ముసలివాని మాట, ముళ్ళులేని బాట

musalivani mata, mulluleni bata

Translation

An old man's word is like a thornless path.

Meaning

This proverb emphasizes that the advice given by experienced elders is safe, wise, and reliable. Following their guidance helps one avoid unnecessary difficulties or 'thorns' in life's journey, leading to a smoother and more successful path.

Related Phrases

Even if he is old, Basireddy is better

This expression is used to suggest that an experienced person, despite their age or current limitations, is still more capable or reliable than an inexperienced person. It emphasizes that quality and experience hold value over time.

An old man is fond of a young widow

This proverb describes a situation where an elderly person becomes overly attached to or obsessed with someone or something unsuitable or inappropriate for their age. It is often used to criticize elderly men who pursue younger women, or more broadly, to point out the irony of developing new, intense cravings at a late stage in life when they should be focused on other matters.

A woman's word is the root of troubles

This is a traditional proverb implying that gossip or ill-advised words from a woman can lead to significant problems or conflicts. In modern contexts, it is often viewed as a dated or misogynistic sentiment, but it remains a known expression in literature and folklore to describe situations where a specific conversation or rumor triggered a series of misfortunes.

An old man is fond of women.

This proverb highlights how people's preferences or attachments change with age or vulnerability. It suggests that someone in a weak or advanced stage of life finds comfort or affection in things that others might overlook or find plain, often implying that simplicity or basic companionship becomes more valuable than vanity in one's later years.

* On ne saurait faire boire un âne s'il n'a pas soif. † Man kan nœde en Mand till at blunde, men ikke til at sove.

The word of a husband who has no control is like the sting of a red ant.

This proverb describes a situation where a person's words or threats have no real impact or authority. Just as a red ant's sting causes temporary irritation but no lasting harm, the words of someone who lacks discipline, consistency, or power are ignored or dismissed by others as insignificant.

A mindless word, a tuneless song.

This expression is used to describe something that lacks sense, logic, or harmony. Just as a song without a proper scale (shruti) is unpleasant to hear, words spoken without thought or intelligence are useless and irritating. It is often used to dismiss nonsensical arguments or irrelevant chatter.

There is no such thing as an old buffalo or an old Yenadi (tribesman).

This proverb is used to describe individuals who maintain their strength, productivity, or work capacity regardless of their age. It implies that certain beings remain robust and useful until the very end, suggesting that age is just a number for those with a strong constitution or work ethic.

If one gives birth to three daughters, even an old man becomes useless.

This traditional Telugu proverb reflects the historical socioeconomic burden of marrying off three daughters. It suggests that the expenses and responsibilities associated with the weddings and dowries of three girls would drain a family's wealth so entirely that even a wealthy or stable man (metaphorically the 'old man') would be rendered penniless or ruined.

Like a man who boasts without having a wife, asking her to draw water.

This proverb is used to describe someone who makes grand, empty boasts or gives orders based on things they don't actually possess. It highlights the absurdity of pretending to have authority or status when the foundation for it is missing.

Words that are not understood are twisted/entwined words.

This expression is used to describe speech or language that is confusing, convoluted, or lacks clarity. It refers to someone talking in circles or using 'gibberish' that makes no sense to the listener.