నీతివర్తనమును, కీర్తి దాని క్రీనీడవలె వెన్నాడుచుండును
nitivartanamunu, kirti dani krinidavale vennaduchundunu
Fame follows righteous conduct like its shadow.
This expression emphasizes that when a person lives a life of integrity and follows ethical principles (Neeti), fame and reputation (Keerthi) will naturally follow them without any extra effort, just as a shadow follows an object. It is used to teach that one should focus on their character rather than chasing popularity.
Related Phrases
కొండవలె వచ్చి, బెండువలె తేలినట్లు
kondavale vachchi, benduvale telinatlu
Coming like a mountain and ending up like a piece of cork.
This expression describes a situation or problem that initially appeared massive, daunting, or overwhelming (like a mountain) but turned out to be insignificant, trivial, or easily resolved (like light cork) in the end. It is often used to describe anticlimactic events or when a big threat fizzles out into nothing.
మూర్తి కొంచెమైనా కీర్తి విస్తారము
murti konchemaina kirti vistaramu
Small in body, great in fame.
This expression is used to describe someone who may appear physically small or humble in stature, but possesses immense talent, greatness, or achievements. It is similar to the English proverb 'Great things come in small packages' and emphasizes that a person's capability or reputation should not be judged by their physical size.
సాగితే ఇడవలె జారితే పడవలె.
sagite idavale jarite padavale.
If it stretches, one should leave it; if one slips, one should fall.
This proverb advises adaptability and acceptance of circumstances. It suggests that if something can be extended or managed, do so; but if a situation becomes uncontrollable or a failure is inevitable (like slipping), one should accept the outcome rather than struggling pointlessly. It is often used to describe going with the flow or being practical about one's limitations.
దుఃఖము సుఖమును వెన్నుదన్నే వెన్నాడుచుండును.
duhkhamu sukhamunu vennudanne vennaduchundunu.
Sorrow follows behind happiness, supporting it.
This expression highlights the cyclical nature of life, suggesting that joy and sorrow are inseparable companions. Just as a shadow follows a person, grief inevitably follows happiness, and conversely, sorrow provides the backdrop that makes happiness meaningful. It is used to encourage equanimity during good times and hope during bad times.
భర్తవర్తనంబె సతికి గ్రాహ్యంబు
bhartavartanambe satiki grahyambu
The conduct of the husband is what the wife should follow.
This expression, often found in classical Telugu literature (like the Ramayana), signifies that a devoted wife follows the path, values, and lifestyle of her husband. In a modern context, it refers to the traditional idea of harmony in marriage where a wife supports and aligns with her husband's life choices.
వాడవదినెకేల వావి వర్తనములు?
vadavadinekela vavi vartanamulu?
What has a harlot to do with degrees of relationship, and good manners ? Vāvi signifies those degrees of relationship within which cohabitation is incest.
This proverb is used to criticize those who unnecessarily interfere in others' matters or give unsolicited advice when they have no real connection or authority. It implies that a distant acquaintance (neighborhood sister-in-law) shouldn't be concerned with the internal values or behavior of a family they aren't part of.
సూదివలె వచ్చి దబ్బనమువలె తేలినట్టు
sudivale vachchi dabbanamuvale telinattu
Coming like a needle and turning out a packing needle. The reverse of No. 688 q. v.
This expression is used to describe a situation where something starts very small, modest, or harmless (like a tiny needle) but eventually grows into something large, intrusive, or problematic (like a thick bodkin/large needle). It is often used to refer to people who enter one's life humbly but end up becoming a major burden or dominating the space.
దివిటీ క్రింద దీపం
diviti krinda dipam
A lamp under a torch
This expression is used to describe a situation where a smaller, less significant thing or person is overshadowed or made redundant by something much larger or superior. It can also refer to something being unnoticeable or unnecessary in the presence of a much greater light or talent.
మూర్తి కొంచెమైనా కీర్తి దొడ్డది
murti konchemaina kirti doddadi
The form may be small, but the fame is great.
This proverb is used to describe a person who might be small in physical stature or humble in appearance but possesses immense talent, wisdom, or achievements. It signifies that one's value should be measured by their character and reputation rather than their physical size. It is equivalent to the English expression 'Small in size, but big in fame'.
ఒక వ్యక్తి నీడే ఒక సంస్థ
oka vyakti nide oka samstha
An institution is the shadow of a single person.
This expression signifies that the character, values, and success of an organization are often a direct reflection of its leader's vision and personality. It is used to emphasize the profound impact an individual can have on a collective entity.