నాలుకలోనే ఉన్నాయి లాభనష్టాలు

nalukalone unnayi labhanashtalu

Translation

Profits and losses lie in the tongue itself.

Meaning

This proverb emphasizes that success or failure, and friendships or enmities, are determined by how one speaks. Polite and wise speech brings benefits, while harsh or foolish words lead to ruin. It is used to advise someone to be careful with their words.

Related Phrases

Go safely and return with profit.

This expression is used as a blessing or a farewell wish when someone is embarking on a journey or a new venture. It emphasizes the importance of both safety (well-being) and success (gain), suggesting that the objective of the trip is only fulfilled if one returns safely after achieving their goal.

Quarrel leads to loss and friendship to gain.

There is much to gain by living/working together, rather than by quarreling over petty differences. This is a piece of sage advice to keep friendly relations all over.

The hardships of famine days will not remain, but the words spoken during those hardships will.

This proverb emphasizes that while physical or financial difficulties are temporary and will eventually pass, the harsh words, insults, or lack of support experienced during those times are remembered forever. It serves as a reminder to be kind and mindful of one's speech even during stressful or lean periods.

Distant hills look smooth.

This proverb is used to describe how things often seem more attractive or better from a distance than they actually are. It suggests that when you are far away from a situation or object, you don't see the flaws, challenges, or rough edges that become apparent only upon closer inspection or involvement.

There are sixty-six varieties of delicacies right inside the cow's udder.

This proverb highlights the immense value and versatility of milk provided by a cow. It implies that from a single source (milk), one can create a vast multitude of foods, sweets, and nutrients, emphasizing the cow's sacred and provider status in Indian culture.

She said the troubles caused by her mother-in-law were better than these hardships

This expression is used to describe a situation where current new difficulties are so overwhelming that previous hardships, which were once considered unbearable, now seem preferable or mild by comparison. It highlights a 'from the frying pan into the fire' scenario.

A person with two tongues

This expression is used to describe a hypocrite or a person who is deceitful. It refers to someone who says different things to different people or someone who goes back on their word (double-tongued).

The money remained in the pouch, and Somayya remained in the crowd.

This proverb describes a situation where someone fails to accomplish a task or utilize resources effectively despite having the means. It refers to a person who is too busy socializing or distracted by a crowd to take action, while their money or tools remain untouched. It is used to mock someone's laziness, procrastination, or lack of initiative.

Sixty-six types of delicacies are found right in the cow's udder.

This proverb highlights the supreme importance of milk and dairy products in traditional Indian cuisine. It suggests that milk is the fundamental source or 'mother' of all great food varieties, implying that if one has milk, they have the essence of all nutritious and delicious preparations.

Narayana on the tongue, a sharp knife under the armpit

This expression describes a person who is a hypocrite or double-faced. It refers to someone who speaks very sweetly or piously (invoking the name of God) but harbors malicious intentions or is ready to backstab others in reality.