నిజమాడితే నిష్ఠురము

nijamadite nishthuramu

Translation

If you tell the truth [it causes ] annoyance.

Meaning

This proverb is used to describe how telling the truth often causes offense or makes people unhappy. It suggests that while honesty is a virtue, it can lead to friction or bitterness in relationships because people often prefer hearing pleasant lies over harsh realities.

Notes

Truth is bitter food. (Danish.)*

Related Phrases

A true flirt/deceitful person has many rituals and strict rules.

This proverb is used to describe hypocrites who pretend to be very pious or disciplined on the outside to hide their true character. It suggests that those who have something to hide often overcompensate by strictly following superficial traditions or showing excessive devotion to appear virtuous.

The offence given by not lending is to be preferred to the annoyance caused after lending. By anger on account of some damage done to the article lent.

This proverb suggests that it is better to refuse someone a favor or a loan immediately and face their temporary displeasure, rather than helping them and eventually facing conflict or broken relationships due to delayed repayment or unmet expectations later. It emphasizes that a clear 'no' is often better than a problematic 'yes'.

A Kômaṭi's truth.

This expression refers to a 'truth' that is ambiguous, non-committal, or deceptive. It is used to describe a situation where someone gives a diplomatic or evasive answer that seems honest but hides the actual facts to avoid trouble or profit-seeking, much like the stereotypical cleverness attributed to traditional traders.

Nagavalli resentment

This expression refers to finding faults or showing resentment even after a grand celebration or a positive event. It originates from the 'Nagavalli' ceremony (the concluding part of a traditional five-day Hindu wedding) where, despite the elaborate arrangements, some relatives or guests inevitably find trivial reasons to complain or act offended.

Speaking the truth leads to resentment.

This expression is used to describe a situation where telling the truth makes others angry or offended. It suggests that people often prefer hearing pleasant lies over harsh realities, and the person who dares to be honest is frequently viewed as unkind or becomes the target of blame.

If you speak the truth, the whole village will not suit you.

This proverb suggests that in a world full of deceit, being brutally honest may lead to social isolation or lack of support from the community. It is used to describe situations where a person faces difficulties or rejection for being truthful when others prefer comfortable lies.

Squabbling on the fourth day of the marriage. Any disputes with regard to the presents, &c., are brought forward on the fourth day; until then no one can open his mouth. Forgetting many past benefits on account of one slight fault.

This expression refers to finding faults or making complaints during the 'Nagavalli' ceremony (a concluding wedding ritual). It is used to describe situations where people find petty reasons to be offended or complain even when everything has gone well, or when someone brings up grievances at the very last moment of an event.

If you lie, you won't get food; if you tell the truth, you won't even get water.

This expression describes a 'catch-22' or a 'lose-lose' situation. It is used when a person is stuck between two choices where honesty might lead to immediate trouble or lack of support, but dishonesty is morally wrong and unsustainable. It highlights the difficulty of being truthful in certain social or practical circumstances.

Complaints during the Nagavalli ceremony

This expression is used to describe petty, unnecessary, or fabricated complaints and grievances raised during the final stages of an event, similar to how relatives often find faults or express dissatisfaction during the 'Nagavalli' ritual of a traditional wedding even when everything has gone well.

Better to get the blame (for an action or for help asked) earlier (at the beginning) than later.

Before taking up any activity, it is better to get to know the objections or criticism of others, so that one need not regret one's effort at the end.