మాయలాడువాడు మహితాత్ము సాటియా
mayaladuvadu mahitatmu satiya
Is a deceitful person equal to a noble soul?
This expression is used to highlight the vast difference between a person of low character who uses trickery (మాయలాడువాడు) and a great, noble-hearted person (మహితాత్ముడు). It asserts that no matter how clever a fraudster is, they can never match the stature and purity of a truly virtuous individual.
Related Phrases
మనసు దిద్దరాదు మహిమీద నెవనికి.
manasu diddaradu mahimida nevaniki.
No one on this earth can fix or change another person's mind.
This expression highlights the inherent difficulty of changing a person's fundamental nature, thoughts, or stubborn will. It is used to convey that while one can offer advice or guidance, the ultimate control over a person's mind lies with themselves, and external attempts to 'correct' it are often futile.
పదుగురాడు మాట పాటియై ధర చెల్ల
paduguradu mata patiyai dhara chella
Words spoken by ten people become the truth that prevails on earth.
This expression suggests that if many people say the same thing, it gains credibility and is accepted as the truth or the norm. It emphasizes the power of collective opinion and social consensus. It is used to indicate that when a majority agrees on a matter, it carries significant weight and should be respected or taken seriously.
విందు మర్నాడు మందు
vindu marnadu mandu
The day after a feast a dose.
This expression highlights the consequences of overindulgence. It implies that if you enjoy a heavy, lavish feast today, you will likely need medicine for indigestion or health issues the following day. It is used as a cautionary saying about moderation.
After a feast a man scratches his head. (French.)*
న్యాయమమ్మేవాడు, దోవలు చూసేవాడు ఒకటే.
nyayamammevadu, dovalu chusevadu okate.
The one who sells justice and the one who looks for loopholes are both the same.
This expression is used to criticize corruption and moral dishonesty. It suggests that a person who takes bribes to manipulate the law is just as guilty as the person who actively seeks ways to evade or cheat the system. Both contribute equally to the downfall of justice.
పుష్యమిలో పూచిక పుల్ల కూడా తడవదు
pushyamilo puchika pulla kuda tadavadu
In the month of Pushya, even a blade of grass does not get wet.
This expression refers to the peak of the winter season in the Telugu calendar (Pushya Masam). It describes the extreme dry cold where there is no rain at all, emphasizing that during this specific period, the weather remains consistently dry and chilly.
పులగము తిన్నవాడు పుణ్యాత్ముడు, పాయసం తాగినవాడు పాపాత్ముడు
pulagamu tinnavadu punyatmudu, payasam taginavadu papatmudu
One who eats pulagamu is a virtuous soul, one who drinks payasam is a sinner.
This is a humorous or sarcastic expression used to comment on shifting priorities or hygiene. Pulagamu (a simple rice and dal dish) is often associated with traditional rituals or humble living, while Payasam is a luxury dessert. It can also imply that someone who settles for simple, honest food is blessed, whereas those indulging in luxuries might be cutting corners or acting out of greed.
ఒకడు అహిరావణుడు, ఇంకొకడు మహిరావణుడు.
okadu ahiravanudu, inkokadu mahiravanudu.
One is Ahiravana, the other is Mahiravana.
This expression is used to describe two people who are equally wicked, cunning, or dangerous. In the Ramayana, Ahiravana and Mahiravana were powerful twin demons who were brothers of Ravana. The phrase highlights that there is no difference between the two individuals in terms of their negative traits; they are both equally troublesome.
కూటిలోని రాయి తీయలేనివాడు ఏటిలోని రాయి తీయగలడా?
kutiloni rayi tiyalenivadu etiloni rayi tiyagalada?
Can a person who cannot remove a stone from their food, remove a stone from the river?
This proverb is used to criticize someone who fails at simple, everyday tasks but claims or attempts to perform much larger, more difficult feats. It highlights the importance of mastering basic responsibilities before taking on monumental challenges.
ఊరక రారు మహాత్ములు
uraka raru mahatmulu
Great souls do not visit without a reason
This expression is used to acknowledge that when a wise or important person visits, they usually have a specific, significant purpose or a message to share. It emphasizes that the actions of great people are never random or without intent.
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.