పగటి మాటలు పనికి చేటు, రాత్రి మాటలు నిద్రకు చేటు.

pagati matalu paniki chetu, ratri matalu nidraku chetu.

Translation

Daytime talk is a loss to work, nighttime talk is a loss to sleep.

Meaning

This proverb emphasizes time management and the importance of focusing on the task at hand. It suggests that gossiping or idle chatter during the day hinders productivity, while excessive talking at night deprives one of necessary rest. It is used to advise someone to stop talking and focus on their responsibilities or sleep.

Related Phrases

A live-in son-in-law is a threat to the house; a horned buffalo is a threat to the shed.

This proverb highlights how certain inclusions can be disruptive to an established system. It suggests that a son-in-law living permanently with his in-laws (Illarikam) can lead to domestic conflicts and power struggles within the family, much like a horned buffalo might accidentally or intentionally damage the cattle shed or hurt other animals.

Words are good, but deeds are bad

This expression describes hypocrisy or a situation where someone talks very politely or makes grand promises but acts in a harmful or contrary manner. It is used to describe people whose actions do not match their virtuous words.

The one with protruding gums is a curse to the house, and a forked stick is a curse to the pandal.

This is a traditional proverb used to describe individuals or objects that are inherently unsuitable or bring bad luck/ruin to their surroundings. It suggests that just as a weak forked stick cannot properly support a shed (pandal) and leads to its collapse, a person with specific negative traits (metaphorically described here as protruding gums) is seen as a harbinger of misfortune for the family.

Listening to hearsay leads to ruin.

This expression warns against acting upon rumors or gossip without verification. It suggests that paying heed to malicious talk or the instigations of others will ultimately lead to one's own downfall or harm.

Sleeping during the day harms work; staying awake late at night harms health.

This Telugu proverb highlights the importance of maintaining a proper routine. It suggests that sleeping during daylight hours leads to a loss of productivity and unfinished tasks, while staying awake late into the night (depriving oneself of sleep) negatively impacts physical and mental health.

Listening to hearsay leads to ruin, while honest words can be sharp.

This expression warns that acting on gossip or others' manipulative words causes harm. Conversely, sincere or truthful advice may feel blunt or 'sharp' like a spice, but it is ultimately beneficial. It is used to advise someone to be wary of rumors and appreciate honest criticism.

Once the words are gone, bundles of wealth are of no use.

This proverb emphasizes that once a person has lost their ability to speak or has passed away, material wealth becomes meaningless. It is often used to highlight that good communication and relationships are more valuable than riches, or to suggest that some things cannot be fixed with money once the opportunity for dialogue is lost.

Listening to gossip leads to ruin.

This proverb warns that paying attention to hearsay, rumors, or others' manipulative talk without verifying the facts will eventually lead to harm or disaster. It is used to advise someone to be wary of people who try to influence them with gossip.

Talking in the day time spoils one's business ; talking in the night time spoils one's sleep.

This proverb emphasizes the importance of time management and focus. It suggests that gossiping or talking excessively during the day hinders productivity, while doing the same at night disturbs necessary rest. It is used to advise someone to stop talking and get back to their responsibilities or to sleep.

Words are leaves, actions are fruits

This proverb is used to emphasize that talking is easy and abundant like leaves on a tree, but real results and value come only from actions, which are like the fruit. It is often used to criticize people who talk a lot but do very little.