మాటలో నీటుంది, మాటలో పోటుంది, మాటలో సూటి ఉంది.
matalo nitundi, matalo potundi, matalo suti undi.
In speech there is elegance, in speech there is power (a blow), and in speech there is directness.
This expression highlights the multifaceted power of words. It suggests that human speech can be used to convey sophistication (neetu), to deliver a sharp or stinging impact (potu), or to be honest and straightforward (sooti). It is often used to remind people that how we talk can charm, hurt, or clarify depending on the intent.
Related Phrases
మానవులుండరు గానీ, మాటలు ఉండిపోతవి
manavulundaru gani, matalu undipotavi
Humans do not remain, but words stay behind
This expression emphasizes that while human life is temporary and physical presence fades, the words spoken and promises made by a person leave a lasting legacy. It is often used to remind someone that their reputation depends on their speech and that people are remembered by their words long after they are gone.
చేటు మూడినపుడు మాటలు తోచవు
chetu mudinapudu matalu tochavu
When misfortune is about to strike, words (or wisdom) fail to occur.
This expression is used to describe a situation where a person loses their common sense, judgment, or the ability to speak/act wisely when they are on the verge of ruin or a major problem. It suggests that one's intellect is clouded when bad luck or destruction is imminent.
వాడి మాట పిండికీ అవుతుంది, పిడుక్కూ అవుతుంది
vadi mata pindiki avutundi, pidukku avutundi
His speech will answer for flour or for a thunderbolt. Said of an ambiguous speech.
This expression is used to describe a person who speaks with clever ambiguity or doublespeak. Their words are crafted in such a way that they can be interpreted in two completely different ways depending on the outcome, allowing them to claim they were right regardless of what happens.
అన్నము పెట్టితే అరిగిపోతుంది, చీరయిస్తే చిరిగిపోతుంది, వాత పెట్టితే కలకాలము వుంటుంది.
annamu pettite arigipotundi, chirayiste chirigipotundi, vata pettite kalakalamu vuntundi.
If I give you rice, you will eat it up; if I give you a cloth, it will wear out; but if I brand you, it will last for ever. Said by a stingy person to a beggar.
This proverb is a cynical take on human nature and gratitude. It suggests that acts of kindness, like feeding someone or gifting clothes, are temporary and soon forgotten, whereas a hurt, an insult, or a physical scar (metaphorically represented by a 'brand' or 'burn') is remembered for a lifetime. It is used to describe how people tend to dwell on negative experiences more than positive ones.
పిడతలో నూనె పిడతలోనే ఉండాలి, బిడ్డలు బీరగింజల్లా ఉండాలి.
pidatalo nune pidatalone undali, biddalu biraginjalla undali.
The oil in the pot should stay in the pot, and the children should be as healthy as ridge gourd seeds.
This is a paradoxical wish or a humorous proverb used to describe an impossible or overly greedy expectation. It refers to a situation where someone wants to enjoy the benefits of a resource (having healthy, well-fed children) without actually spending or exhausting the resource (the oil/money). It is often used to critique stinginess or unrealistic desires where one wants to have their cake and eat it too.
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.
పూట గడుస్తుంది గాని, మాట నిలిచిపోతుంది.
puta gadustundi gani, mata nilichipotundi.
The time of the day passes, but the word spoken remains.
This proverb emphasizes the lasting impact of words compared to the temporary nature of time. While moments pass and hardships are forgotten, a promise made or a hurtful word spoken stays in people's memories forever. It is used to advise someone to be careful with their speech and to honor their commitments.
మగ్గం గుంతలో పాముంది, మగాళ్ళుంటే పిలవ్వే అన్నాడట.
maggam guntalo pamundi, magallunte pilavve annadata.
There is a snake in the loom pit, go call any men if they are around, he said.
This proverb is used to mock a person who claims to be brave or masculine but shows cowardice in the face of danger. It describes a situation where a man, instead of dealing with a problem himself, asks a woman to find 'real men' to help, thereby exposing his own weakness and lack of courage.
పొద్దేమో గడిచిపోతుందిగాని, మాటమాత్రం నిలిచిపోతుంది
poddemo gadichipotundigani, matamatram nilichipotundi
The day may pass by, but the word spoken remains forever.
This expression emphasizes the permanence and power of one's words. While time and moments are fleeting, the promises made or the words spoken (whether kind or hurtful) leave a lasting impact and are remembered long after the situation has ended. It is used to advise someone to be mindful of what they say.
కాలం పోతుంది మాట నిలుస్తుంది
kalam potundi mata nilustundi
Time passes away, but the word remains
This expression emphasizes the permanence and importance of one's promises or speech. While time is fleeting and situations change, the words you speak—especially promises or insults—leave a lasting impact and are remembered long after the moment has passed. It is used to advise someone to be careful with their words or to honor their commitments.