తనలో తప్పు లేకపోతే గురువుతో గుద్దులాడవచ్చును

tanalo tappu lekapote guruvuto gudduladavachchunu

Translation

If there is no fault in oneself, one can even argue with a teacher.

Meaning

This proverb emphasizes that if you are righteous and certain that you are right, you have the moral authority to challenge or debate even someone as superior or respected as a teacher. It highlights the power of truth and integrity over hierarchy.

Related Phrases

The egg has excelled beyond the teacher

This expression is used when a student or a protégé becomes more skilled, famous, or successful than their mentor. It highlights the irony or pride in an apprentice surpassing the one who taught them everything.

If the disciple grows, he will surpass the teacher.

This expression is used to describe a situation where a student or protege excels to such an extent that they become more skilled, famous, or capable than their own mentor. It signifies the success of the teacher's guidance while acknowledging the exceptional talent of the pupil.

If a husband is not there, then the elder sister's husband; if a curry is not there, then dal.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone settles for a substitute or an alternative when the original or preferred choice is unavailable. It highlights the human tendency to find a replacement, sometimes even an inappropriate or simplified one, just to fill a void.

If you have no common food, [give me] the best; if you have no common cloth, [give me] a silk one.

This is a sarcastic expression used to describe someone who, when they lack basic necessities, demands or expects high-end luxuries instead of seeking practical alternatives. It highlights the irony of having extravagant tastes or unrealistic expectations while being in a state of poverty or deprivation.

Said by an impertinent beggar when refused assistance by a stingy person.

Wrestling under a blanket (or wrestling behind a mask/veil)

This expression refers to a conflict, fight, or struggle that happens secretly or behind the scenes, away from public view. It is used when two parties are working against each other while maintaining an outward appearance of normalcy, or when internal politics are occurring within a group that others cannot clearly see.

Like hitting one's own chest with a wooden mallet (gutam) from the same nest.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where one is harmed or outwitted by their own people, tools, or resources. It refers to a self-inflicted injury or a betrayal by someone very close, similar to the English expression 'to be hoisted by one's own petard'.

If one's own character is good, one can live even in a neighborhood of ill-repute.

This proverb emphasizes that personal integrity and character are internal traits that do not depend on one's surroundings. If a person is truly virtuous, they will remain untainted and honorable regardless of the environment or the company they are forced to keep. It is used to suggest that strong moral fiber protects an individual from external negative influences.

May a man fight with his Guru ?

This expression is used when someone challenges, argues with, or tries to outsmart their own mentor, expert, or the person who taught them everything they know. It implies that such a conflict is disrespectful, foolish, or a losing battle for the student.

If there is life, one can survive even by selling salt.

This proverb emphasizes the supreme value of life and health over material wealth or status. It suggests that as long as a person is alive and healthy, they can find a way to earn a living, even through the most humble or difficult means. It is often used to encourage someone facing a major loss or to emphasize that safety and survival should come first.

Like hitting one's own chest with a temple bell's mallet.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone's actions, intended to solve a problem or perform a task, end up causing them unexpected pain, distress, or self-inflicted harm. It highlights a self-defeating or counterproductive action.