు సుఖదుర్మరణాలని)

manchivani chavu maranamlo telustundi (punyapalaku sukhadurmaranalani)

Translation

A good person's death is known by how they die (blessed souls have a peaceful or significant passing).

Meaning

This expression suggests that a person's true character and the value of their life are reflected in the nature of their death. It is often used to imply that those who lived virtuously will have a peaceful or honorable end, whereas a difficult death might be seen as a reflection of past deeds. It is used when discussing the legacy or final moments of a respected individual.

Related Phrases

A good person's character is revealed when they are cheated, and a truthful person's character is revealed at the time of death.

This proverb explains that true nature is tested during adversity. A truly good person remains virtuous even when betrayed or faced with deceit, and a person committed to truth remains honest even when facing life-threatening situations. It is used to emphasize that integrity is not what one shows in comfort, but what one maintains under pressure.

The life one lived is known at the time of death.

This proverb emphasizes that a person's true character, reputation, and the impact of their life's work are only fully realized and judged by society after they pass away. It is often used to suggest that one's legacy is defined by how they are remembered by others when they are gone.

When the father dies, one understands management; when the mother dies, one understands household responsibilities.

This proverb highlights the specific roles parents play in a family. It suggests that a child only truly understands the burden of authority and financial responsibility once the father is gone, and the intricacies of managing a home and family bonds once the mother is gone.

Does death come more than once ?

This expression is used to convey that once someone has reached the absolute bottom or has already faced the worst possible outcome, they no longer fear further risks or consequences. It signifies a state of fearlessness or resilience after an extreme loss or failure, implying that things cannot get any worse than they already are.

When called a good man, he made holes all over the cot.

This proverb describes a situation where someone takes undue advantage of the praise or kindness shown to them. It refers to people who, when trusted or given freedom due to their 'good' reputation, end up causing damage or acting irresponsibly. It is used to caution against blind trust or to describe someone who lacks common sense despite being called 'good'.

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.

Is the cow's color known by its milk?

This expression suggests that external appearances (like the color of a cow) do not dictate the essence or the outcome of its function (white milk). It is used to convey that character, quality, or truth remains the same regardless of outward diversity or appearances.

Death for mangoes, wealth for tamarind.

This is a traditional agricultural observation or weather-based proverb. It suggests that a year with excessive heat or specific weather conditions might lead to a poor mango harvest (symbolized as death/failure), while simultaneously being perfect for a bountiful tamarind harvest (symbolized as wealth/success). It is used to describe how certain conditions can be unfavorable for one thing but highly beneficial for another.

A feast for the tiger is death for the cattle.

This proverb highlights a situation where one person's gain or pleasure results in another's suffering or loss. It is used to describe zero-sum games or exploitative situations where the benefit of the powerful inherently involves the destruction of the weak.

Death is a better refuge for a man than living on a dowry.

This proverb emphasizes the social stigma and loss of self-respect associated with a man living off his wife's wealth or dowry (Aranam). It suggests that for a man with dignity, death is preferable to the humiliation of being dependent on his in-laws' property or a dowry-based lifestyle.