సర్కారుకు చాటుగా ఉండాలి

sarkaruku chatuga undali

Translation

One should stay out of the government's sight.

Meaning

This expression suggests staying away from legal or governmental scrutiny to avoid unnecessary trouble, taxes, or complications. It is often used to advise someone to keep a low profile or operate discreetly when dealing with official authorities.

Related Phrases

The root must receive water, and the ear of the grain must receive the cool breeze.

This is an agricultural proverb highlighting the specific needs of a crop at different stages or parts. It means that while the foundation (roots) requires nourishment and stability (water), the result or output (the grain ear) requires the right environmental conditions and aeration (breeze) to flourish. It is often used to describe how different aspects of a project or a person's life need different types of support to achieve overall success.

The grains should stay in the bin, and the children should be like little birds

This expression refers to an ideal state of domestic prosperity and harmony. It suggests that resources (grains) should be abundant and preserved, while children should be healthy, active, and cheerful like chirping birds. It is often used to describe a well-settled, happy household.

One should live close to a lake and far from relatives.

This proverb highlights the importance of being near essential resources (like water) for survival while maintaining a healthy distance from relatives to avoid unnecessary conflicts, gossip, or dependence that can arise from over-familiarity.

One should stay out of the government's sight and stay right in front of the moneylender's sight.

This traditional proverb advises on social and financial conduct: avoid the attention of authorities or the state to prevent taxes and legal troubles, but always remain visible and available to your creditors (moneylenders) to maintain trust and prove your integrity in repaying debts.

There should be a proper time even for joking.

This proverb is used to advise someone that humor, teasing, or flirting should be done at the right time and place. It suggests that even harmless fun can be inappropriate or offensive if the situation is serious or the timing is wrong.

The buttermilk pot and the infant child both need a covering.

This proverb emphasizes the need for protection and privacy for certain delicate or valuable things. Just as buttermilk can spoil if left exposed and a baby is vulnerable to the elements or 'evil eye,' some matters or assets should be kept discreetly to ensure their well-being.

One should either have authority in the village or land on the village outskirts.

This proverb highlights the importance of social status and economic convenience. It suggests that to live comfortably and successfully in a community, one should either possess political/social power (authority) or own fertile land close to the village (utility/wealth) to ensure easy management and prosperity.

The oil in the pot should stay in the pot, and the children should be as healthy as ridge gourd seeds.

This is a paradoxical wish or a humorous proverb used to describe an impossible or overly greedy expectation. It refers to a situation where someone wants to enjoy the benefits of a resource (having healthy, well-fed children) without actually spending or exhausting the resource (the oil/money). It is often used to critique stinginess or unrealistic desires where one wants to have their cake and eat it too.

One should be at the front for drinking, and at the back for writing.

This proverb highlights human nature regarding pleasure versus responsibility. It implies that people are usually eager and first in line when it comes to enjoying treats or drinks, but they are hesitant and stay in the background when it comes to work, documentation, or taking official responsibility.

There should be either fear or devotion

This expression is used to emphasize that a person should be governed by some form of discipline. It implies that if one does not have genuine respect (devotion) for authority or rules, they should at least have a fear of the consequences of breaking them. It is often used in contexts of parenting, workplace management, or social conduct to suggest that a complete lack of both leads to chaos or irresponsible behavior.