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.
Related Phrases
సరసము విరసముకే
sarasamu virasamuke
Joking causes a breach [of friendship]. Better lose a jest than a friend. A joke never gains an enemy, but often loses a friend. Familiarity breeds contempt.
This proverb warns that excessive teasing, joking, or overly familiar behavior (sarasamu) often crosses a boundary and ends in a conflict, resentment, or a fight (virasamu). It is used to advise people to maintain boundaries even in friendly interactions.
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.
ఇష్టమైన వస్తువు ఇంగువతో సమానం
ishtamaina vastuvu inguvato samanam
A favorite thing is equal to asafoetida.
This proverb suggests that things we love or value are like asafoetida—even in small quantities or even after the physical object is gone, its impact and 'fragrance' (memory/value) linger on. It is used to describe the lasting impression or the high value placed on cherished possessions or people.
నీటికి కలువ, మాటకు చలువ
nitiki kaluva, mataku chaluva
Water needs a lily, speech needs pleasantness.
Just as a water lily enhances the beauty and serenity of a pond, pleasant and polite words bring grace and coolness to a conversation. It emphasizes the importance of speaking kindly and gently to maintain harmony.
మాటకు ప్రాణము సత్యము, కోటకు ప్రాణము మానము, చీటికి ప్రాణము వ్రాలు
mataku pranamu satyamu, kotaku pranamu manamu, chitiki pranamu vralu
Truth is the life of a word, honor is the life of a woman, and a signature is the life of a document.
This proverb emphasizes the essential quality that gives value or 'life' to certain things. It teaches that a word is only meaningful if it is true, a person's character is defined by their dignity and honor, and a document or letter only gains legal or formal validity through a signature.
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.)
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.
వెలమ మెచ్చిన ముచ్చట చెప్పాలి - అలిగితే ప్రాణహాని తెచ్చుకోవాలి.
velama mechchina muchchata cheppali - aligite pranahani techchukovali.
Tell the story that the Velama likes - or bring death upon yourself if he gets angry.
This proverb highlights the traditional power and temperament associated with the Velama (warrior/landlord) community in historical contexts. It means that when dealing with people in positions of absolute authority or those with a short fuse, one must only say things that please them or be prepared for severe consequences. It is used to describe situations where one must be extremely tactful or subservient to avoid danger.
ఇష్టమైన వస్తువు ఇంగువతో సమానం.
ishtamaina vastuvu inguvato samanam.
A favorite item is equal to asafoetida.
This proverb suggests that just as a tiny pinch of asafoetida (hing) adds immense flavor to a dish, something that is dear or favorite to us has high value and impact regardless of its size or quantity. It is used to express that quality and personal preference matter more than quantity.
పెట్టినమ్మకు ప్రాణహాని చెప్పినమ్మకు జన్మహాని.
pettinammaku pranahani cheppinammaku janmahani.
She that gives will lose her life, she that advised will lose [ the advantage of ] her birth. The story runs thus: In the city of Matipuram, dwelt a king named Nayaśāli. He had three wives named Sumédāh, Suvarchalā, and Nitimati. Sumédāh was blessed with a son; her rival wives, being barren, were less loved by the king. This caused them to be jealous of Sumédāh, and Nitimati counselled Suvarchalā to poison the son, saying that afterwards they would share the king's favor equally with their more fortunate rival. Suvarchalā consulted in the matter with her intimate friend Vichitravati, the minister's daughter: Vichitravati after some deliberation replied "She that gives will lose her life, she that advised will lose her birth" ( i. e. will be banished from the king's presence.) Suvarchalā profiting by her friend's advice and perceiving the fatal consequences which would follow the com- mission of the intended crime, desisted from her wicked purpose.
This proverb describes a difficult or lose-lose situation where doing a favor or giving advice results in trouble for the benefactor. It is used when someone's kindness or honesty is met with ungratefulness or unexpected negative consequences, suggesting that sometimes helping others can backfire on the helper.