నయాన కానిపని, భయాన అవుతుంది
nayana kanipani, bhayana avutundi
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.
Related Phrases
వాడి మాట పిండికీ అవుతుంది, పిడుక్కూ అవుతుంది
vadi mata pindiki avutundi, pidukku avutundi
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.
మేనత్త మూతికి మీసాలు ఉంటే చిన్నాయన అవుతాడు
menatta mutiki misalu unte chinnayana avutadu
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'.
తన నీడ తన వెంటే ఉంటుంది
tana nida tana vente untundi
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.
అంటే ఆరడి అవుతుంది, అనకుంటే అలుసవుతుంది.
ante aradi avutundi, anakunte alusavutundi.
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).
నయాన పాలు తాగరు భయాన విషమైనా తాగుతారు
nayana palu tagaru bhayana vishamaina tagutaru
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.
మంది పలుచనైతే, గంజి చిక్కన అవుతుంది.
mandi paluchanaite, ganji chikkana avutundi.
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.
నయానా భయానా చెప్పాలి గాని నాలుక కోస్తే ఎలా?
nayana bhayana cheppali gani naluka koste ela?
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.
జంగమాయన తాళం దాసరాయన సంగీతం
jangamayana talam dasarayana sangitam
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.
ఒక్కొక్క చినుకే వాన అవుతుంది.
okkokka chinuke vana avutundi.
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.
నయానా భయానా
nayana bhayana
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.