ముషిణిచెట్టు అయినా పచ్చనిచెట్టు కొట్టరాదు.

mushinichettu ayina pachchanichettu kottaradu.

Translation

Even if it is a poisonous Musini tree, a green tree should not be cut down.

Meaning

This proverb emphasizes the value of life and environmental preservation. It suggests that one should not destroy something that is thriving and green, even if it is seemingly useless or harmful like the Musini (Strychnine) tree, as every living thing has its place in nature.

Related Phrases

Money left in the hands of a woman wont last; a child left in the hands of a man wont live.

This traditional proverb suggests that wealth tends to be spent quickly when managed by a woman (historically implying domestic expenses or lack of financial restraint), while a child may not thrive under a man's sole care due to a perceived lack of nurturing skills. It is used to describe situations where resources or responsibilities are placed in hands that are traditionally considered ill-equipped to preserve them.

If you let a tree grow old, will it break if you pinch it?

This proverb emphasizes that bad habits, problems, or children's misbehavior should be corrected when they are small or in their early stages. Once they grow strong or become deep-rooted over time, they become impossible to control or eliminate.

Making a man mount a tree and then taking away the ladder. Treachery. Breach of faith.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone encourages or helps another person to take a risk or reach a certain position, only to abandon them or withdraw support once they are vulnerable. It signifies betrayal or leaving someone in a helpless situation after leading them into it.

A date palm tree's shade is not real shade, a palmyra tree is not a mother.

This proverb highlights that not everything that appears beneficial is actually helpful. The shade of a date palm is too sparse to provide relief, and while a palmyra tree is tall and useful, it lacks the nurturing quality of a mother. It is used to describe things or people that are inadequate despite their outward appearance or status.

A silver date palm is not a home, and a palmyra palm is not a mother.

This proverb is used to warn against seeking comfort or reliability in things that are inherently hazardous or provide no real protection. Just as a palm tree provides very little shade or shelter (making it a poor 'home') and is often associated with intoxicants (toddy), one should not expect nourishment or maternal care from unreliable sources.

The tree in the back yard won't do for medicine. That which is near is not valued. Far fetch'd and dear bought is good for ladies. A cow from afar gives plenty of milk. (French.)

This proverb describes the human tendency to undervalue something or someone that is easily available or close at hand. Just as people often ignore the medicinal properties of a plant growing in their own backyard and seek treatment from far away, we often fail to recognize the talent, wisdom, or value of people we are familiar with.

If a tree won't bend when it is young, will it bend when it is full grown ? If a man is not humble in his youth, will he grow meek in his old age ? Bend the tree while it is young. (Italian.)* The old branch breaks if bent. (Danish.) "Bow down his neck while he is young." Ecclesiasticus xxx. 12.

This proverb emphasizes that habits, discipline, and character are best formed during childhood. If someone is not corrected or taught while they are young and flexible (like a sapling), they will become rigid and impossible to change once they grow older (like a sturdy tree). It is often used to stress the importance of early education and parenting.

Like making someone climb a tree and then taking away the ladder.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone encourages or helps another person to start a difficult task or take a risk, but then abandons them or removes their support once they are in a vulnerable position. It signifies betrayal or leaving someone in the lurch.

Like placing a ladder against a Vempali plant.

The Vempali (Wild Indigo) is a very small, thin shrub that grows only a few feet high. Placing a ladder against it is absurd and impossible. This proverb is used to describe someone attempting a completely unnecessary or disproportionately large effort for a tiny task, or trying to do something that is logically impossible due to the nature of the object involved.

In a place where there are no trees, even a Wild Indigo bush is a great tree

This proverb describes a situation where an ordinary or mediocre person is considered great simply because there are no better alternatives available. It is equivalent to the English proverb 'In the kingdom of the blind, the one-eyed man is king.'