పైబడ్డ మాట, మడిబడ్డ నీళ్లు పోవు
paibadda mata, madibadda nillu povu
Words spoken and water entered in a field do not leave easily.
This proverb emphasizes the lasting impact of words. Once water enters a tilled field (madi), it is absorbed and stays; similarly, once an accusation or a commitment is made publicly, it cannot be easily taken back or erased. It is used to advise caution in speech because reputations are hard to mend once a 'word' is cast upon someone.
Related Phrases
అబద్ధమాడితే గోడ కట్టినట్లుండవలె
abaddhamadite goda kattinatlundavale
If one tells a lie, it should be like building a wall.
This expression suggests that if someone chooses to lie, the lie must be so consistent, firm, and well-constructed that it leaves no gaps for doubt, much like a solid wall. It is often used to comment on someone's deceptive skills or to point out that a lie must be convincing to be successful.
నిధి అబద్ధం, బుద్ధి నిబద్ధం
nidhi abaddham, buddhi nibaddham
Wealth is an illusion; character is the reality.
This proverb emphasizes that material wealth (nidhi) is temporary and can be deceptive or easily lost, whereas one's character, wisdom, or intellect (buddhi) is the only true, steadfast, and reliable asset. It is used to remind people to prioritize moral values and knowledge over the pursuit of riches.
పైపడ్డ మాటా, మడి పడ్డ నీళ్లూ పోతవా?
paipadda mata, madi padda nillu potava?
Will an accusation [ be forgotten ], will water which falls in a banked field escape?
This expression means that once something is said or done, it cannot be taken back or undone. Words spoken aloud, especially accusations or insults, leave a lasting impact just as water that flows into a farm plot stays there. It is used to advise caution in speech or to highlight the permanence of certain actions.
Throw much dirt, and some will stick. An ill wound may be cured, but not an ill name.
ప్రయాణము అబద్ధము, ప్రసాపాటు నిబద్ధము
prayanamu abaddhamu, prasapatu nibaddhamu
The journey was a sham, but eating ( the provisions pre- pared ) was a reality.
This expression is used to describe someone who makes excuses to avoid leaving or starting a task until they have eaten. It highlights people who prioritize food over their responsibilities or scheduled departures, often lingering for a meal while claiming they are about to leave.
అబద్ధం అంటే అతుకుల మాట
abaddham ante atukula mata
A lie is a word of patches
This expression suggests that telling a lie requires weaving together multiple fabricated points to make it seem believable. It implies that lies are often inconsistent or fragile, much like a cloth made of many patches that might fall apart under scrutiny.
దేవుడు వరమిచ్చినా పూజారి వరమివ్వడు
devudu varamichchina pujari varamivvadu
Even if God grants a boon, the priest will not.
This proverb describes a situation where a high-ranking authority or boss approves a request, but a subordinate or intermediary creates obstacles and prevents it from happening. It is often used to describe bureaucratic red tape or middle-management interference.
మడిని పడ్డ నీరు, పై పడ్డ దెబ్బ పోవు.
madini padda niru, pai padda debba povu.
Water fallen in the field and a blow fallen on the body do not go away.
This proverb is used to describe actions or consequences that are irreversible or inevitable. Just as water absorbed by a field is utilized or lost to the soil and a physical blow leaves an impact or mark that must be endured, certain words spoken or actions taken cannot be taken back and their effects must be faced.
కన్ను ఎత్తిచూసినా, మిన్ను విరిగిపడినా కార్యము మానదు
kannu ettichusina, minnu virigipadina karyamu manadu
Whether eyes are raised or the sky falls down, the work will not stop.
This expression describes an unwavering determination or a situation where a task will be completed regardless of any obstacles, distractions, or even catastrophic events. It signifies extreme commitment or an inevitable outcome.
పైన పడ్డ మాట, మడిని పడ్డ నీరు
paina padda mata, madini padda niru
A word spoken over someone is like water falling into a field.
This proverb emphasizes that once a word is spoken or a promise is made publicly, it becomes a responsibility or an obligation that cannot be taken back, much like how water diverted into a farm plot stays there to nourish the crop.
పులి నలిగితే, పులి చారలు నలుగుతాయా?
puli naligite, puli charalu nalugutaya?
If the tiger gets crushed, do the tiger's stripes get crushed too?
This expression is used to convey that even when a person of great stature, talent, or status faces hardships or loses their wealth/power, their inherent dignity, qualities, and reputation remain intact. External circumstances might weaken the person, but they cannot erase their fundamental nature or past glory.