మితం తప్పితే హితం తప్పుతుంది

mitam tappite hitam tapputundi

Translation

If moderation is missed, well-being is lost.

Meaning

This proverb emphasizes the importance of moderation in all aspects of life. It suggests that once a person exceeds limits—whether in food, speech, or behavior—the benefit or goodness associated with it disappears and leads to negative consequences.

Related Phrases

Whatever work is neglected, eating is not forgotten.

This proverb highlights that regardless of one's struggles, difficulties, or busy schedule, the basic necessity of eating is unavoidable and essential for survival. It is often used to emphasize that humans must work to satisfy their hunger, or as a justification for taking a break to eat despite being in the middle of a crisis.

If the vital parts escape, there is no comfort like that which follows a wound. An invalid receives every attention from his friends.

This proverb highlights a sense of relief when a major danger or a fatal blow is narrowly avoided, resulting only in a minor injury. It is used to express that a small loss or superficial damage is a blessing when compared to a potential life-threatening or catastrophic failure.

If a step is missed, a lightning strike is avoided.

This expression is used to signify a narrow escape from a major disaster or a life-threatening situation. It suggests that a small change in timing or a slight physical shift saved someone from a great calamity.

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.

If the vital point is missed, there is no pleasure like a mere wound.

This proverb suggests that if a major danger or a fatal blow is avoided, even a minor injury or loss feels like a relief or a blessing in comparison. It is used when someone escapes a life-threatening situation with only minor consequences.

If the king fails in righteousness, the land loses its fertility

This proverb emphasizes the impact of leadership on society. It suggests that when a leader lacks integrity or fails to govern justly, the entire region and its people suffer. In a modern context, it is used to describe how the lack of ethics in management or governance leads to the decline and ruin of an organization or a nation.

Age has passed, but the gracefulness has not.

This proverb is used to describe someone who continues to maintain their stylishness, vanity, or flirtatious behavior even as they grow old. It is often used in a slightly mocking or sarcastic way to suggest that someone's behavior no longer suits their age, or more literally, to remark that someone has aged but still retains their charm.

Whether you deviate from the truth or deviate from a prescribed diet, troubles are inevitable.

This proverb highlights the importance of integrity and discipline. It suggests that just as ignoring medical dietary restrictions leads to physical suffering, abandoning truth and honesty leads to moral and social consequences. In both cases, the person must face the resulting hardships.

If you exceed the bounds of moderation nectar too is poison.

This proverb emphasizes the importance of moderation in everything. Just as life-giving nectar can become harmful if consumed excessively, any good thing becomes detrimental when done or used beyond its limits. It is used to advise someone against overindulgence or overdoing a particular task.

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.