నేనెంతటివాడనని నెరననువాడు నేర్తుననువాడు నిందపాలగును

nenentativadanani nerananuvadu nertunanuvadu nindapalagunu

Translation

One who says 'who am I to know everything' is wise, while one who claims to know everything earns blame.

Meaning

This expression highlights the importance of humility and the dangers of arrogance. It suggests that a person who acknowledges their limitations and the vastness of knowledge is respected, whereas a person who boastfully claims to know everything eventually makes mistakes or faces criticism when their ignorance is exposed. It is often used to advise someone to remain humble about their skills or knowledge.

Related Phrases

Even an ox will learn within a year, but a dullard won't learn even in thirty years.

This proverb is used to comment on a person's intelligence or lack of willingness to learn. It suggests that even animals (like oxen) can be trained to follow instructions within a year, but a stubborn or foolish person (moddu) may never learn even after decades. It is often used to express frustration at someone who repeats the same mistakes despite being taught many times.

A child who doesn't know how to survive grows to be a fathom long.

This proverb describes a person who lacks practical life skills or common sense despite being physically grown or having significant resources. It is used to mock someone who is old enough or 'big' enough to be capable, yet remains helpless, lazy, or foolish in managing their own affairs.

The word spoken with learning is the word of an expert.

This expression emphasizes that knowledge and skill bring weight to one's words. It suggests that when someone speaks after truly learning or mastering a subject, their words carry authority and wisdom, distinguishing them as a capable or clever person (Neravaadi).

When asked whether he could read and write, he said, "I can't read or write, but I can tear."

This proverb is used to describe a person who is incompetent or destructive rather than being helpful or skilled. It mockingly refers to someone who lacks basic constructive skills but claims expertise in useless or damaging actions.

When asked 'Can you read or write?', he replied, 'I cannot read, but I can tear the paper.'

This proverb is used to describe someone who lacks constructive skills but is proficient in destruction or making excuses. It highlights incompetence where a person, instead of performing a task, focuses on undoing or ruining it. It is often used to mock people who are useless or lazy when it comes to meaningful work.

An ox can learn within a year, but a blockhead (dullard) won't learn even in thirty years.

This proverb is used to comment on a person's intelligence or stubbornness. It implies that even a beast of burden like an ox can be trained and disciplined within a year, but a person who lacks the will or the mental capacity to learn will remain ignorant regardless of how much time passes.

Learn to lie, then learn to support that lie.

This expression suggests that if one chooses to tell a lie, they must also have the cleverness and consistency to maintain it without getting caught. It is used to remark on the complexity of deception and the need for a 'logical cover' when being dishonest.

When someone who rarely does anything goes to eat jamun fruits, crimes were pinned on them.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where an innocent or inexperienced person tries to do something simple or enjoy a rare treat, but ends up being blamed for something wrong or getting into unexpected trouble. It signifies bad timing or being caught in a streak of misfortune.

A woman who knows how to eat also knows how to serve.

This proverb implies that someone who enjoys or appreciates the value of something will also know how to provide it to others. In a broader sense, it means that a person who understands their own needs and comforts is better equipped to care for the needs of others. It is often used to describe someone's hospitality or their proficiency in managing resources.

If even a tiny thorn is stuck in the sole of the foot, is it possible to walk?

This expression emphasizes that even a very small problem or obstacle, if ignored or present in a crucial spot, can hinder progress or cause significant discomfort. It is used to suggest that minor grievances or errors should be addressed before attempting to move forward with larger tasks.