సన్యాసం చివర కష్టం, సంసారం మధ్య కష్టం

sanyasam chivara kashtam, samsaram madhya kashtam

Translation

Asceticism is difficult at the end, family life is difficult in the middle

Meaning

This proverb highlights the challenges of different stages of life. Being a monk or ascetic (Sanyasam) is difficult in old age due to loneliness and physical ailments, whereas family life (Samsaram) is hardest in the middle years when one is burdened with responsibilities, financial stress, and raising children.

Related Phrases

If the young girl gets thin it's a problem, if she grows too fat it's also a problem.

This proverb is used to describe a delicate or troublesome situation where there is no perfect outcome. No matter which way things turn out, there will be difficulties or complaints. It is often used to refer to people who are never satisfied or situations that are inherently problematic regardless of the change in state.

The hardships of famine days will not remain, but the words spoken during those hardships will.

This proverb emphasizes that while physical or financial difficulties are temporary and will eventually pass, the harsh words, insults, or lack of support experienced during those times are remembered forever. It serves as a reminder to be kind and mindful of one's speech even during stressful or lean periods.

Happiness [is followed by ] trouble. Grief borders on the extremes of gladness. (Latin.) If you laugh to-day you may cry to-morrow.

This expression means that true happiness or comfort can only be achieved after enduring hard work or difficulty. It emphasizes that the reward of pleasure is the result of previous struggle.

One day's pleasure is a year's hardship

This proverb is used to warn someone that a brief moment of indulgence or a short-term reckless decision can lead to long-term suffering and difficulties. It emphasizes the importance of thinking about future consequences before acting.

Telling is easy, doing is difficult.

This is a common saying used to point out that it is much easier to give advice or talk about a task than it is to actually execute it. It is the Telugu equivalent of 'easier said than done.'

She said the troubles caused by her mother-in-law were better than these hardships

This expression is used to describe a situation where current new difficulties are so overwhelming that previous hardships, which were once considered unbearable, now seem preferable or mild by comparison. It highlights a 'from the frying pan into the fire' scenario.

If one leaves family life, it is monkhood; if it's not heaven, it is Kailasam.

This expression refers to a situation where there are limited but equally acceptable or predetermined alternatives. It is used when a person is prepared for one of two outcomes, implying that if one path doesn't work out, the next logical or inevitable step is already decided. It often suggests a sense of resignation or a lack of other choices.

Loss and hardship

This expression is used to describe a situation involving significant trouble, loss, and suffering. It is often used when someone explains the various difficulties or 'trials and tribulations' they have endured to achieve something or during a bad phase in life.

One day's pleasure is six months' hardship.

This proverb is used to warn someone against momentary indulgence or short-term gratification that leads to long-term suffering, debt, or negative consequences. It emphasizes the importance of foresight and self-control.

Like the funeral pyre of Ravanasura

This expression is used to describe a problem, conflict, or situation that persists for a very long time without reaching a conclusion. According to legend, Ravana's funeral pyre never goes out; similarly, this phrase refers to issues that keep burning or simmering indefinitely.