ఉభయ భ్రష్టుత్వం, ఉప్పర సన్న్యాసిత్వం
ubhaya bhrashtutvam, uppara sannyasitvam
Ruined in both ways like a well-digger who turns Sanyâsi. He is neither employed in his old trade nor supported in his new character.
This expression describes a situation where a person loses out on two different options or benefits by trying to straddle both or failing at a transition. It refers to someone who gives up their worldly life but fails to attain spiritual enlightenment, ending up with neither worldly comforts nor divine grace. It is used when someone's indecision or poor planning leads to a total loss of all possibilities.
Related Phrases
అన్నదమ్ముల శత్రుత్వం, అక్కచెల్లెండ్ర మిత్రత్వం.
annadammula shatrutvam, akkachellendra mitratvam.
Enmity between brothers, friendship between sisters.
This proverb contrasts the stereotypical nature of sibling relationships based on gender. It suggests that brothers often engage in competition or rivalry (often over property or ego), whereas sisters tend to maintain a supportive and lasting bond throughout their lives.
నష్టపోయినా భ్రష్టుకాకూడదు
nashtapoyina bhrashtukakudadu
Even if you suffer a loss, you should not lose your character.
This expression emphasizes that maintaining one's integrity and moral standards is more important than financial or material success. It suggests that while losing money or property is a temporary setback, losing one's reputation or character (becoming 'bhrashtu') is a permanent failure. It is used to encourage ethical behavior even in difficult times.
ఉప్పర సన్యాసం ఉభయ భ్రష్టత్వం
uppara sanyasam ubhaya bhrashtatvam
Superficial renunciation leads to loss on both sides.
This proverb describes a person who attempts to live as an ascetic (monk) without real commitment, failing to achieve spiritual growth while also losing their worldly comforts and status. It is used to caution against half-hearted efforts or indecisiveness that results in losing out on both available options.
వాద భ్రష్టుడు, వైద్య శ్రేష్టుడు
vada bhrashtudu, vaidya shreshtudu
Corrupt in argument, excellent in medicine.
This proverb suggests that a doctor who loses or avoids arguments is often a better healer. It implies that a physician's skill lies in their practice and results rather than in their rhetorical or debating abilities. It is used to describe professionals who prioritize their craft over winning verbal disputes.
తురక వీధిలో సన్న్యాసి భిక్ష
turaka vidhilo sannyasi bhiksha
A Sannyâsi's alms in Mussulman street. Not the place for him to go to.
This proverb describes a futile or misplaced effort. It refers to asking for something in a place where it is impossible or highly unlikely to be found due to fundamental differences in customs or beliefs. It is used when someone seeks help or resources from an incompatible source.
అన్నదమ్ముల శత్రుత్వం, అక్కచెల్లెళ్ళ మిత్రత్వం
annadammula shatrutvam, akkachellella mitratvam
Enmity among brothers, friendship among sisters
This proverb contrasts the nature of sibling relationships. It suggests that brothers often end up as rivals or enemies (usually due to property disputes or ego), whereas sisters tend to maintain a deep, lifelong bond and friendship.
సంతపాక తొత్తు సన్న్యాసిని ఎరుగునా?
santapaka tottu sannyasini eruguna?
Does the wretched harlot know [the virtues of] the Sannyâsi?
This proverb is used to describe a situation where a person of low character, limited exposure, or base habits fails to recognize or appreciate the greatness, sanctity, or virtue of an evolved soul or a person of high character. It highlights how one's own limitations can prevent them from understanding something noble.
నంబి కవిత్వం, తంబళ్ళ జోస్యం
nambi kavitvam, tamballa josyam
The Nambi's poetry and the Thamballa's astrology.
This proverb is used to describe work that is of poor quality, unreliable, or amateurish. It refers to people attempting tasks for which they lack true expertise, resulting in something mediocre or untrustworthy. It is often used to mock someone's superficial skills.
అగస్త్య భ్రాత
agastya bhrata
The brother of Agastya. Agastya was a great sage, who was not known to have any brother. Applied to a new-comer, attempting to make himself out a great personage.
In Telugu culture and literature, this expression is used to describe a person who is obscure, unknown, or lacks any significant identity of their own. It refers to a character mentioned in the Ramayana who is only identified as the brother of the famous Sage Agastya, without having his own name or accomplishments recorded.
మలప సన్న్యాసికీ మాచకమ్మకూ జత
malapa sannyasiki machakammaku jata
The helpless Sannyâsî and the jade are a match.
This expression is used to describe two people who are equally mismatched, eccentric, or poorly behaved, making them a perfect pair in their own odd way. It highlights that like attracts like, or that two individuals are well-suited for each other due to their shared flaws or peculiar traits.