రాయంగ రాయంగ కరణం, దగ్గంగ దగ్గంగ మరణం

rayanga rayanga karanam, dagganga dagganga maranam

Translation

Writing more makes one an accountant, coughing more leads to death.

Meaning

This proverb emphasizes how repetitive actions lead to a final result or expertise. Just as continuous practice in writing and bookkeeping makes one a skilled 'Karanam' (village accountant), persistent coughing or neglecting one's health leads to an inevitable end. It is used to suggest that habits or conditions, when continued over time, lead to significant outcomes.

Related Phrases

Go safely and return with profit.

This expression is used as a blessing or a farewell wish when someone is embarking on a journey or a new venture. It emphasizes the importance of both safety (well-being) and success (gain), suggesting that the objective of the trip is only fulfilled if one returns safely after achieving their goal.

Maybe, brother-in-law anywhere, but not at the brinjal (egg plant) garden.

When it comes to money or material, relationship is of no consequence. Some are extremely business-like in their relationships.

Grazing Karanum, shouting Karanum, writing Karanum

This expression describes someone who claims to be an expert in everything but lacks true focus or mastery in a specific trade. It refers to a person who tries to perform multiple roles (like a village head or accountant—Karanum) such as supervising livestock, managing communications, and bookkeeping, often used to mock someone who meddles in every task without doing any properly.

Bathing in the Ganges, drinking from the Tungabhadra.

This expression highlights the spiritual and physical purification qualities of India's rivers. It suggests that while bathing in the holy Ganges (Ganga) purifies the soul/sins, drinking the water of the Tungabhadra river provides the best health and taste. It is used to describe the pinnacle of excellence in specific categories or to appreciate the unique qualities of different things.

Like going for plowing and returning after just dusting oneself off.

This proverb is used to describe a person who goes to perform a heavy or significant task but returns quickly without doing any work, having merely performed the superficial action of cleaning their clothes. It signifies laziness, lack of effort, or failing to fulfill a responsibility.

Finding a wolf while digging and digging.

This expression is used to describe a situation where one starts a simple investigation or task, but ends up discovering something unexpected, dangerous, or problematic. It is often used when searching for a small solution leads to a bigger, unwanted trouble.

Only a thief knows the secrets of another thief

This proverb implies that people of the same kind, especially those involved in deceptive or specific activities, understand each other's tactics and mindsets better than outsiders. It is used to suggest that it takes one to know one.

Like saying go safely and return with profit

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone expects a positive or profitable outcome from a journey or a new venture. It is often used sarcastically to refer to someone who gives instructions that are overly optimistic or state the obvious, similar to saying 'Good luck and bring back results.'

Writing, writing, a Karaṇam; coughing, coughing, death. By working we become workmen, ( Latin. )* Constant dropping wears the stone.

This proverb emphasizes how repetition and practice lead to mastery in a skill, while persistent neglect or chronic health issues lead to downfall. Just as continuous writing turns one into a proficient scribe (Karanam), a persistent, untreated cough eventually results in death.

The lock is with you, the key is with me.

In Telugu, 'Chevi' can mean both 'ear' and 'key'. This expression refers to a situation where two parties must cooperate because they each hold a vital part of a solution, or more colloquially, it describes a situation where authority or access is divided, preventing any one person from acting independently.