నయానా భయానా

nayana bhayana

Translation

By mildness or severity. If one does not answer, the other must be tried.

Meaning

This expression refers to a strategy of using both persuasion (friendly approach) and intimidation (threats) to get something done. It is equivalent to the English idiom 'by hook or by crook' or 'the carrot and the stick' approach.

Related Phrases

Badarayana relationship

This expression is used to describe a forced, far-fetched, or imaginary connection between two unrelated things or people. It refers to an illogical attempt to establish a relationship where none naturally exists.

They won't drink milk when asked kindly, but they will drink even poison out of fear.

This expression is used to describe people who do not cooperate or listen when treated with kindness and gentleness, but will comply with even the most difficult or harmful demands when threatened or coerced. It highlights that some individuals only respond to force or fear rather than reason and politeness.

You should tell someone through persuasion or fear, but how is it right to cut their tongue?

This expression is used to suggest that one should use diplomacy, gentle persuasion, or subtle warnings (carrots and sticks) to get someone to listen, rather than resorting to extreme, irreversible, or cruel punishments. It emphasizes that corrective measures should be proportionate and aimed at reform rather than destruction.

As long as there is a need, he is Adinarayana (God); once the need is fulfilled, he is Guda Narayana (worthless).

This proverb is used to describe opportunistic or selfish people who show great respect and devotion to someone only as long as they need a favor. Once their objective is achieved, they treat the same person with contempt or indifference.

If he (the husband) were there, why would we need a barber?

This proverb is used to describe a situation where if the primary person or the necessary resource were available, one wouldn't have to seek an alternative or inferior help. It is often used to highlight a lack of self-sufficiency or the absence of a key person that forces one to depend on others.

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'.

The Jangama's rhythm and the Dasari's music

This expression refers to a situation where two different people or groups are working together in an uncoordinated, chaotic, or mismatched manner. It is used to describe a lack of synchronization or harmony in a joint effort.

Cooking done in youth - A son born in youth

This proverb highlights that certain things are most effective or beneficial when done at the right age or time. Just as one has the energy to cook well and the health to enjoy food in their youth, having children while young ensures that the parents are strong enough to raise them and will have their children's support while the parents are still relatively active.

Work that cannot be done with kindness, will be done through fear

This expression is used to suggest that when gentle persuasion, politeness, or soft tactics fail to achieve a result, the use of authority, threats, or fear becomes necessary to get the job done. It highlights the shift from a 'carrot' approach to a 'stick' approach.

We fear the tiger, and the tiger fears us.

This expression describes a state of mutual fear or a standoff between two parties. It is used in situations where both sides are equally intimidated by each other, preventing either from taking action. It highlights that the perceived threat is often reciprocal.