మందుకు పత్యం, మాటకు సత్యం

manduku patyam, mataku satyam

Translation

Diet for medicine, truth for words

Meaning

This expression emphasizes that just as dietary restrictions (pathyam) are essential for medicine to be effective, honesty and truthfulness are essential for words to have value and credibility. It is used to highlight the importance of integrity in communication.

Related Phrases

The influence earned by a lie lasts only until the truth is revealed.

This expression emphasizes that any reputation, fame, or advantage gained through falsehoods or deceit is temporary. It serves as a warning that once the truth eventually comes out, the false foundation will crumble, and the ill-gotten influence will vanish.

Truth alone triumphs

This phrase emphasizes that truth and righteousness will ultimately prevail over falsehood. It is often used as a moral guiding principle to encourage honesty and integrity in all aspects of life, regardless of the challenges faced. It is the national motto of India (Satyameva Jayate).

Diet for medicine, truth for words

Just as a specific diet (pathyam) is essential for medicine to work effectively, truthfulness is the essential quality that gives value and weight to one's words. It emphasizes that without integrity, speech loses its purpose.

If Satyam-garu (Mr. Truth) asks me to tell a lie, it would certainly be for the protection (Bhadram) of my house.

This is a witty Telugu proverb or saying often used to justify a lie or a wrongdoing by attributing it to a higher purpose or a respectable person's suggestion. It plays on the names 'Satyam' (Truth) and 'Bhadram' (Security/Safety), implying that if even a truthful person suggests a lie, it must be for the greater good of one's household or a necessary survival tactic.

Dietary discipline should not be spoiled, truth should not be failed.

This proverb emphasizes the importance of discipline in health and integrity in character. It suggests that just as one must strictly follow a prescribed diet (Pathyam) for physical recovery, one must strictly adhere to the truth for moral well-being. Both are essential for a healthy life.

Like saying 'I will take the medicine, you follow the dietary restrictions'

This proverb is used to describe a situation where one person seeks the benefits of an action while expecting someone else to undergo the necessary discipline, hardship, or sacrifice required for it. It highlights a lack of personal responsibility and the absurdity of expecting results without putting in the individual effort.

Don't we know our own god's truth?

This expression is used when someone tries to explain or hide facts about a person or situation that you already know very well. It highlights that one is already intimately familiar with the reality or the flaws of the subject in question, making external explanations unnecessary.

Whether you deviate from the truth or deviate from a prescribed diet, troubles are inevitable.

This proverb highlights the importance of integrity and discipline. It suggests that just as ignoring medical dietary restrictions leads to physical suffering, abandoning truth and honesty leads to moral and social consequences. In both cases, the person must face the resulting hardships.

Diet for medicine, truth for speech

Just as a medicine is only effective when a strict diet (pathyam) is followed, speech only gains value and effectiveness when it is truthful. It emphasizes that integrity is as essential to character as discipline is to health.

Truth is victory, falsehood is fear

This expression emphasizes that truth always triumphs in the end, providing strength and confidence, whereas lies lead to constant anxiety and the fear of being caught. It is used to encourage honesty as a path to a fearless life.