నాళ్ళలో కెల్లా చిన్ననాడే మేలు

nallalo kella chinnanade melu

Translation

Of all the days, childhood days are the best.

Meaning

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.

Related Phrases

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Among all forms of charity, the gift of education is the greatest.

While the user provided a phrase containing a vulgar pun or error ('garbhadhanam'), the intended traditional proverb is 'Vidhyadanam' or 'Annadanam'. The actual noble expression 'Vidhyadanam mahadanam' signifies that while food or money provide temporary relief, education empowers a person for a lifetime, making it the highest form of giving.

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.

Among all types of donations, patience is the best.

This is a witty play on words in Telugu. While 'daanam' usually means charity or donation, here it is paired with 'nidaanam' (patience/composure). The expression suggests that being patient and composed is a greater virtue than any act of giving material wealth. It is used to advise someone to stay calm and patient in difficult situations.

If a frog croaks on dry land, or a black ant carries its egg, rain is inevitable.

This is a traditional Telugu weather-related proverb or 'Sametha' used by farmers. It suggests that certain natural signs—like frogs croaking in dry spots instead of water, or black ants moving their eggs to higher ground—are foolproof indicators that heavy rainfall is approaching soon.

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.