మందలింపు బెడిస్తే ముప్పు.
mandalimpu bediste muppu.
If a reprimand fails, it leads to danger.
This proverb suggests that when a warning or a soft correction (mandalippu) is ignored or backfires (bedisthe), it often results in serious trouble or peril. It is used to emphasize the importance of taking advice or warnings seriously before a situation escalates.
Related Phrases
అయ్యవారి జందెం అయ్యవారికే ముప్పు
ayyavari jandem ayyavarike muppu
The priest's own sacred thread becomes a threat to the priest himself.
This proverb describes a situation where a tool, rule, or action intended for protection or benefit ends up causing harm or trouble to the person who created or owns it. It is used when someone's own expertise or identity becomes the source of their downfall.
తనకంపు తనకింపు, పరులకంపు తనకు వూకిలింపు
tanakampu tanakimpu, parulakampu tanaku vukilimpu
The smell of a man is pleasant to himself, but the smell of others is disgusting. People do not find fault with their own actions.
This proverb is used to describe human nature where people tend to overlook or even justify their own faults, bad habits, or mistakes while finding the same traits in others to be unbearable or disgusting. It highlights personal bias and double standards.
కూరకు తాలింపు, చీరకు జాడింపు
kuraku talimpu, chiraku jadimpu
Tempering for the curry, rinsing for the saree.
This expression highlights the essential finishing touches or actions that bring out the best quality in something. Just as tempering (seasoning) is vital for a curry's flavor, properly rinsing and snapping a saree makes it look crisp and beautiful. It is used to signify that certain processes are indispensable for a perfect result.
గుడ్డకు జాడింపు, కూరకు తాలింపు, కోడలికి సాధింపు, లేకపోతే ఇంపులేదు.
guddaku jadimpu, kuraku talimpu, kodaliki sadhimpu, lekapote impuledu.
Shaking for a cloth, tempering for a curry, and nagging for a daughter-in-law; without these, there is no satisfaction.
This is a traditional proverb reflecting historical social dynamics. It suggests that just as a cloth needs a good shake to be clean and a curry needs tempering for flavor, some believe a daughter-in-law needs constant 'correction' or 'nagging' to keep the household running smoothly. It is often used to describe traditional mothers-in-law who justify their strictness as necessary for household discipline.
కుక్కకు కూడువేస్తే కూటికుండకు ముప్పు
kukkaku kuduveste kutikundaku muppu
If you feed the dog, the food-pot is at risk.
This proverb refers to people who are ungrateful or those who, when helped, try to take advantage of or harm their benefactor. It describes a situation where showing kindness to an unworthy or untrustworthy person results in them endangering your own resources or well-being.
అప్పు ముప్పు
appu muppu
Debt is danger
This proverb serves as a warning about the risks associated with borrowing money. It implies that being in debt brings unforeseen troubles, stress, and potential ruin to one's life. It is used to advise people to live within their means and avoid financial liabilities.
ఇంటికి ఆడపిల్ల ముప్పు, దొడ్డికి వారసప్రం ముప్పు
intiki adapilla muppu, doddiki varasapram muppu
A girl is a danger to the house, a thorny climber is a danger to the backyard.
This traditional proverb highlights the fragility of social and physical structures. In a historical context, it suggests that a daughter's reputation or marriage could bring immense responsibility or risk to a family's honor, much like how 'Varasapram' (a specific invasive weed or thorny vine) can ruin a garden or backyard if left unchecked. It is used to describe things that require constant care and vigilance.
కోపం గొప్పకు ముప్పు, అల్లరి హంగుకు ముప్పు
kopam goppaku muppu, allari hanguku muppu
Anger is a threat to greatness, and mischief is a threat to dignity.
This proverb highlights how negative traits can destroy one's reputation. It suggests that uncontrolled anger can ruin a person's stature or achievements, while chaotic or mischievous behavior can strip away one's social standing and elegance. It is used to advise people to maintain self-control and decorum to protect their status.
ఎవడి జందెం వాడికి ముప్పు
evadi jandem vadiki muppu
One's own sacred thread is a danger to oneself.
This proverb describes a situation where a person's own characteristic, possession, or identity becomes the cause of their downfall or trouble. It is used when someone is trapped or harmed by their own tools or status.
గుడ్డకు జాడింపు, కూరకు తాలింపు, కోడలికి సాధింపు లేకున్న ఇంపు లేదు.
guddaku jadimpu, kuraku talimpu, kodaliki sadhimpu lekunna impu ledu.
Rinsing for a cloth, tempering for a curry, and nagging for a daughter-in-law—without these, there is no satisfaction.
This is a traditional Telugu proverb reflecting old social dynamics. It suggests that just as a cloth needs vigorous rinsing to be clean and a curry needs tempering (tadka) to be tasty, a daughter-in-law was traditionally thought to need 'discipline' or constant reminders (nagging) to be a good homemaker. It is often used to describe situations where someone is being unnecessarily nitpicked or controlled under the guise of improvement.