అడుసు త్రొక్కనేల కాలు కడుగనేల

adusu trokkanela kalu kaduganela

Translation

Why step in the mud and then why wash your feet?

Meaning

This proverb is used to advise someone to avoid getting into trouble or making a mistake in the first place, rather than trying to fix it later. It is similar to the English saying 'Prevention is better than cure.' It suggests that one should use foresight to avoid messy situations instead of wasting effort resolving them.

Related Phrases

Why thump a stone? Why should your hand be pained? Why bring trouble on your own head?

This proverb is used to advise against engaging in futile or self-destructive actions. It suggests that picking a fight with someone much stronger or attempting an impossible task will only result in self-inflicted harm, so it is better to avoid such unnecessary conflicts.

Why punch a stone? Why let the hand hurt?

This proverb is used to advise against engaging in futile or self-destructive actions. It suggests that picking a fight with someone much stronger than you, or attempting an impossible task that only results in self-harm, is foolish and unnecessary.

When there is a mirror, why ask about one's beauty?

This proverb is used to describe a situation where the truth is self-evident or obvious. It implies that when there is direct evidence available right in front of you, there is no need for external validation or second-hand opinions. It is similar to the English expression 'The proof of the pudding is in the eating'.

Why step in the mud? Why wash the foot?

This expression means that it is better to avoid a bad situation or a known problem altogether rather than getting involved and then trying to fix the consequences. It is used to advise someone to stay away from trouble or unnecessary complications from the start.

The time the foot was set and the time the sacred thread was tied.

This expression refers to the timing of a significant event, particularly marriage or entering a new home. It suggests that the success or failure of a venture is often attributed to the 'auspiciousness' of the exact moment someone first stepped in or when the ritual began. It is used when discussing the destiny or luck associated with a new beginning.

Why advance a cubit, and sink a fathom ?

This proverb is used to describe a situation where the effort put into progress is far outweighed by the resulting loss or setback. It critiques actions that are counterproductive or lack proper planning, leading to a net negative outcome. It is often used when someone tries to gain a little but ends up losing much more.

Why endure the cold and why bask in the moonlight?

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone is confused, indecisive, or performing contradictory actions that yield no benefit. It refers to someone who complains about the cold (chali) but instead of seeking warmth from a fire, sits in the moonlight (seethu), which provides no heat. It is applied to people who choose ineffective solutions to their problems.

Why punch a stone and why suffer a hand injury?

This expression is used to advise someone against taking on a task or engaging in a conflict that is clearly beyond their capability or bound to result in self-harm. It questions the wisdom of starting a fight with a much stronger opponent or attempting an impossible task that will only lead to personal pain or failure.

Getting the hand burnt when a ladle is available

This expression is used when someone suffers unnecessary harm or puts in avoidable effort despite having the right tools or resources to complete a task safely. It highlights a lack of common sense or the failure to use available means to protect oneself.

Sesame for black soil, red gram for red soil.

This proverb highlights the importance of choosing the right resources or people for a specific task based on their nature and suitability. Just as sesame thrives in black soil and pigeon peas (red gram) grow best in red soil, success depends on aligning strategies with the environment or context.