మితము తప్పితే అమృతమయినా విషమే.

mitamu tappite amritamayina vishame.

Translation

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

Meaning

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.

Related Phrases

Whatever comes to one's share is the divine nectar.

This expression is used to convey the idea of being content with what one receives or what is available, rather than complaining or desiring more. It suggests that whatever is destined for you or comes your way should be accepted with gratitude, treating it as something sacred or precious.

Even nectar is equal to the simple food of one's own kind in taste.

This proverb emphasizes that nothing is more satisfying or delicious than the traditional food one is accustomed to or belongs to. Even heavenly nectar cannot match the comfort and taste of the food that fits one's own nature or heritage.

Woman is the nectar, and woman is the poison.

This expression highlights the dual nature of influence a woman can have on a person or a household. It suggests that a woman has the power to bring immense happiness and prosperity (like nectar/amrutam) or cause complete destruction and misery (like poison/halam) depending on her character and actions.

If moderation is missed, well-being is lost.

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.

One person's nectar is another person's poison

This expression is the Telugu equivalent of 'One man's meat is another man's poison.' It means that what is beneficial, enjoyable, or positive for one individual might be harmful, unpleasant, or toxic for someone else. It highlights the subjective nature of value and preference.

Delay makes even nectar turn into poison

This expression highlights the importance of punctuality and taking timely action. It suggests that even the best opportunities or benefits can lose their value or become harmful if one hesitates or procrastinates for too long.

Hungry man's food is nectar, and the one who gives without hesitation is the true donor.

This expression emphasizes that when one is truly hungry, even the simplest food tastes like nectar (divine food). Similarly, a person who gives generously and without reluctance when someone is in need is considered a true philanthropist. It is used to describe the value of things based on necessity and the virtue of selfless giving.

Rain during the Arudra season is equal to nectar.

This is an agricultural proverb highlighting the importance of the Arudra Karthe (a specific astronomical period in the Telugu calendar). Farmers believe that rainfall during this period is extremely beneficial for crops, acting like a life-giving elixir (Amrutham) that ensures a high yield and healthy soil.

Poison is the antidote for poison.

This expression is used to suggest that a problem or an evil force can only be neutralized or countered by something of its own nature or intensity. It is similar to the English proverb 'Fight fire with fire' or 'Like cures like.'

If the arrow misses, the ears won't hear; if the character is lost, the eyes won't see.

This proverb highlights the importance of focus and integrity. It suggests that once a person loses their moral compass or essential character (Guna), they become blind to the truth and reality around them, just as one might lose awareness of surroundings when a critical strike misses its mark.