మృతి దగ్గరకు వచ్చినా, సతి దగ్గరకు వచ్చినా మతి ఉండదు.

mriti daggaraku vachchina, sati daggaraku vachchina mati undadu.

Translation

Whether death approaches or a wife approaches, one loses their mind.

Meaning

This proverb highlights two extremes where a person loses their rational thinking or common sense: when facing imminent death (due to fear and panic) and when overwhelmed by lust or infatuation. It is used to describe situations where a person acts irrationally under the influence of extreme fear or intense desire.

Related Phrases

Like playing a Veena in front of a male buffalo.

This expression is used to describe a situation where one's efforts, talents, or advice are wasted on someone who cannot appreciate or understand them. It is similar to the English idiom 'Casting pearls before swine.'

One should not be shy or hesitant when it comes to food and business.

This proverb suggests that in certain situations, being overly modest or shy can lead to personal loss. Specifically, when eating (so you get enough to satisfy your hunger) and when conducting business or legal matters (so you ensure your interests are protected), you must be direct and outspoken.

He said 'brother' to the axe blow

This expression describes a situation where someone suddenly becomes humble, respectful, or starts calling an enemy 'brother' only when faced with an immediate, life-threatening danger or severe punishment. It is used to mock people who only show manners or submission when they are under duress.

They sent the wise people to the wise and sent me to you.

This is a witty, self-deprecating, and sarcastic remark used to insult the person being spoken to. It implies that both the speaker and the listener are fools, contrasting them with the 'wise people' who were sent elsewhere. It is often used humorously among friends to call someone an idiot without being overly aggressive.

One should sing the song that belongs to the mortar they are at.

This expression means that one should adapt their speech or behavior according to the situation or the audience they are currently with. It is similar to the English proverb 'When in Rome, do as the Romans do' or the idea of being opportunistic and adjusting one's stance based on the immediate context.

When marriage comes, or vomiting, it cannot be stopped.

This proverb is used to indicate that certain events in life are inevitable and beyond human control once they are set in motion. Just as a physical urge like vomiting cannot be suppressed, significant life events like marriage will happen when the time is right, regardless of attempts to delay or stop them.

It is like a naked man asking another naked man for clothes.

This expression describes a situation where a person seeks help or resources from someone who is in the exact same miserable state or lacking the same resources. It highlights the irony and futility of asking for assistance from someone who is just as helpless as yourself.

The words spoken at the graveyard do not remain at the dinner table.

This proverb highlights the fleeting nature of philosophical realizations or remorse. People often express deep wisdom or regret during somber moments (like a funeral), but quickly return to their usual habits and desires once they are back in the comfort of their daily lives.

The lock is with you, the key is with me.

In Telugu, 'Chevi' can mean both 'ear' and 'key'. This expression refers to a situation where two parties must cooperate because they each hold a vital part of a solution, or more colloquially, it describes a situation where authority or access is divided, preventing any one person from acting independently.

Like coming near a city but getting a gemstone tested in a village.

This expression describes the folly of seeking expert services or high-quality judgment in an unqualified place when a center of excellence is easily accessible. It is used when someone ignores a superior resource nearby and chooses an inferior one instead.