వినేవాటికి (చెవులకు) కనేవాటికి (కళ్ళకు) బెత్తెడే దూరం

vinevatiki (chevulaku) kanevatiki (kallaku) bettede duram

Translation

The distance between what you hear (ears) and what you see (eyes) is only a hand-span.

Meaning

This expression highlights that there is a very small physical distance between the ears and eyes, yet a massive difference in reliability. It is used to caution people against believing rumors or hearsay without seeing the evidence for themselves, as witnessing something firsthand is the only way to know the truth.

Related Phrases

That which does not reach the hand will not reach the mouth.

This proverb highlights the uncertainty of life and the gap between effort and actual result. It is used to describe situations where something that seems very close to being achieved is lost at the last moment, or when one cannot rely on something until it is fully secured.

By the time I finished eating a Tavva and an Adda, my jaws were strained.

This expression is used to describe an exhausting or difficult task that yields little joy or becomes a burden despite being a routine activity. It highlights physical or mental fatigue resulting from over-exertion or dealing with a tedious process. 'Tavva' and 'Adda' are traditional units of measurement for grain.

If it is far from the feet, is it far from the eyes?

This expression is used to question why someone would stop caring for or remembering someone/something just because they are no longer physically close or in constant contact. It is similar to the English proverb 'out of sight, out of mind', but used as a challenge to suggest that physical distance should not result in emotional distance or forgetfulness.

Like opening the mouth for feed and closing it for the bridle.

This expression is used to describe someone who is very eager to receive benefits, rewards, or food, but becomes uncooperative or resistant when it comes to work, discipline, or control. It highlights a hypocritical or opportunistic attitude where a person wants the gains without the responsibilities.

Sheep's leap, blind following

This expression refers to the behavior of 'herd mentality' or 'blindly following' someone without thinking for oneself. Just as when one sheep jumps into a ditch or follows a path, the entire flock follows blindly, this phrase is used to describe people who mimic others' actions or decisions without evaluating the consequences or logic.

Only if you pour water at the roots will it reach the tips (of the tree).

This proverb emphasizes that to achieve success or see results in the branches/tips, one must address the fundamental source or the root cause. It is used to explain that investing effort at the foundation is necessary for overall growth and success.

A sheep has a tail only as long as a hand's breadth.

This expression is used to describe something that is naturally limited or small by its very nature. It suggests that one should not expect more than what is possible or inherent in a person or situation. It is often used to tell someone to stay within their limits or to describe a person's limited influence or capacity.

Philosophy is that which neither the speaker nor the listener understands.

This is a humorous and satirical expression used to describe complex, abstract, or overly intellectual talk that lacks clarity. It suggests that when a conversation becomes so convoluted that neither the person speaking nor the person listening knows what is going on, it is often pretentiously labeled as 'Vedanta' (philosophy).

If it is far from the feet, is it far from the eyes?

This expression is used to remind someone that even if a person or thing is physically distant (out of reach or out of the house), they are still kept in one's thoughts and memories. It is often used in the context of loved ones living far away, emphasizing that physical distance does not mean they are forgotten.

If out of sight, is it out of hearing also ?

This expression is used to suggest that even if you cannot see someone or something in person, you can still hear about them or stay in touch. It emphasizes that physical absence does not justify a complete lack of communication or information.