మంత్రజలముకంటె మంగలి జల మెచ్చు.
mantrajalamukante mangali jala mechchu.
Barber's water is better than sacred/chanted water.
This proverb is used to emphasize that practical, tangible solutions are often more effective than rituals or superstitions. In the context of cleaning or physical needs, the water used by a barber (for shaving or washing) has immediate utility, whereas ritualistic water (mantrajalamu) may only have symbolic value.
Related Phrases
బాజాల సందడిలో మంగళ సూత్రాన్ని మరిచారట
bajala sandadilo mangala sutranni maricharata
They forgot the Mangala Sutra in the noise of the wedding music.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone gets so caught up in trivial or peripheral activities and celebrations that they forget the most essential or core task at hand. It highlights poor prioritization or losing focus due to distractions.
రాజుగారు ముష్టిదాన్ని మెచ్చారేమంటే, నా కళ్ళతో చూడు మంత్రీ అన్నాడట!
rajugaru mushtidanni mechcharemante, na kallato chudu mantri annadata!
When the King fell for a beggar woman and was questioned, he told the Minister, 'Look through my eyes'.
This proverb highlights that 'beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder.' It is used when someone's choice or preference seems baffling or poor to others, but is perfectly justified to the person involved because of their unique perspective or emotional attachment.
ప్రజల మాటే ప్రభువు కోట
prajala mate prabhuvu kota
The word of the people is the ruler's fortress.
This proverb highlights the power of democracy and public opinion. It means that a leader's true strength and security lie in the support and will of the people they govern, rather than in physical walls or weapons. It is used to emphasize that a ruler must listen to their subjects to remain successful.
పంది బురద మెచ్చు పన్నీరు మెచ్చునా?
pandi burada mechchu panniru mechchuna?
A pig likes mud; will it ever like rose water?
This proverb is used to describe people with low tastes or vulgar habits who cannot appreciate refined, noble, or high-quality things. It suggests that one's inherent nature dictates their preferences, and a person accustomed to 'dirt' or negativity will never understand the value of something 'pure' or superior.
రాజు మెచ్చింది మాట, మొగుడు మెచ్చింది రంభ.
raju mechchindi mata, mogudu mechchindi rambha.
What the king likes is the law, and who the husband likes is Rambha.
This proverb highlights the subjectivity of beauty and authority. It means that power determines what is right, and personal affection determines what is beautiful. Just as a king's word is final regardless of logic, a person's preference defines their standard of beauty or excellence, regardless of objective reality.
చాకలి అత్త, మంగలి మామ
chakali atta, mangali mama
A washerwoman of a mother-in-law, a barber of a father- in-law. A man abusing his wife's parents.
This expression is used to describe a situation where an individual is surrounded by people who are constantly gossiping or leaking secrets. In traditional village settings, the washerman (Chakali) and the barber (Mangali) visited every household and were known to be the primary sources of local news and gossip. Having them as close relatives implies that one's private matters will never remain secret and will be broadcast to the entire community.
రాజు మెచ్చినది మాట, మొగుడు మెచ్చినది రంభ.
raju mechchinadi mata, mogudu mechchinadi rambha.
That's the word, which pleases the king; she is Rambhâ, who is loved by her husband.
This proverb highlights the subjectivity of taste and authority. It means that power and personal affection define value. If a king approves of something, it becomes the rule or truth; similarly, if a man loves his wife, she is as beautiful as a celestial nymph (Rambha) to him, regardless of others' opinions.
అర్థబలం కంటే అంగబలం ముఖ్యం
arthabalam kante angabalam mukhyam
Physical strength (manpower) is more important than financial strength.
This expression highlights that while money (arthabalam) is powerful, having physical strength, health, or a supportive group of people (angabalam) is often more valuable and effective in achieving goals or overcoming challenges. It is used to emphasize human resources over material wealth.
వెలమ మెచ్చిన ముచ్చట చెప్పాలి - అలిగితే ప్రాణహాని తెచ్చుకోవాలి.
velama mechchina muchchata cheppali - aligite pranahani techchukovali.
Tell the story that the Velama likes - or bring death upon yourself if he gets angry.
This proverb highlights the traditional power and temperament associated with the Velama (warrior/landlord) community in historical contexts. It means that when dealing with people in positions of absolute authority or those with a short fuse, one must only say things that please them or be prepared for severe consequences. It is used to describe situations where one must be extremely tactful or subservient to avoid danger.
తాను మెచ్చ తినాలి, ఒకరు మెచ్చ నడవాలి
tanu mechcha tinali, okaru mechcha nadavali
Eat to please yourself, behave to please others
This proverb suggests that personal choices like food should be according to one's own taste, but social behavior and conduct should be respectable and acceptable to society. It emphasizes the balance between personal freedom and social responsibility.