నాళ్లల్లోకెల్లా చిన్ననాడే మేలు.

nallallokella chinnanade melu.

Translation

Of all times, childhood is the best, or Of all sects, the little sect is the best. Nâdu signifies a sect, it also means time. When Appâji the minister was asked by the king which sect was superior to the others, he cleverly evaded the question, by making a pun on the word.

Meaning

This proverb expresses nostalgia for the innocence and carefree nature of childhood. It is used to suggest that despite the responsibilities and luxuries of adulthood, the time spent as a child is the happiest and most superior period of one's life.

Related Phrases

Even if he cuts off my nose, the first husband is better

This proverb is used to convey that the original or previous situation, person, or choice was better than the current alternative, despite its flaws. It highlights the regret of making a change and the realization that the 'known devil is better than the unknown angel.'

The stitching work won't be completed on the same day the steamed dumplings (Kudumulu) are eaten.

This proverb is used to convey that success or results take time and cannot be achieved immediately after making an effort or investment. Just because you enjoyed a feast or started a task today, you cannot expect the final output or profit instantly. It emphasizes patience and the reality that processes have their own timeline.

Even if born premature, a male child is better.

This is a traditional proverb reflecting historical societal preferences. It means that even a son with flaws or weaknesses is often valued more than other alternatives due to patriarchal lineage and support systems. In a broader metaphorical sense, it is used to suggest that a preferred outcome, even if imperfect or slightly deficient, is still better than an alternative.

Even if he dies childless, it is better to have a son.

This proverb is rooted in traditional beliefs where having a son was considered essential for family legacy and performing last rites. It suggests that the status or merit of having had a son outweighs the sorrow of losing him, or more broadly, that even a failed or short-lived positive outcome is better than having nothing at all.

If you were to die, would the whole earth be bones ?

This proverb is used to mock someone's extreme self-importance or vanity. It suggests that the world doesn't stop functioning or lose its value just because one individual is gone. It is often a retort to people who act as if they are indispensable.

The man that ate, was better off than the man that bought the things [ and did not use them ].

This proverb suggests that the person who actually enjoys or consumes a resource is in a better position than the one who merely spent money to acquire it but didn't get to use it. It is often used to highlight that true value lies in experience and consumption rather than just possession or investment.

Relatives arrive only when there is wealth, just as frogs gather only when the pond is full.

This proverb describes the nature of fair-weather friends and opportunistic relatives. Just as frogs flock to a pond only when it is filled with water and disappear when it dries up, people tend to surround you and claim relationship only when you are wealthy or successful, abandoning you during hard times.

Of all the days, childhood days are the best.

This expression highlights that childhood is the most carefree, happy, and golden period of a person's life compared to adulthood or old age. It is used when reminiscing about the simplicity and joy of one's early years, often implying that as we grow older, responsibilities and worries increase.

A squint eye is better than a blind eye.

This proverb is used to convey that having something imperfect or partial is better than having nothing at all. It is similar to the English expression 'Half a loaf is better than no bread' or 'Something is better than nothing.'

Of two evils choose the least.

It is better to bend than to break

This proverb emphasizes the importance of flexibility and adaptability. It suggests that being humble or accommodating in difficult situations is better than being rigid and suffering total destruction or failure. It is often used to advise someone to compromise rather than losing everything due to ego or stubbornness.