నిర్వాహకానికి నిమిషాలు చాలవుగాని, చెర్వాకమునకు క్షణం పట్టదు

nirvahakaniki nimishalu chalavugani, chervakamunaku kshanam pattadu

Translation

Minutes are not enough for administration (creation), but destruction does not take a second.

Meaning

This proverb highlights the contrast between the effort required to build something and the ease with which it can be destroyed. It is used to caution people that while it takes a long time and hard work to manage, organize, or create something valuable, it can be ruined instantly by a single mistake or a mindless act.

Related Phrases

Truth may attract blame, but it will not lead to disgrace.

This proverb emphasizes that speaking the truth might lead to temporary criticism or accusations from others who are uncomfortable with it, but ultimately, the person remains honorable. It suggests that while one might be blamed for being blunt or honest, their character remains untarnished in the long run, unlike the shame that follows a lie.

Anger is a partner to sin

This proverb suggests that anger is the root cause or a close companion of sinful actions. It implies that when a person is angry, they lose their sense of judgment and are more likely to commit wrongdoings or harmful acts.

A moment of mind, a moment of illusion

This expression describes a person who is fickle-minded or highly unpredictable. It refers to someone whose thoughts, decisions, or moods change instantly, making it impossible to rely on their word or state of mind for more than a moment.

A person with termites in their legs will not stand in one place for even a moment.

This expression refers to a person who is extremely restless, fidgety, or constantly moving from one place to another. It is used to describe someone who lacks the patience to sit still or someone who is always on the go without a specific purpose.

One moment mind - one moment illusion!

This expression describes the unpredictable and fickle nature of the human mind or behavior. It is used to describe a person who changes their thoughts, opinions, or decisions very quickly, or to illustrate how quickly situations can shift from clarity to confusion.

Employment makes the man ; he is a luckless fellow if he lose it.

While the original proverb 'Udyogam Purusha Lakshanam' emphasizes that work/effort defines a person's character and dignity, this extended humorous or sarcastic version suggests that losing one's job or being unemployed is seen as a flaw or a social stigma. It is often used to highlight the societal pressure regarding employment and financial stability.

If Lakshanam is neglected it becomes Avalakshanam.

This expression means that a small flaw or a lapse in character can turn a virtue into a vice. It is used to caution people that maintaining one's good reputation or quality requires consistency, as even a minor deviation can lead to being perceived negatively.

There is a pun here on the word Lakshanam which as a noun signifies the ' rules of classic composition,' and as an adjective ' handsome.'—Ava- lakshanam means ' ugly,' ' deformed.'

Hesitation is far from liberation.

This expression is used to advise that being overly hesitant or shy (Mogamatam) prevents one from achieving their goals or finding true freedom (Moksham). It suggests that if you are too worried about what others think or too shy to speak your mind, you will never reach your full potential or find peace.

There is as much coolness between you and me as there is in hot water and hot weather. Coolness is here a term for friendship. Said ironically.

This is a sarcastic expression used to describe a relationship filled with animosity, heat, or friction. Since hot water and summer are both inherently hot, there is zero 'coolness' (peace/harmony) between them. It is used to say that two people are constantly at odds and have a very strained or hostile relationship.

The scholar's son is a manager/provider whether he is alive or dead.

This proverb describes someone whose presence or absence both serve a purpose, or whose actions result in an outcome regardless of the state of affairs. It is often used to describe situations where a person is so significant (or a situation so structured) that they cannot be ignored, or alternatively, to mock someone whose contribution is viewed through a lens of inevitability regardless of their actual effort.