వావి వరుసలు తప్పి వర్తిస్తే చెడిపోతారు.

vavi varusalu tappi vartiste chedipotaru.

Translation

If one behaves ignoring kinship and relationship rules, they will be ruined.

Meaning

This expression is used to emphasize the importance of maintaining social and familial boundaries. It warns that violating the sanctity of relationships (especially incestuous or socially unacceptable behavior regarding elders and relatives) leads to moral degradation and social downfall.

Related Phrases

Though the stab of the sword may fail, the stab of the pen will not fail.

This expression highlights the power of the written word over physical force. While a physical injury from a weapon might heal, the consequences of written documentation, laws, or press reports are permanent and far-reaching. It is used to caution people about the lasting impact of administrative decisions or journalism.

Even if the Brahmins miss (the predictions), the neem trees won't; even if the neem trees miss, the Eruvaka Purnima won't.

This is a traditional agricultural proverb highlighting the certainty of seasonal cycles. It suggests that while human predictions (astrology/almanacs) might fail, nature's signs (like neem trees flowering) and fixed seasonal festivals (like Eruvaka Purnima, which marks the start of the sowing season) are reliable indicators for farmers to begin their work.

The more you tell, the more deaf they become.

This expression is used to describe someone who becomes increasingly stubborn, unresponsive, or indifferent as they are repeatedly advised or corrected. It implies that constant nagging or instruction is being ignored as if the listener has lost their hearing.

If your own people pull you deep (into trouble), strangers will pull you to the shore.

This proverb highlights that sometimes those close to us can be more harmful or detrimental to our progress than strangers. It is often used to describe situations where family or friends cause difficulties, while unexpected help comes from outsiders.

One should marry leaving the relation of a sister and avoiding the relation of a mother.

This is a traditional Telugu proverb used to explain marriage alliances and exogamy. It signifies that one can marry a girl who doesn't fall into the category of a 'sister' (like a paternal uncle's daughter or maternal aunt's daughter) or 'mother' (certain maternal clan relations) according to cultural lineage rules. It emphasizes following social and biological protocols in matrimonial matches.

Relationships apply to trees and anthills, but why do humans need relationships, you scoundrel?

This is a sarcastic or derogatory expression used to mock someone who disregards social norms, family ethics, or moral boundaries in relationships. It suggests that if a person ignores human kinship and decency, they are behaving like inanimate objects or lower life forms that lack a social structure. Note: The term 'Mala' used at the end is historically a caste name and is used here in a derogatory colloquial sense to mean a 'scoundrel' or 'uncivilized person'.

They will perish by behaving without regard for kinship and social relations.

This expression emphasizes the importance of maintaining social and familial boundaries. It is used to warn that those who ignore moral standards or act inappropriately within family and social hierarchies will eventually face downfall or ruin.

What has a harlot to do with degrees of relationship, and good manners ? Vāvi signifies those degrees of relationship within which cohabitation is incest.

This proverb is used to criticize those who unnecessarily interfere in others' matters or give unsolicited advice when they have no real connection or authority. It implies that a distant acquaintance (neighborhood sister-in-law) shouldn't be concerned with the internal values or behavior of a family they aren't part of.

Each will perish by their own sin

This expression is used to signify that people will eventually face the consequences of their own bad actions or karma. It is often said when someone is acting unjustly, implying that there is no need for others to intervene as divine justice or fate will take its course.

If a man gives, he will not be ruined ; when a man dies, he carries nothing with him. Give and spend, and God will send. The charitable give out at the door, and God puts in at the window. " When he dieth he shall carry nothing away." · Psalm xlix. 17.

This proverb emphasizes the importance of charity and generosity. It suggests that one does not become poor by helping others, and since we cannot take our wealth with us after death, it is better to use it for good while alive.

* Giv Skalken et Spand, han tager vel heel Alen. † Con una cautela otra se quiebra. ‡ A celui qui a son paté au four on peut donner de son gâteau.