నయాన కానిపని, భయాన అవుతుంది

nayana kanipani, bhayana avutundi

Translation

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

Meaning

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.

Related Phrases

His speech will answer for flour or for a thunderbolt. Said of an ambiguous speech.

This expression is used to describe a person who speaks with clever ambiguity or doublespeak. Their words are crafted in such a way that they can be interpreted in two completely different ways depending on the outcome, allowing them to claim they were right regardless of what happens.

If the paternal aunt had a mustache, she would be an uncle.

This expression is used to mock hypothetical 'if' and 'but' arguments that are completely impossible or unrealistic. It highlights the pointlessness of speculating on situations that can never happen, similar to the English idiom 'If my aunt had wheels, she'd be a bicycle'.

One's own shadow stays along with them

This expression is used to signify that certain things, like one's past actions, character, or consequences, are inseparable from an individual. It often implies that one cannot escape their own identity or the results of their deeds.

If spoken, it becomes a scandal; if not spoken, it becomes a source of contempt.

This proverb describes a 'catch-22' or a dilemma where a person is stuck between two bad options. It is used when pointing out a mistake might lead to public embarrassment or unwanted drama (aaradi), but staying silent might lead others to take one's patience for granted or treat them with disrespect (alusu).

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.

If the crowd becomes thin, the porridge becomes thick.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where fewer people sharing a limited resource results in a larger or better portion for each individual. It is often used in a sarcastic or cynical context to suggest that having fewer people around (or less competition) is beneficial for personal gain.

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.

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.

Each individual drop becomes a rain.

This proverb is the Telugu equivalent of 'Every little bit helps' or 'Many a mickle makes a muckle.' It signifies that small, consistent efforts or contributions accumulate over time to create a significant result. It is often used to encourage saving money or persistent effort in learning.

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

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.