యముడన్నా, శివుడన్నా వెరవని వాడుండడు.

yamudanna, shivudanna veravani vadundadu.

Translation

There is no one who does not fear either Yama or Shiva.

Meaning

This expression implies that every person, no matter how powerful or defiant, is ultimately subject to divine authority, the laws of karma, or the inevitability of death. Yama represents the god of death and justice, while Shiva represents the supreme power of destruction and transformation. It is used to suggest that everyone has a moral compass or a fear of ultimate consequences.

Related Phrases

Should I look at the milk or the vessel?

This expression describes a dilemma where one has to choose between preserving the quality of the contents (the goal) and the integrity of the container (the means/tool). It is used when a person is confused between two equally important or conflicting priorities, or when trying to handle a situation where fixing one thing might damage another.

Shall I fear those who salute me? or those who rap me with their knuckles?

This proverb is used to describe a state of confusion or dilemma when facing contradictory reactions or consequences from different people. It is often used by someone in a position of authority or a performer who is receiving both excessive praise (bowing) and harsh criticism or physical harm (striking) at the same time, wondering which group poses the greater threat or deserves more attention.

Yielding to force and not to entreaties.

One who fears neither Yama nor Shiva.

This expression describes an exceptionally bold, fearless, or reckless individual. Yama is the god of death and Shiva is the god of destruction; by saying someone doesn't fear either, it implies they are not afraid of death, divine consequences, or any supreme power. It is often used to describe someone who takes extreme risks or acts with total defiance.

Even Yama (the God of Death) is afraid of Shiva.

This expression is used to describe an extremely powerful or influential person whom even the most formidable authorities fear. It highlights supreme authority and indicates that someone is so strong that even those who are usually feared by others are intimidated by them.

One said " Loss, loss !" the other replied " A hole in the dish." A pun on the word Ôḍu.

This proverb describes a situation where someone performs a task with excessive or destructive force, or takes a simple instruction to an absurd extreme, causing more damage than help. It is used when a person lacks common sense in fixing a minor problem.

Do not believe the man who says he will give, nor the woman who says she will come.

This proverb warns against relying on verbal promises or superficial assurances regarding material gain or romantic interest. It suggests that people often make empty promises to please others or to get out of a situation, and one should only believe actions rather than words.

A rough man does not fear the wind.

This expression refers to a person who is toughened by hardship or lack of refinement. It describes someone who is insensitive to subtle changes or social niceties because they are used to a harsh, rugged, or coarse lifestyle.

If the pot is different, is the caste (or origin) different?

This proverb emphasizes that while the forms, shapes, or appearances of things might differ, their fundamental essence remains the same. Just as different pots are made from the same clay, all humans have the same origin despite their social divisions or physical differences. It is used to point out underlying unity or to challenge superficial discrimination.

Should I look at the milk or the vessel?

This expression is used to describe a dilemma where one must choose between the quality of the content and the appearance of the container. It is often applied to situations where someone is stuck between focusing on the value of a person or object versus their external flaws or surroundings.

There is no one other than Lord Shiva who does as much as he says

This expression highlights integrity and reliability. It means that while many people make tall promises but fail to fulfill them, a truly dependable person (metaphorically compared to Lord Shiva) always follows through on their word exactly as promised.