మంచివారికి ఒక మాట, మంచిగొడ్డుకు ఒక దెబ్బ
manchivariki oka mata, manchigodduku oka debba
One word for a good person, one lash for a good ox.
This proverb highlights that sensible or noble people understand a hint or a single request and act accordingly without needing repeated instructions or force. Similarly, a well-trained or strong ox requires only a single stroke to perform its task. It is used to suggest that intelligent people do not need to be constantly nagged or punished to do the right thing.
Related Phrases
మంచి వారికి ఒక మాట, మంచి గొడ్డుకు ఒక దెబ్బ
manchi variki oka mata, manchi godduku oka debba
One word to a good man, one stroke to a good bullock. A nod for a wise man, and a rod for a fool.
This proverb emphasizes that an intelligent or sensible person understands and acts upon a single word of advice or instruction, just as a disciplined ox responds to a single stroke. It is used to suggest that wise people do not need repeated warnings or explanations to do the right thing.
ఒక కంచాన తిని ఒక మంచాన పడుకునేవారు
oka kanchana tini oka manchana padukunevaru
Those who eat from the same plate and sleep on the same bed.
This expression is used to describe an extremely close, intimate, and inseparable relationship between people (usually friends or family). It signifies a bond characterized by total trust and shared lives.
మంచివాడు మంచివాడంటే, మంచమెక్కి ఉచ్చ పోశాడట!
manchivadu manchivadante, manchamekki uchcha poshadata!
When called a good man, he climbed the bed and urinated!
This proverb is used to describe someone who takes undue advantage of others' kindness or praise. It refers to a situation where a person, being overly indulged or treated with too much leniency, ends up committing a shameless or disrespectful act, losing their sense of boundaries.
మంచివాడు మంచివాడంటే, మంచమంతా కంతలు చేసినాడు.
manchivadu manchivadante, manchamanta kantalu chesinadu.
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'.
మనిషి కొక మాట, గొడ్డుకో దెబ్బ
manishi koka mata, godduko debba
One word for a person, one lash for an animal.
This proverb emphasizes that a sensible person should understand a point with a single explanation or instruction, whereas an animal requires physical force (like a whip) to obey. It is used to suggest that intelligent people should be responsible and act upon being told once, without needing constant reminders or harsh treatment.
వరికి ఒక వాన, ఊదరకు ఒక వాన కురుస్తుందా?
variki oka vana, udaraku oka vana kurustunda?
Will it rain once for the paddy and separately for the weeds?
This proverb highlights that nature or common benefits do not discriminate between the essential and the non-essential. It is used to explain that certain circumstances or rules apply universally to everyone involved in a situation, regardless of their status or importance.
గొడ్డుకు ఒక దెబ్బ, మనిషికి ఒక మాట
godduku oka debba, manishiki oka mata
One blow for the cattle, one word for the human.
This expression means that while an animal needs physical punishment to understand or obey, a sensible human should be able to understand with just a single word or a simple explanation. It is used to emphasize that intelligent people do not need to be repeatedly told or forced to do the right thing.
మంచివానికి ఒక మాట, మూర్ఖునికి ఒక చేట.
manchivaniki oka mata, murkhuniki oka cheta.
A word to a good man, [ a blow with ] a sieve for an obsti- nate blockhead.
This proverb highlights the difference in receptiveness to advice. A wise or good-natured person understands and corrects their behavior with just a simple word of advice. However, an obstinate or foolish person will not learn unless they are punished or dealt with harshly (metaphorically represented by a 'cheta' or winnowing basket). It is used to suggest that different people require different levels of persuasion or discipline.
A blow with a sieve, a broom, or a slipper is very degrading.
ఆంతా మన మంచికే
anta mana manchike
Everything is only for our good.
Normally used in comforting someone, the statement indicates that acceptance of what befalls one is a positive attitude. Worrying about what is unavoidable serves no purpose. One should realize what will be, will be.
మంచివాడు మంచివాడంటే, మంచమెక్కి గంతులు వేశాడటా.
manchivadu manchivadante, manchamekki gantulu veshadata.
When he was called a good man, he jumped onto the cot and started leaping.
This expression is used to describe someone who takes undue advantage of others' kindness or praise. It refers to a person who, when treated with respect or leniency, behaves recklessly or exceeds their boundaries due to overconfidence or lack of discipline.