తమ్ముడు తనవాడైనా, ధర్మం సరిగా చెప్పవలె
tammudu tanavadaina, dharmam sariga cheppavale
Even if the younger brother is one's own, justice must be told correctly.
This expression emphasizes the importance of impartiality and integrity. It means that one should uphold justice and speak the truth regardless of personal relationships or family ties. Even when a close relative is involved, one must not be biased and should always side with what is right and ethical.
Related Phrases
తుమ్ముకు తమ్ముడు ఆవలింతకు అన్న
tummuku tammudu avalintaku anna
A sneeze has a younger brother, and a yawn has an elder brother.
This is a traditional Telugu saying used when someone sneezes or yawns repeatedly. It suggests that these actions rarely occur just once; if you sneeze once, another is likely to follow (the 'younger brother'), and if you yawn, more are soon to come (the 'elder brother').
ధర్మానికి పోతే కర్మం చుట్టుకున్నట్టు
dharmaniki pote karmam chuttukunnattu
When one went to do a righteous deed, a misfortune wrapped around them.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone tries to do a good deed or help others, but instead of receiving gratitude or success, they end up getting into trouble or facing negative consequences themselves.
రాజు ఎంతో ధర్మం అంతే
raju ento dharmam ante
As is the king, so will the virtue [of the people] be.
This expression means that the character, behavior, and values of a leader directly influence the conduct and morality of the people they lead. It is used to suggest that the subjects of a kingdom or the members of an organization will mirror the qualities of their head.
పాడికి పంట తమ్ముడు
padiki panta tammudu
Crop is the younger brother of dairy farming
This proverb highlights the interdependence of agriculture and animal husbandry. It suggests that where there is dairy (cattle), a good harvest naturally follows, as they complement each other's success and provide a holistic livelihood for a farmer.
ధర్మానికి పోతే కర్మం చుట్టుకున్నదట
dharmaniki pote karmam chuttukunnadata
When one went to do a good deed, bad fate/karma coiled around them.
This expression is used when someone tries to help others or do something virtuous, but ends up facing unexpected trouble or negative consequences as a result of their kindness. It is similar to the English saying, 'No good deed goes unpunished.'
ఉప్పుకు నిప్పు వలె
uppuku nippu vale
Like fire to salt
This expression is used to describe a relationship between two people or things that are highly incompatible or prone to sudden, violent conflict. Just as salt crackles and explodes when thrown into fire, this phrase characterizes a volatile, antagonistic, or 'cat and dog' relationship.
దారినపోయే దానయ్యను పిలిచి దెబ్బలు తిన్నట్లు
darinapoye danayyanu pilichi debbalu tinnatlu
Like calling a passerby named Danayya and getting beaten up.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone unnecessarily involves themselves in someone else's business or a random situation, only to end up facing negative consequences or trouble that they could have easily avoided.
తోటకూర నాడైనా చెప్పవైతివిరా కొడుకా! అన్నట్లు.
totakura nadaina cheppavaitivira koduka! annatlu.
Like saying, 'You didn't even tell me on the day of the amaranth greens, my son!'
This expression refers to a famous story where a son, about to be executed for a major crime, blames his mother for not correcting his behavior when he first started with a small theft (stealing amaranth greens). It is used to describe situations where a lack of timely correction or failure to address small mistakes leads to a major catastrophe later on.
రాజుగారి బావమరిదైన, బోగందాని తమ్ముడైన అన్నీ లాభాలే!
rajugari bavamaridaina, bogandani tammudaina anni labhale!
Whether one is the brother-in-law of a King or the brother of a courtesan, it is all profit.
This proverb is used to describe a person who occupies a position where they enjoy benefits and influence without having any actual responsibilities or accountability. It highlights how being closely associated with people in power or those in lucrative, albeit unconventional, professions can lead to an easy life of perks and protection.
ధర్మము తల కాచును
dharmamu tala kachunu
Virtue protects the head. The reward of virtue in this life is protection from evil.
This proverb means that one's righteous deeds and moral conduct will act as a shield and save them from danger or misfortune in critical times. It is used to encourage ethical behavior, suggesting that being good eventually leads to being protected by one's own karma.