నొప్పించక తానొవ్వక, తప్పించుక తిరుగువాడె ధన్యుడు
noppinchaka tanovvaka, tappinchuka tiruguvade dhanyudu
The one who moves about without hurting others and without getting hurt himself is the blessed one.
This famous poem from Sumati Satakam emphasizes the importance of diplomacy, non-violence, and self-preservation. It suggests that a wise and successful person is one who navigates life's conflicts by ensuring they don't cause pain to others while also protecting themselves from harm or unnecessary trouble.
Related Phrases
తలగడ తిరగవేస్తే తలనొప్పి తీరునా?
talagada tiragaveste talanoppi tiruna?
If you flip the pillow, will the headache go away?
This proverb suggests that changing external conditions or superficial settings cannot solve an internal or deep-rooted problem. It is used when someone tries to fix a situation with a trivial or ineffective remedy instead of addressing the actual cause.
తలరాతను ఎవరూ తప్పించలేరు
talaratanu evaru tappinchaleru
No one can escape what is written on their forehead (destiny).
This expression refers to the belief in fate or karma. In Telugu culture, it is believed that Brahma writes a person's destiny on their forehead at birth. It is used to express that certain events in life are inevitable and cannot be changed despite one's best efforts.
తలరాత తప్పించుకోలేము
talarata tappinchukolemu
The writing on the head cannot be escaped.
This expression refers to destiny or fate (literally 'head-writing'). It is used to convey that what is destined to happen will happen regardless of one's efforts to avoid it, often used during times of unavoidable misfortune or significant life events.
పదును తప్పినా అదను తప్పినా పన్నుదండుగ
padunu tappina adanu tappina pannudanduga
If sharpness is lost or if the season is missed, the tax is a waste.
This proverb emphasizes the importance of timing and preparedness in agriculture. If the tools aren't sharp or if the farmer misses the specific sowing window (season), the crop will fail, making the payment of land taxes a total loss. It is used more broadly to signify that performing a task without proper preparation or at the wrong time leads to wasted effort and resources.
మేకలు తప్పించుకొంటే తుమ్మలు, మాలలు తప్పించుకుంటే ఈదులు.
mekalu tappinchukonte tummalu, malalu tappinchukunte idulu.
If goats escape, they go to the acacia thorns; if outcasts escape, they go to the wild date palms.
This proverb describes people returning to their habitual environments or choosing paths that align with their nature or circumstances. It is used to suggest that individuals will naturally gravitate toward familiar settings or specific struggles even when they try to break away.
తప్పించుకోబోయి తగిలించుకున్నట్లు
tappinchukoboyi tagilinchukunnatlu
Like trying to escape one thing and getting stuck with another.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone tries to avoid a problem or a minor inconvenience, but in doing so, accidentally lands themselves in a bigger trouble or a different mess. It is similar to the English idiom 'Out of the frying pan and into the fire.'
కర్మ తప్పించడం బ్రహ్మతరం కూడా కాదు.
karma tappinchadam brahmataram kuda kadu.
Even Brahma cannot escape or change destiny.
This expression is used to convey that fate or the consequences of one's actions (Karma) are inevitable. It suggests that once a destiny is set, even the creator of the universe (Lord Brahma) does not have the power to intervene or alter the outcome. It is often used when someone faces unavoidable hardships or consequences.
ఎముక లేని నాలుక ఎటు తిప్పినా తిరుగుతుంది
emuka leni naluka etu tippina tirugutundi
The boneless tongue turns in any way.
This proverb is used to describe people who are inconsistent with their words, lie easily, or make promises they don't intend to keep. Since the tongue has no bone to restrict its movement, it can say anything (true or false) to suit the situation or to escape accountability.
Said of a liar. He lies as fast as a dog can trot.
మూలవాన ముంచక తీరదు
mulavana munchaka tiradu
A rain from the corner will not leave without drowning.
This expression refers to 'Moola Vana' (rains during the Moola Nakshatram period) which are traditionally believed to be persistent and heavy. Metaphorically, it is used to describe a situation, problem, or consequence that is inevitable and bound to cause significant impact or trouble once it begins. It implies that certain events must run their full course before they subside.
పొద్దు తిరుగుడు, డొంక తిరుగుడు
poddu tirugudu, donka tirugudu
Sun-turning (Sunflower) and bush-turning.
This expression is used to describe someone who talks in a roundabout way or beats around the bush instead of getting straight to the point. While 'Poddu Tirugudu' refers to the sunflower following the sun, 'Donka Tirugudu' specifically refers to evasive, indirect, or circuitous speech.