పాకీదానితో సరసం కంటే, అత్తరుసాహెబుతో కలహం మేలు
pakidanito sarasam kante, attarusahebuto kalaham melu
A quarrel with a perfume seller is better than flirtation with a scavenger.
This proverb suggests that it is better to have an argument with a person of refined character and status than to be on friendly or intimate terms with someone of low character or vulgarity. It emphasizes that the company you keep (or even the nature of your conflicts) influences your reputation and well-being. Association with the noble, even in disagreement, leaves a better 'scent' than intimacy with the base.
Related Phrases
అన్నదమ్ముల కలహం బావమరుదుల సరసం
annadammula kalaham bavamarudula sarasam
Conflict between brothers is like the joking of brothers-in-law.
This proverb describes the nature of family arguments. It means that fights between brothers are temporary and shouldn't be taken too seriously by outsiders, as they reconcile quickly, much like the lighthearted teasing that occurs between brothers-in-law.
అంపబోయిన అల్లీసాహెబు, పిలువబోయిన పీరుసాహెబు ఫికరులేదు.
ampaboyina allisahebu, piluvaboyina pirusahebu phikaruledu.
Alli Saheb who went to see someone off and Peeru Saheb who went to call someone back have no worries.
This proverb is used to describe people who go out on a task but forget their original purpose, get distracted, or take an unnecessarily long time to return, showing a complete lack of concern for the work they were sent to do.
కాలంతో కరువులేదు, మగనితో దరిద్రం లేదు
kalanto karuvuledu, maganito daridram ledu
There is no famine with time, and no poverty with a husband.
This proverb highlights the cyclical nature of life and traditional social security. It means that just as seasons change and rain eventually brings relief to a drought, a hardworking husband provides stability and ensures that his family does not suffer from extreme poverty. It suggests that patience and a supportive partner are key to overcoming difficult times.
అలంకారం కంటే అయిదవతనం మేలు
alankaram kante ayidavatanam melu
Sumangali status (being a married woman) is better than ornamentation.
This proverb emphasizes that the essence or the basic state of being (in this context, being a married woman with a living husband) is more valuable than external decorations or fancy clothing. It is used to suggest that substance and core identity are more important than superficial appearances.
ఎద్దుతో వ్యవసాయం ఆలితో సంసారం
edduto vyavasayam alito samsaram
Farming with a bull, family life with a wife.
This proverb highlights the essential elements for success in traditional rural life. It suggests that just as an ox is indispensable for productive agriculture, a cooperative and understanding wife is the foundation for a harmonious and successful domestic life.
పలవతో సరసము ప్రాణహాని
palavato sarasamu pranahani
Flirting or joking with a wicked person is a threat to life.
This proverb serves as a warning against being overly familiar or playful with malicious or unpredictable people. Even a casual interaction or joke with a wicked individual can escalate into a dangerous situation that puts one's life at risk.
అన్నరసముకన్నా ఆదరణరసము మేలు
annarasamukanna adaranarasamu melu
A kind reception is better than a feast.
This proverb emphasizes that when hosting someone, the warmth, hospitality, and respect shown to the guest are far more important than the quality or quantity of the food served. It is used to highlight that material offerings lose their value if they are not given with a kind heart.
Welcome is the best cheer. In hospitality it is the spirit that is the chief thing. (Greek.)
ఉంటే అమీరు సాహెబు, లేకుంటే ఫకీరు సాహెబు, చస్తే పీరు సాహెబు
unte amiru sahebu, lekunte phakiru sahebu, chaste piru sahebu
If he has money, he is an Ameer Saheb (nobleman); if not, he is a Fakeer Saheb (beggar); if he dies, he is a Peer Saheb (saint).
This proverb describes someone with an extreme, 'all or nothing' lifestyle or fate. It highlights how a person is perceived based on their current circumstances: living in luxury when wealthy, living as a destitute wanderer when poor, and being venerated only after death.
అన్నరసం కన్న ఆదరణరసం మేలు
annarasam kanna adaranarasam melu
Kind hospitality is better than the flavor of the food itself.
This proverb emphasizes that how one is treated (with respect and warmth) is more important than the quality of the meal being served. It is used to highlight that heartfelt hospitality and a welcoming attitude hold more value than material offerings or luxury.
చెప్పడం కంటే చేయడం మేలు.
cheppadam kante cheyadam melu.
Doing is better than saying.
This proverb emphasizes that actions speak louder than words. It is used to suggest that practical execution or demonstrating through work is more valuable and effective than merely making promises or giving advice.