నాదముంటే గంట, వాదముంటే తంట

nadamunte ganta, vadamunte tanta

Translation

If there is sound, it is a bell; if there is an argument, it is a trouble.

Meaning

This expression highlights that while sound (music/vibration) can be pleasant like a bell, engaging in unnecessary arguments or disputes only leads to problems and complications. It is used to advise people to avoid verbal conflicts and maintain peace.

Related Phrases

To be born is but for death.

This expression reflects a philosophical view on the cycle of life and death. It is used to remind others that death is an inevitable outcome of birth and that one should not be overly attached to worldly life or fear the end, as it is a natural law of existence.

If it is sound, it is a bell; if it is an argument, it is a trouble.

This expression highlights the difference between pleasant sounds and unpleasant conflicts. It suggests that while ringing a bell produces a harmonious sound, engaging in unnecessary arguments or disputes only leads to problems and complications. It is used to advise someone to avoid bickering and maintain peace.

The cattle is judged by the market, the child is judged by the lineage.

This proverb emphasizes the influence of heredity and upbringing. Just as the quality of livestock is determined by where it is bought (the market's reputation), a child's character and behavior are often a reflection of their family's traits, values, and ancestry (Vangadam).

Sin means fear

This expression is used to describe someone who is God-fearing, ethical, or has a strong conscience. It implies that a person's fear of committing a sin or doing wrong keeps them on the path of righteousness and integrity.

The master is only this much, and the master's wife is as small as a pot.

This proverb is used to describe a couple or a pair of things where both are equally insignificant, small, or mediocre. It is often used humorously or mockingly to point out that neither person in a partnership has any superior quality or stature over the other.

Applying chili causes burning; applying butter causes trouble.

This expression describes a lose-lose situation or a person who is impossible to please. It refers to a scenario where every solution or action, whether harsh (chili) or soothing (butter), results in a negative outcome or a complaint.

Are you to ask the bullock before putting on the packsaddle?

This proverb is used to describe situations where a dominant person or authority figure takes action without consulting the subordinate party, especially when the action is mandatory or inevitable. It highlights that in certain power dynamics, consent is not sought because the outcome is already decided.

Like a big pot entering a small vessel

This expression is used to describe a situation where something large is trying to fit into something significantly smaller, or when an impossible task is attempted. It often refers to someone trying to oversimplify a complex issue or an illogical occurrence where the scales are completely disproportionate.

A pack-saddle fits the size, and a quilt fits the pack-saddle.

This proverb is used to describe a perfect match or a situation where things are suited to each other, often used in a sarcastic or humorous way to describe a couple or a pair of people who share the same (often negative) traits or habits. It implies that for every person or situation, there is a corresponding match that deserves them.

If there is a heart, there will be a way

This is the Telugu equivalent of the English proverb 'Where there is a will, there is a way.' It means that if one is truly determined to achieve something, they will find a method to overcome any obstacles.