నయము నష్టకారి, భయము భాగ్యకారి.

nayamu nashtakari, bhayamu bhagyakari.

Translation

Leniency is injurious, severity is profitable. Applied to children. Spare the rod and spoil the child.

Meaning

This proverb suggests that being overly soft or lenient can lead to losses or being taken advantage of, whereas maintaining a sense of fear, discipline, or strictness leads to prosperity and success. It is often used in the context of administration, parenting, or leadership.

Related Phrases

If you are industrious, you will become rich.

This proverb emphasizes the importance of hard work and diligence. It means that success, prosperity, and good fortune are the direct results of one's efforts and labor. It is used to encourage someone to persevere in their tasks to achieve a better life.

Silly laughter produces much harm.

This proverb suggests that excessive or inappropriate laughter can lead to trouble, loss of respect, or unintended conflicts. It is used as a cautionary saying to advise maintaining decorum and seriousness, especially in formal or sensitive situations, implying that too much humor can be detrimental.

Laughter is the hiccup of a fool.

There is no fear for a good life for forty days. A strong man can exist without food for that period.

This expression suggests that an honest person with a clear conscience does not need to fear any consequences or dangers for a long time. It emphasizes that integrity provides long-term protection and peace of mind, implying that a person who lives rightly remains fearless throughout their lifetime (a 'mandala' often referring to a specific long cycle of time or the horizon).

If there is fear, there is trembling; if there is fear, there is no victory.

This expression emphasizes that fear is a major obstacle to success. It suggests that being afraid leads to physical instability (trembling) and mental weakness, which ultimately prevents a person from achieving their goals or winning.

There is no fear as long as there is victory.

This expression implies that success or the pursuit of victory provides a sense of courage and security. As long as one is winning or confident in their success, fear cannot take hold. It is often used to motivate someone to focus on the goal rather than the obstacles.

As long as life remains, there is no fear. Until the destined period of life has come to a close death need not be feared. While there is life there is hope.

This expression is used to convey resilience and courage. It suggests that as long as a person is alive, they have the strength to face any challenge or overcome any adversity. It is often used to motivate someone to stay brave during difficult times.

If it is the right path, why fear?

This expression is used to state that one who acts with integrity, honesty, and follows the righteous path has no reason to be afraid of anyone or any consequences. It is similar to the English proverb 'A clean hand wants no washing'.

As long as there is victory, there is no fear

This expression is used to signify that success and confidence eliminate fear. It suggests that when one is continuously winning or in a state of triumph, they do not feel intimidated by challenges. It is often used to motivate someone to focus on achieving success to overcome their insecurities.

Entertainments [ bring ] relations, flattery [ brings ] fortune.

This proverb suggests that people become your relatives or show affection as long as you provide for them (serve food/gifts), and fortune or success is often gained through flattering others. It is used to describe the superficial nature of certain social bonds and worldly success.

While the pot boils friendship blooms. (GERMAN.)*

As long as fortune favours you, you have nothing to fear.

This expression implies that as long as a person is successful or winning, they do not feel or show any fear. It is used to describe a state of confidence or even overconfidence that persists only during a winning streak, or to suggest that success acts as a shield against anxiety.