సరసం విరసం కొరకే, ధర హెచ్చుట తగ్గుట కొరకే.

sarasam virasam korake, dhara hechchuta tagguta korake.

Translation

Joking is for the sake of discord; price increases are for the sake of decreases.

Meaning

This proverb suggests that every state has an opposite cycle. Playful teasing or familiarity often leads to misunderstandings or conflict, just as market prices that rise will eventually fall. It is used to caution people to be moderate in their behavior and to understand that situations in life are temporary and cyclical.

Related Phrases

Ten million arts are only for [getting] food.

This proverb highlights that no matter how many skills, educational degrees, or talents a person possesses, the ultimate goal of all their efforts is to earn a livelihood and satisfy their basic need for food. It is used to remind people that every profession or skill has the same fundamental purpose: survival.

All professions are only so many means of livelihood.

Joking causes a breach [of friendship]. Better lose a jest than a friend. A joke never gains an enemy, but often loses a friend. Familiarity breeds contempt.

This proverb warns that excessive teasing, joking, or overly familiar behavior (sarasamu) often crosses a boundary and ends in a conflict, resentment, or a fight (virasamu). It is used to advise people to maintain boundaries even in friendly interactions.

Growth is for the sake of breaking, and falling is for the sake of rising.

This proverb highlights the cyclical nature of life and fortune. It means that anything that grows or rises will eventually face a downfall, and conversely, a decline or a fall is often a preparation for a greater rise or improvement. It is used to encourage humility during success and hope during failures.

Feeling the neck for beads. Said of a wheedling scoundrel.

This proverb describes a situation where someone shows affection or attention to a person only because they want something from them. It implies ulterior motives behind seemingly kind actions, much like someone touching a neck only to check or steal the jewelry on it.

If the southern horn of the crescent moon is higher, the price of grain will rise. If the northern horn is higher, the price of salt will rise.

This is a traditional folk proverb or 'Sameta' used by farmers and traders to predict market fluctuations based on the appearance of the new moon (crescent). It suggests that the physical orientation of the moon's tips (horns) serves as an omen for the scarcity or abundance of essential commodities like food grains and salt.

To grow is only to break

All that goes up must come down. We should not be proud when we prosper, but must be aware of the possibility of downfall. We should be humble in the moments of our triumph.

Birth is for dying, growth is for breaking, and prices fall only to rise again.

This proverb highlights the cyclical and inevitable nature of life and worldly affairs. It conveys that everything that begins must end, everything that rises must eventually fall, and fluctuations (like market prices) are a natural part of existence. It is used to suggest that change is the only constant and to encourage stoicism during transitions.

Kind hospitality is better than the flavor of the food itself.

This proverb emphasizes that how one is treated (with respect and warmth) is more important than the quality of the meal being served. It is used to highlight that heartfelt hospitality and a welcoming attitude hold more value than material offerings or luxury.

Birth is for death, and growth is for breaking down.

This proverb conveys the universal truth of impermanence and the cycle of life. It implies that everything that begins must end, and everything that rises must eventually fall. It is often used to counsel someone against being overly proud of their success or to provide perspective during times of loss or decline.

Growth is for the sake of breaking; if any pleasure in this world becomes excessive, it becomes the cause of sorrow.

This expression is used to signify that everything that rises must eventually fall, and that extreme abundance or excessive happiness often leads to a downfall or transition into hardship. It serves as a reminder for humility during success and a warning against excess.