పెదవి దాటితే పెన్న దాటుతుంది, పెన్న దాటితే పృథ్వి దాటుతుంది

pedavi datite penna datutundi, penna datite prithvi datutundi

Translation

If it crosses the lips, it crosses the Penna river; if it crosses the Penna, it crosses the world.

Meaning

This proverb highlights the speed at which secrets or rumors spread. Once a word is spoken aloud (crosses the lips), it quickly reaches far-off places (the Penna river) and eventually becomes known to the entire world (the earth). It is used to advise someone to be careful with their words and keep secrets to themselves.

Related Phrases

If you cross the step, you cross the debt

This expression emphasizes that taking the first step or initiating action is the most important part of overcoming a problem or a burden like debt. It suggests that once you begin making an effort and move forward, the difficulties start to resolve.

His words leap over forts, his foot does not cross the threshold.

This expression is used to describe people who talk big and boast about grand plans or achievements, but in reality, fail to take even the smallest action or initiative. It highlights the contrast between empty talk and lack of practical effort.

Great vaunters, little doers. ( French. )† * Il se ruine à promettre, et s'acquit à ne rien donner. † Grand vanteurs, petite faiseurs.

If burnt, it leaves a scar; if heated/tempered, it becomes soft.

This proverb highlights the difference between harshness and patience. It suggests that reacting with extreme anger (burning) causes permanent damage or scars in relationships, whereas treating a situation with controlled, gentle persistence (tempering/heating) makes things pliable and manageable.

If it passes your lips it will go over the Penna river. A secret revealed spreads quickly abroad. Three may keep counsel if two be away. Two eyes, two ears, only one mouth. (GERMAN.)

This proverb is used to warn someone about the speed at which a secret or a piece of gossip spreads. Once a word is spoken aloud (crosses the lips), it becomes public knowledge and travels far and wide very quickly, making it impossible to take back.

* Sledet der Torp, so blühet die Freundschaft. † Zwei Augen, zwei Ohren, nur ein Mund.

If it crosses the tongue, it is hell.

This expression warns about the consequences of lack of self-control in speech. Once a word is spoken (crosses the tongue), it cannot be taken back and can lead to trouble or ruinous consequences. It is used to advise someone to think carefully before speaking.

When we have crossed the Penna we can visit Perumâl. The meaning is " Let us get over the river first and talk of visiting Perumâl! (Vishnu) afterwards.—The Penna (Pennar) falls into the sea near Nellore. It is rapid and deep during the monsoon, though its bed is nearly dry for 5 or 6 months of the year.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where one must overcome a significant, difficult hurdle before they can achieve their goal or find peace. Historically, crossing the Penna river was a treacherous task; only after surviving the crossing could pilgrims reach the temple of Lord Venkateswara at Tirupati. It signifies that hard work or a major challenge precedes a spiritual or successful outcome.

Once it crosses the lips, it crosses the world.

This proverb warns about the power of secrets and rumors. Once a secret is spoken aloud to someone else, it can no longer be contained and will spread rapidly to everyone.

The mind travels over Mahammeru, but the foot does not pass over the threshold.

This expression describes a situation where someone has grand ambitions or lofty thoughts but lacks the physical capability, resources, or courage to take even the smallest first step. It is used to point out the gap between one's vast imagination and their actual capacity for action.

Meru or Mahammeru is the fabulous mountain on which Brahmâ is said to reside attended by Rishis, &c. It appears really to be the high land of Tartary immediately north of the Himâlayas. ( Wilson ). *Twee appelen met dénen stok afwerpen.

Liberation if it passes the nose, hell if it passes the tongue.

This proverb emphasizes the power and danger of speech. 'Passing the nose' refers to the breath (life/meditation), leading to spiritual liberation, whereas 'passing the tongue' refers to careless or hurtful speech, which leads to trouble or 'hell'. It is used to advise someone to think before they speak and to maintain self-control over their words.

Words cross fortresses, but feet do not cross the threshold.

This expression is used to describe people who talk big and make grand promises or boasts, but fail to take even the smallest action or put their words into practice. It highlights the gap between ambitious rhetoric and actual execution.