మాటలు నేరకన్న నవమానమున్యంబు మానభంగము
matalu nerakanna navamanamunyambu manabhangamu
Lack of skill in speech leads to humiliation and loss of honor.
This expression emphasizes the importance of communication skills. It suggests that if one does not know how to speak appropriately, politely, or effectively, they will inevitably face insults and a loss of dignity in society. It is often used to advise someone to be mindful of their words.
Related Phrases
నిజమునకు నింద వచ్చునుగాని, అవమానము రాదు
nijamunaku ninda vachchunugani, avamanamu radu
Truth may attract blame, but it will not lead to disgrace.
This proverb emphasizes that speaking the truth might lead to temporary criticism or accusations from others who are uncomfortable with it, but ultimately, the person remains honorable. It suggests that while one might be blamed for being blunt or honest, their character remains untarnished in the long run, unlike the shame that follows a lie.
కుక్క తోక వంకర, ఎంతటికీ గుణము మానను అన్నదట.
kukka toka vankara, entatiki gunamu mananu annadata.
A dog's tail is crooked; it said it won't change its nature.
This expression is used to describe a person who refuses to change their inherent bad habits or character, regardless of how much advice they receive or how much effort is made to reform them. It is similar to the English proverb 'A leopard cannot change its spots'.
తెర చాటుగాడు కట్టిన బట్ట లాగి మానభంగమని మానునా?
tera chatugadu kattina batta lagi manabhangamani manuna?
If a man who usually hides behind a curtain pulls off someone's clothes, would he stop just because it is called molestation?
This proverb is used to describe a person who has already committed a grave or shameless act and will not be deterred by minor criticisms or the moral weight of their actions. It implies that once someone has crossed a major boundary of decency or law, expecting them to worry about reputation or 'lesser' consequences is futile.
ప్రాణమున్నప్పుడే పంతాలు నెరవేరుతాయి
pranamunnappude pantalu neraverutayi
Challenges (or vows) are fulfilled only as long as there is life.
This expression emphasizes that ego, competition, and the pursuit of goals are only relevant while a person is alive. It is often used as a reminder to prioritize life, health, or harmony over stubbornness and rivalry, suggesting that once life is gone, none of these conflicts matter.
గుణము మానవే గూటాల పోలీ అంటే, నా మనువయినా మానుతాను గానీ నా గుణము మానను అన్నదట
gunamu manave gutala poli ante, na manuvayina manutanu gani na gunamu mananu annadata
When Gūṭāla Pōli was told to amend her ways, she said she would rather break off the match. Obstinate behaviour. Stubborn conduct.
This proverb describes a stubborn person who refuses to change their inherent nature or bad habits, even if it costs them their most important relationships or well-being. It is used to highlight that a person's basic temperament is often unchangeable, regardless of the consequences.
* Chi ha testa di vetro non faocia a' sass. † Il cico non des giudicar del colori.
నేరము కలిగిన చోటనే కారుణ్యము
neramu kaligina chotane karunyamu
Where there is a fault, there is also compassion.
This expression suggests that forgiveness and mercy are most relevant and necessary precisely where a mistake or crime has occurred. It is used to advocate for a humane approach or empathy toward those who have erred, implying that justice should be tempered with grace.
మాటకు ప్రాణము సత్యము, కోటకు ప్రాణము మానము, చీటికి ప్రాణము వ్రాలు
mataku pranamu satyamu, kotaku pranamu manamu, chitiki pranamu vralu
Truth is the life of a word, honor is the life of a woman, and a signature is the life of a document.
This proverb emphasizes the essential quality that gives value or 'life' to certain things. It teaches that a word is only meaningful if it is true, a person's character is defined by their dignity and honor, and a document or letter only gains legal or formal validity through a signature.
నేరక నేరక నేరేడు పళ్ళు తినబోతే, నేరాలు ఒడిగట్టినట్లు
neraka neraka neredu pallu tinabote, neralu odigattinatlu
When someone who rarely does anything goes to eat jamun fruits, crimes were pinned on them.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where an innocent or inexperienced person tries to do something simple or enjoy a rare treat, but ends up being blamed for something wrong or getting into unexpected trouble. It signifies bad timing or being caught in a streak of misfortune.
మనసులోని మర్మం దాచుకునే మానవుడు మాటలు నేర్చినాడు
manasuloni marmam dachukune manavudu matalu nerchinadu
Man learned words/speech to hide the secrets of his heart
This expression suggests that human language and sophisticated speech are often used as tools for deception or to conceal one's true intentions rather than just for communication. It implies that eloquence can be a mask for hidden motives.
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.