అడుగులోనే హంసపాదా?
adugulone hamsapada?
What! a caret in the commencement ? Said by a man to an ignorant scribe who, in writing the customary invo- cation " Śrī Rāmajaya" at the heading of a letter, omitted a syllable. Blundering at the very beginning of any business. He who begins ill finishes worse. (Italian.)† Well begun is half done.
This expression is used to describe a situation where an obstacle or a mistake occurs at the very beginning of a task or journey. It is similar to the English idiom 'stumbling at the first hurdle' or 'a bad start.'
Related Phrases
గంగలో మునిగినా కాకి హంస అవుతుందా?
gangalo munigina kaki hamsa avutunda?
Though it bathe in the Ganges, will a crow become a swan ?
This expression means that a person's inherent nature, character, or lack of skill cannot be changed simply by external actions, rituals, or by changing their environment. It is used to suggest that superficial changes do not alter one's true identity or capabilities.
ఆవు పొదుగులోనే అరవై ఆరు పిండివంటలున్నాయి.
avu podugulone aravai aru pindivantalunnayi.
There are sixty-six varieties of delicacies right inside the cow's udder.
This proverb highlights the immense value and versatility of milk provided by a cow. It implies that from a single source (milk), one can create a vast multitude of foods, sweets, and nutrients, emphasizing the cow's sacred and provider status in Indian culture.
కొలని హంసలకడ కొక్కెరలన్నట్టు
kolani hamsalakada kokkeralannattu
Like cranes standing among the swans of the pond.
This expression is used to describe a situation where an unworthy or inferior person is found in the company of noble, wise, or talented individuals. It highlights the stark contrast in character, grace, or intellect, suggesting that an out-of-place person stands out for the wrong reasons among those who are truly refined.
కాకిలా తిరిగాడు, హంసలా ఈదాడు.
kakila tirigadu, hamsala idadu.
Wandered like a crow, swam like a swan.
This expression describes a person who has spent a long time searching or struggling through various difficulties (wandering aimlessly like a crow) but eventually finds grace, success, or a smooth path (swimming elegantly like a swan). It highlights a transformation from a state of struggle to a state of dignity and ease.
అమాయక చక్రవర్తికి ఆదిలోనే హంసపాదు
amayaka chakravartiki adilone hamsapadu
A blunder at the very beginning for the innocent emperor.
This expression is used when a mistake or an obstacle occurs right at the start of a new venture. 'Hamsapaadu' refers to a caret or a proofreading mark used to insert missed text, symbolizing an error or an interruption at the very inception of a task.
ప్రోలులోనే లేకపోతే, పొడుగునా ఉంటుందా?
prolulone lekapote, poduguna untunda?
If it is not present in the town itself, will it be found along the way?
This proverb highlights that if something is not found at its primary source or origin (prolu/town), it is unlikely to be found in the outskirts or along the journey. It is used to express skepticism about finding a solution or resource in secondary places when it was absent at the main source.
పాలసముద్రంలోని హంస పడియనీటికి ఆశపడుతుందా?
palasamudramloni hamsa padiyanitiki ashapadutunda?
Will a swan living in the ocean of milk ever crave for a puddle of stagnant water?
This proverb is used to describe how someone who has experienced greatness, excellence, or high standards will never be satisfied with something mediocre or inferior. It highlights that once a person enjoys the best, they cannot settle for the mundane.
హంసపాదుల రాత, ఆయాసంతో పాట
hamsapadula rata, ayasanto pata
Writing like swan's feet, singing with exhaustion
This expression describes a situation where the quality of work is poor and the effort put into it is tiring or unpleasant. It is used to mock illegible, messy handwriting (resembling bird tracks) and performances that are strained or lack harmony.
అడుగులోనే ఆముదం విరిగినట్లు
adugulone amudam viriginatlu
Like the castor oil vessel breaking at the very first step.
This expression is used to describe a situation where a task or project fails right at the beginning or at the very first step. It signifies an auspicious or disappointing start to an endeavor.
ఆది లోనే హంస పాదు.
adi lone hamsa padu.
An insertion at the very beginning of writing.
Usually said when there is a hurdle, gap or break in the very beginning.