మాట తప్పిన వాడు మాల వాడు
mata tappina vadu mala vadu
He that breaks his word is a Pariah.
This proverb emphasizes the supreme importance of honesty and integrity. It suggests that a person's character and social standing are defined by their ability to keep promises. Historically, it was used to imply that failing to honor one's word leads to a loss of honor and respect in society, comparing the act of lying to being cast out of the social order.
Related Phrases
అన్ని కార్తెలు తప్పినా హస్త తప్పదు
anni kartelu tappina hasta tappadu
Even if all other seasons fail, the Hasta rain will not fail.
This is a traditional agricultural proverb related to the lunar mansions (Kartes). It implies that even if the rains fail during other periods, the rains during the 'Hasta Karthe' are reliable and inevitable. In a broader sense, it refers to a dependable final chance or a certainty that one can rely on when everything else fails.
తాగినవాడు, తప్పినవాడు ఒకటే
taginavadu, tappinavadu okate
The one who is drunk and the one who has failed are the same.
This expression is used to highlight that people who are in an intoxicated state and those who have lost their sense of judgment or morals are equally unreliable. It suggests that both categories of people lack accountability for their actions and cannot be trusted or held to the same standards as a rational person.
వక్కలింత తప్పినా వగిరింత తప్పదు
vakkalinta tappina vagirinta tappadu
Even if the vomiting sensation misses, the nausea won't.
This expression is used to describe a situation where one cannot escape the inevitable consequences or side effects of a problem. It suggests that even if you avoid the major part of a trouble, the lingering or related discomfort remains. It is often used to describe situations where a mistake or an event has unavoidable after-effects.
ఒకడు పినతల్లికి తప్పినవాడు, ఇంకొకడు తల్లికి తప్పినవాడు.
okadu pinatalliki tappinavadu, inkokadu talliki tappinavadu.
One missed being born to the maternal aunt, the other missed being born to the mother.
This expression is used to describe two people who are equally wicked, cunning, or troublesome. It implies that there is no difference in their bad character; if one is bad, the other is slightly worse or just as bad. It is similar to saying 'two of a kind' or 'chips off the same block' in a negative context.
పదం తప్పినా ప్రాస తప్పరాదు
padam tappina prasa tapparadu
Even if the word is missed, the rhyme should not be missed.
This expression is used to describe someone who prioritizes style, rhythm, or external appearances over the actual substance or truth of a matter. It often refers to people who focus more on making their speech sound catchy or poetic rather than ensuring it is accurate or meaningful.
మర్యాద రామన్న మాట తప్పినా, నా వేటు తప్పదు.
maryada ramanna mata tappina, na vetu tappadu.
Though the word of Maryâda Râmanna fail, my blow will not fail. Maryâda Râmanna ( 'the respected Râmanna' ) was a famous minister, renowned for his judgment and the wisdom of his decisions.
This expression signifies an absolute determination or an unshakeable commitment to an action. It implies that while even a person known for supreme integrity (like the legendary judge Maryada Ramanna) might theoretically fail or falter, the speaker's resolve or the consequence of their action is inevitable and certain.
పదును తప్పినా అదను తప్పినా పన్నుదండుగ
padunu tappina adanu tappina pannudanduga
If sharpness is lost or if the season is missed, the tax is a waste.
This proverb emphasizes the importance of timing and preparedness in agriculture. If the tools aren't sharp or if the farmer misses the specific sowing window (season), the crop will fail, making the payment of land taxes a total loss. It is used more broadly to signify that performing a task without proper preparation or at the wrong time leads to wasted effort and resources.
పదము తప్పినా ప్రాస తప్పరాదు
padamu tappina prasa tapparadu
Even if the word is missed, the rhyme must not be missed.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone prioritizes style, rhythm, or external appearance over the actual content or truth. In a literal sense, it refers to poetry where maintaining the rhyme (prasa) is seen as more important than the choice of words. In a general context, it refers to people who focus on sticking to a pattern or keeping up appearances even when the substance is lost.
చెప్పిన మాటలకన్నా తప్పుడు మాటలు నయం
cheppina matalakanna tappudu matalu nayam
Lies are better than backbiting.
This expression is used to suggest that it is better to hear something blunt or even incorrect rather than being given false promises or misleading information that is never fulfilled. It emphasizes the frustration of broken commitments.
వయసు తప్పినా వయ్యారం తప్పలేదు
vayasu tappina vayyaram tappaledu
The age has passed, but the elegance/grace hasn't left.
This expression is used to describe someone who continues to maintain their stylish appearance, vanity, or graceful mannerisms even as they grow old. It suggests that while their youth is gone, their desire for beauty or their charming conduct remains unchanged.