నిప్పు ముట్టనిదీ చెయ్యి కాలదు.
nippu muttanidi cheyyi kaladu.
Don't touch fire, and your hand won't be burnt.
This expression is used to signify that every result has a cause, particularly regarding consequences for one's actions. It implies that a person doesn't get into trouble unless they have done something wrong, or that there is no smoke without fire.
Don't play with the bear if you don't want to be bit. (Italian.)† * Ayer vaquero, hoy caballero. † Non ischersar coll'orso, so non vnuol esser morso.
Related Phrases
ఆచార్యుని తలచి నిప్పులో చెయ్యి పెట్టితే కాలదా?
acharyuni talachi nippulo cheyyi pettite kalada?
If you think of your spiritual guide and put your hand in the fire, will it not be burnt ?
This expression highlights that natural laws and consequences are inescapable, regardless of one's faith or devotion. It is used to suggest that mere belief or the invocation of a great person's name cannot protect someone from the inevitable results of a dangerous or foolish action. Reality doesn't change based on your intentions.
కుడిచెయ్యి చేసే దానం ఎడమచెయ్యికి తెలియకూడదు
kudicheyyi chese danam edamacheyyiki teliyakudadu
The charity done by the right hand should not be known by the left hand.
This expression emphasizes the importance of anonymous or humble charity. It suggests that when you help someone, you should do it quietly without seeking fame, recognition, or boasting about your generosity to others.
ఉల్లి ముట్టనిదీ వాసన రాదు
ulli muttanidi vasana radu
Unless you had touched the garlick [ your fingers ] would not have smelt.
This proverb is equivalent to 'There is no smoke without fire.' It suggests that rumors or accusations usually have some basis in truth, or that an effect must have a cause.
If you had not meddled with a bad business you would not have got a bad name. He who touches pitch defiles himself. ( Italian. )*
నిప్పు ముట్టనిదే చేయి కాలదు
nippu muttanide cheyi kaladu
The hand does not burn without touching the fire.
This expression is the Telugu equivalent of 'There is no smoke without fire.' It is used to suggest that every consequence has a cause, or that a person wouldn't be facing trouble or accusations without some underlying reason or action.
నిప్పు ముట్టనిదే చెయ్యి కాలదు
nippu muttanide cheyyi kaladu
The hand does not burn without touching fire
This expression is used to imply that every effect has a cause, or that someone wouldn't be in trouble or facing consequences unless they had done something to provoke it. It is similar to the English proverb 'Where there's smoke, there's fire.'
ఆచార్యుని తలచి నిప్పలో చెయ్యి పెట్టితే కాలదా?
acharyuni talachi nippalo cheyyi pettite kalada?
If you think of your teacher and put your hand in the fire, will it not burn?
This proverb emphasizes that natural laws and consequences apply to everyone regardless of their faith or intentions. Blind faith cannot override physical reality; even if you invoke a great person or deity, if you do something dangerous or foolish, you will suffer the consequences.
గాజులు చెయ్యి గలగలలాడితే ఇల్లు కళకళలాడుతుంది
gajulu cheyyi galagalaladite illu kalakalaladutundi
When bangled hands make a jingling sound, the house shines with prosperity.
This proverb highlights the traditional belief that the presence and active involvement of a woman in a household bring vibrancy, joy, and prosperity. The 'jingling of bangles' symbolizes her work and presence, which is seen as essential for a happy and lively home.
ఉల్లి ముట్టనిదే వాసన రాదు
ulli muttanide vasana radu
Without touching an onion, the smell won't come.
This expression is used to suggest that there is no smoke without fire. It implies that a person wouldn't be accused or associated with a situation unless they had some involvement in it, or that every consequence has a specific root cause.
కననిది బిడ్డ కాదు, కట్టనిది చీర కాదు.
kananidi bidda kadu, kattanidi chira kadu.
That which has not been brought forth is not a child ; that which is not worn is not a garment. Nothing belonging to others can make up for the want of one's own.
This expression highlights the value of personal experience, biological connection, and practical utility. It suggests that the true essence or value of something is realized only when it fulfills its primary purpose or has a direct personal bond. It is often used to emphasize that ownership or a relationship is truly meaningful only when it is direct and earned, rather than through secondary means.
నిప్పు ముట్టనిదే చేయి కాలదు
nippu muttanide cheyi kaladu
Without touching, fire wouldn’t scorch.
If one does not make a mistake, the question of punishment does not arise. It is therefore necessary to avoid wrong conduct, in the first place.