వట్టి చచ్చినా పుత్రుడే మేలు.
vatti chachchina putrude melu.
Even if he dies childless, it is better to have a son.
This proverb is rooted in traditional beliefs where having a son was considered essential for family legacy and performing last rites. It suggests that the status or merit of having had a son outweighs the sorrow of losing him, or more broadly, that even a failed or short-lived positive outcome is better than having nothing at all.
Related Phrases
పండిత పుత్రుడు పరమశుంఠ
pandita putrudu paramashuntha
A scholar's son is a total fool.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where the child of a highly educated or talented person turns out to be ignorant or unskilled. It highlights that wisdom and intelligence are not always inherited and is often used to mock someone who fails to live up to their parent's reputation.
ముక్కు కోసినా, ముందటి మొగుడే మేలు
mukku kosina, mundati mogude melu
Even if he cuts off my nose, the first husband is better
This proverb is used to convey that the original or previous situation, person, or choice was better than the current alternative, despite its flaws. It highlights the regret of making a change and the realization that the 'known devil is better than the unknown angel.'
వచ్చిన పేరు చచ్చినా పోదు
vachchina peru chachchina podu
The reputation gained will not leave even after death
This expression emphasizes that once a person earns a certain reputation—whether good or bad—it stays with them for life and remains even after they pass away. It is often used to remind someone that their actions have long-lasting consequences on their legacy.
ఆస్తికొక పుత్రుడు, ప్రేమకొక పుత్రిక
astikoka putrudu, premakoka putrika
A son for the property, and a daughter for the love.
This traditional expression reflects a cultural sentiment that a son is needed to inherit and manage the family's assets or lineage, while a daughter is essential for providing emotional warmth, care, and affection within the family. It highlights the perceived complementary roles of children in a household.
పుట్టినవాడు పూరి మేపడా
puttinavadu puri mepada
Will the one who is born not graze on grass?
This expression is used to convey that every living being born into this world will find a way to survive or find sustenance. It implies that nature or fate provides the basic means for survival for everyone, often used to reassure someone about their livelihood or future.
పులి చచ్చినా పొడలు మాయవు
puli chachchina podalu mayavu
Even if the tiger dies, its spots (stripes) do not disappear.
This proverb is used to describe a person's inherent nature or character. It implies that a person's fundamental qualities, reputation, or past actions remain associated with them even after they are gone or have lost their power. It is often used to suggest that one cannot easily change their true identity or that a legacy (good or bad) persists.
వచ్చిన వాడు చచ్చినా పోదు.
vachchina vadu chachchina podu.
Calumny is not removed even by death.
This expression is used to describe a deeply ingrained habit, trait, or skill that stays with a person throughout their lifetime. It suggests that once something is learned or becomes part of a person's nature, it is nearly impossible to change or get rid of it.
Slander leaves a slur. Give a dog an ill name, and you may as well hang him.
తల్లి చచ్చినా మేనమామ ఉంటే చాలు
talli chachchina menamama unte chalu
Even if the mother dies, it is enough if the maternal uncle is there.
In Telugu culture, the maternal uncle (menamama) holds a position of great responsibility and affection, often seen as a protective surrogate for the mother. This proverb emphasizes that even in the absence of a mother, a maternal uncle can provide the necessary support, guidance, and security to a child.
ఇచ్చినవాడే మెచ్చినవాడు, చచ్చినవాడే అచ్చినవాడు.
ichchinavade mechchinavadu, chachchinavade achchinavadu.
The over liberal man is ruined ; when a man dies, his debts go with him.
This proverb highlights two harsh realities of life: people only appreciate those who are generous or provide help, and once a person dies, their debts and obligations often perish with them, making it impossible to recover what was owed. It is used to describe the nature of gratitude and the finality of death regarding liabilities.
చచ్చినట్లు కలవచ్చినా మేలుకోక తప్పదు
chachchinatlu kalavachchina melukoka tappadu
Even if you dream as if you are dead, you must wake up eventually.
This proverb is used to emphasize that no matter how deep an illusion, an escape, or a terrible situation may be, one must eventually return to reality and face the facts of life. It highlights the inevitability of facing the truth.