పగతో పొరుగిల్లు కాల్చవచ్చునుగాని, తన ఇల్లు కాపాడ తరముగాదు
pagato porugillu kalchavachchunugani, tana illu kapada taramugadu
With hatred, one might burn down a neighbor's house, but one cannot save their own house.
This proverb warns that revenge is a double-edged sword. While one might succeed in harming an enemy out of spite or hatred, the resulting consequences and the cycle of destruction will eventually destroy one's own peace, safety, or assets. It emphasizes that destructive actions intended for others often lead to self-destruction.
Related Phrases
అప్పయినా కాయవచ్చునుగాని, పుప్పిమాటలు ఎవడు పడతాడు?
appayina kayavachchunugani, puppimatalu evadu padatadu?
One can bear the burden of a debt, but who can bear the burden of harsh or rotten words?
This proverb highlights that financial debt is easier to manage or tolerate than enduring insults or hurtful, rotten speech. It emphasizes that emotional damage caused by words is often more painful and harder to stomach than material or financial hardship. It is used to caution against using abusive language or to express how unbearable disrespect is.
కాలితో నడిస్తే కాశీకి పోవచ్చునుగాని, తలతో నడిస్తే తనవాకిలి దాటవచ్చునా?
kalito nadiste kashiki povachchunugani, talato nadiste tanavakili datavachchuna?
If you walk with your feet, you can reach Kashi; but if you walk with your head, can you even cross your own doorstep?
This proverb emphasizes that success is achieved by following the natural, right, and established methods rather than trying to do things in an unnatural or egoistic way. 'Walking with the head' symbolizes arrogance or trying to act contrary to common sense, which leads to failure even in small tasks, whereas humble and proper efforts can take one great distances.
నిజమునకు నింద వచ్చునుగాని, అవమానము రాదు
nijamunaku ninda vachchunugani, avamanamu radu
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.
ఎక్కడనయినా బావా అనవచ్చునుగాని, వంగతోట వద్ద బావా అనగూడదు.
ekkadanayina bava anavachchunugani, vangatota vadda bava anagudadu.
Call me brother-in-law any where but at the Brinjal garden. Unwillingness to acknowledge relationship when it would cost anything.
This proverb highlights the importance of context and boundaries. While a relationship might be informal and friendly (calling someone 'Bava'), using that intimacy in a place where it could lead to suspicion or theft (like a garden where one might steal produce) is unwise. It warns that certain behaviors, though generally acceptable, are inappropriate in specific sensitive situations.
వేణ్నీళ్లకు ఇల్లు కాలుతుందా?
vennillaku illu kalutunda?
Can your house be burnt down with hot water?
This proverb is used to imply that small or insignificant actions cannot cause major damage, or that mild threats/anger cannot destroy strong foundations. It suggests that just because water is hot, it doesn't possess the destructive power of fire.
Applied to lenient or ineffective measures.
కోమటి ఇల్లు కాలినట్టు
komati illu kalinattu
Like the burning of a Kômaṭi's house. A heavy loss.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone experiences a significant loss or problem but chooses to remain silent or suffers in secret without crying out for help, usually to avoid revealing their hidden wealth or secrets. It implies a quiet or concealed catastrophe.
సముద్రము ఈదవచ్చునుగాని, సంసారము ఈదరాదు.
samudramu idavachchunugani, samsaramu idaradu.
You may swim over the sea, but not over family [ annoy- ances ].
This proverb highlights the immense difficulties and endless responsibilities of worldly life (Samsara). It suggests that while physical feats like crossing a vast sea might be possible with effort, managing the complexities, emotions, and burdens of domestic life is an unending and often overwhelming challenge.
ఇల్లు కాలినా ఇల్లాలు చచ్చినా గొల్లు మానదు.
illu kalina illalu chachchina gollu manadu.
If the house be burnt or the goodwife die, there will cer- tainly be lamentations.
This expression is used to describe a person who is habitually prone to complaining or creating a ruckus regardless of the circumstances. It suggests that for some people, misery or noisy behavior is a constant trait that doesn't change even in the face of significant disasters or personal loss.
కడుపులో కాపాడినవాడు కాలాన కాపాడడా?
kadupulo kapadinavadu kalana kapadada?
Will the one who protected [you] in the womb not protect [you] in due time?
This is an expression of faith and reassurance. It suggests that since God (or nature) protected a person during their most vulnerable stage inside the mother's womb, they will surely be looked after during difficult times in life. It is used to instill hope and patience during periods of crisis or uncertainty.
చిన్న ఇల్లు కట్టుకొని పెద్ద కాపురము చేయవలెను
chinna illu kattukoni pedda kapuramu cheyavalenu
Build a small house, and become great. The Hindus consider it unlucky to commence housekeeping in a large house.
This proverb advises financial prudence and modesty. It suggests that one should live in a modest house (within their means) while focusing resources on the growth, prosperity, and well-being of the family members. It emphasizes prioritizing people and life quality over showy material assets.