పాపజాతి నరుడు పరసతి గోరు
papajati narudu parasati goru
A sinful man desires another man's wife.
This expression is used to highlight the moral degradation of a person. It suggests that individuals with a sinful or wicked nature often harbor illicit desires and fail to respect the sanctity of others' relationships. It is frequently found in moralistic literature or used to condemn adultery and lack of character.
Related Phrases
పండిత పుత్రుడు పరమశుంఠ
pandita putrudu paramashuntha
A scholar's son is a total fool.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where the child of a highly educated or talented person turns out to be ignorant or unskilled. It highlights that wisdom and intelligence are not always inherited and is often used to mock someone who fails to live up to their parent's reputation.
పాపాలకు భైరవుడు పాపన్న
papalaku bhairavudu papanna
For sins, Papanna is the Bhairava.
This expression refers to a person who is ruthless and uncompromising when dealing with wrongdoers or sinners. In Telugu culture, Bhairava is a fierce manifestation of Lord Shiva associated with annihilation and justice. The phrase implies that just as Bhairava punishes evil, a person named Papanna (or anyone being described this way) acts as a fearsome judge or punisher for those who commit sins.
అల్పజాతి కుక్క యధికుల నెరుగునా
alpajati kukka yadhikula neruguna
Does a low-bred dog recognize superior people?
This expression is used to describe individuals who lack character or breeding and fail to show respect or recognize the greatness of noble people. Just as a stray dog barks at everyone regardless of their stature, an uncivilized person cannot distinguish between the common and the distinguished.
అల్పజాతివాడు అధికము నెరుగునా
alpajativadu adhikamu neruguna
Does a low-minded person know the value of greatness?
This expression is used to describe how people with narrow minds or poor character cannot appreciate or understand true excellence, wisdom, or the magnitude of great things. It suggests that one's capacity to value something is limited by their own nature.
పరసతి గమనంబు ప్రత్యక్ష నరకంబు
parasati gamanambu pratyaksha narakambu
Pursuing another's wife is hell on earth.
This expression is used to convey that adultery or having an illicit relationship with another person's spouse leads to immediate misery, social disgrace, and moral downfall, equating the consequences to experiencing hell while still alive.
పెట్టిన పెళ్ళి గోరు, పెట్టకున్న చావు గోరు.
pettina pelli goru, pettakunna chavu goru.
If you give, it is like a wedding nail; if you don't, it is like a death nail.
This proverb highlights the extreme nature of certain relationships or situations where every action is scrutinized. It suggests that if someone provides help or a gift, it is celebrated with the importance of a wedding ritual (symbolized by the ceremonial parani/nail decoration), but if they fail to provide, it is treated as a grave offense or a bad omen, similar to a death ritual. It is used to describe demanding people who are never satisfied or situations with high stakes and no room for error.
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.
హస్తిజాతి పెళ్ళాం మూషిక జాతి మొగుడు
hastijati pellam mushika jati mogudu
An elephant-class wife and a mouse-class husband.
This proverb is used to describe a mismatch in a couple, particularly regarding physical stature, personality, or status. It depicts a situation where the wife is significantly larger, stronger, or more dominant than the husband, highlighting an comical or awkward imbalance between partners.
నరునకు నరుడు, తరువుకు వేరు సహాయం.
narunaku narudu, taruvuku veru sahayam.
A man is helped by another man, just as a tree is helped by its root.
This proverb emphasizes the importance of human cooperation and mutual dependency. Just as a tree cannot stand or thrive without its roots, a human being requires the support, companionship, and assistance of fellow humans to succeed and survive in life.