రంకుతనం వల్ల బొంకుతనం వల్ల బతుకు తీరదు.
rankutanam valla bonkutanam valla batuku tiradu.
Life cannot be sustained through adultery and lies.
This proverb emphasizes that a life built on immorality (infidelity) and dishonesty (falsehood) will never lead to a peaceful or successful conclusion. It is used to warn that character and integrity are essential for a stable life, and shortcuts through deceit or unethical behavior will eventually lead to ruin.
Related Phrases
అతివినయం ధూర్త లక్షణం
ativinayam dhurta lakshanam
Excessive humility is a sign of a wicked person.
This expression is used to caution that when someone acts overly humble or excessively polite beyond what is natural, they likely have hidden motives or are trying to deceive you. It suggests that extreme submissiveness often masks a cunning nature.
రంకుతనం నేను చేస్తే నీకేం వచ్చిందే పోలేరమ్మ అన్నాట్ట
rankutanam nenu cheste nikem vachchinde poleramma annatta
When I commit adultery, why does it bother you, Poleramma? (he said)
This proverb is used to describe a person who shamelessly questions others when their own immoral or wrong actions are caught. It implies that a wrongdoer, instead of feeling guilty, rudely asks how their sin affects the observer or the deity (Poleramma). It is used to mock someone's audacity and lack of ethics.
చూపులకు గుట్టమేకాని, మటుకుతనంలేదు
chupulaku guttamekani, matukutanamledu
A hill in appearance, but lacks substance or weight.
This expression is used to describe someone who appears physically strong, impressive, or imposing but lacks the actual strength, capability, or inner fortitude to back it up. It is similar to the English phrase 'All bark and no bite' or referring to someone as a 'hollow giant.'
అత్తవల్ల దొంగతనమున్ను, మగనివల్ల రంకున్ను నేర్చుకొన్నట్టు
attavalla dongatanamunnu, maganivalla rankunnu nerchukonnattu
Deceitfulness is learnt from a mother-in-law, adultery is learnt from a husband. Jealous watching leads to unfaithfulness. At the gate where suspicion enters, love goes out. If the wife sins, the husband is not innocent. (Italian.)
This proverb describes a situation where the very people who are supposed to protect and guide someone are the ones teaching them bad habits or corruption. It is used when a person picks up vices from their own guardians or authorities.
అతుకుల బొంత, గతుకుల బాట
atukula bonta, gatukula bata
A quilt of patches, a road of ruts
This expression describes a situation or a thing that is poorly managed, disorganized, or full of flaws. Just as a quilt made of random patches looks messy and a road with potholes is difficult to travel, this phrase is used to criticize a system, a project, or a life that is full of inconsistencies and constant struggles.
దయ్యాల ముందర బిడ్డలు బతుకుతారా?
dayyala mundara biddalu batukutara?
Do children survive in front of demons?
This expression is used to describe an environment where vulnerable people or valuable things cannot thrive or survive because they are surrounded by cruel, corrupt, or destructive forces. It implies that a positive outcome is impossible in a predatory or toxic atmosphere.
అతుకుల బొంత, గతుకుల బాట
atukula bonta, gatukula bata
A quilt of patches, a road of ruts.
This expression describes a situation, life, or a project that is disorganized, poorly constructed, and filled with difficulties. 'Atukula Bontha' (quilt of patches) refers to something made of mismatched pieces, while 'Gathukula Baata' (bumpy road) signifies a journey or process full of obstacles and hardships. It is typically used to describe a struggling existence or a poorly executed plan.
పండని కోర్కెల బొంకులు
pandani korkela bonkulu
Lies of unfulfilled desires
This expression refers to deceptive talk or false promises born out of unfulfilled wishes or unrealistic ambitions. It is used to describe someone who makes tall claims or tells lies to mask their failures or to pretend that their unreachable dreams are within grasp.
మగడు వల్లనమ్మను మారీ వల్లదు.
magadu vallanammanu mari valladu.
Even the goddess of pestilence passes over the woman un- loved by her husband. Because her misery cannot be augmented; death would only release her from her sufferings. Māri or Māriyamma (Sans. Māri) is the fury supposed to preside over the small-pox and other epidemiological diseases. You cannot damage a wrecked ship. (Ilanan.)
This proverb is used to describe a person who is so unfortunate or troublesome that they are rejected by everyone, including their own family and even fate. It signifies a state of total abandonment or being an outcast whom nobody wants to take responsibility for.
రామాయణం రంకు, భారతం బొంకు
ramayanam ranku, bharatam bonku
Ramayana is about infidelity, Mahabharata is about lies.
This provocative proverb is used to criticize or point out that even the greatest epics contain flaws and moral complexities. In a broader sense, it is used to argue that no one or nothing is perfect, or to justify small mistakes by comparing them to the controversial actions found in sacred texts. It suggests that if even the gods faced such allegations, human errors are inevitable.