అయితే ఆడబిడ్డ, కాకుంటే మొగబిడ్డ, అదీ యిదీ తప్పితే అంతా అబద్ధం.

ayite adabidda, kakunte mogabidda, adi yidi tappite anta abaddham.

Translation

Perhaps a female child, if not, a male child ; if neither this nor that, it is all a lie. Said by an astrologer when consulted regarding a pregnant woman.

Meaning

This sarcastic proverb is used to mock people who make vague or obvious predictions that cover all possible outcomes to ensure they are never proven wrong. It highlights the absurdity of stating the obvious as if it were a profound revelation or a certain prophecy.

Related Phrases

Either a baby girl or a baby boy.

This expression is used to describe a situation where there are only two possible outcomes, both of which are acceptable or equally significant. It is often used to signify that no matter what happens among the expected options, the result is certain and fine. It can also be used to shut down unnecessary speculation about a result that will eventually reveal itself.

If the Âruga fails, we shall have Kandi. These are both sown together. The Âruga crop sometimes perishes. To have two strings to one's bow. Good riding at two anchors men have told ; For if one break, the other may hold.

This proverb is used to describe a 'hit or miss' situation or a risky venture where there are only two extreme possibilities. It signifies a state of uncertainty where one will either get a quick, small result or a delayed, substantial one, often used when someone takes a gamble without being sure of the specific outcome.

* Aut Cæsar aut nullus.

The baby in the pit and the baby in the womb.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where a person is taking care of or worrying about two critical things at once, typically referring to the heavy burden of responsibility or the multitasking required in parenting and household management. It can also imply a state of continuous struggle or being overwhelmed by multiple life demands.

A sister-in-law is half a husband.

This proverb describes the significant authority, influence, and sometimes interference a husband's sister (aadabidda) has over his wife in a traditional Indian household. It implies that her power is second only to the husband.

He said 'If it happens, it's a girl; if not, it's a boy'

This proverb is used to mock someone who makes an obvious or inevitable prediction that covers all possible outcomes. It describes a situation where a person states the obvious as if it were a profound insight, or takes a stance where they cannot be proven wrong because they have accounted for every alternative.

If it's not Sunday it's Monday. If to-day will not, to-morrow may.

This expression is used to describe someone who is indecisive or a situation that lacks a firm commitment. It implies that a task will be done eventually, but without a specific or reliable timeline, often suggesting procrastination or a casual attitude toward deadlines.

A sister-in-law is like a half-husband.

This traditional expression refers to the significant authority, influence, and sometimes interference a husband's sister (aadabidda) can have in a newly married woman's household. It suggests that her status is nearly equal to that of the husband in terms of decision-making or power dynamics within the family.

A stony field and a widow daughter are said to bring prosperity to a farmer's household.

This traditional proverb suggests that certain seemingly difficult circumstances can have hidden benefits. A field with stones is believed to retain moisture better or have mineral-rich soil beneficial for specific crops, and a widowed daughter returning home provides an extra pair of dedicated hands to help with intensive agricultural labor, eventually leading to the family's success.

If it works out, it's Kodo millet; if not, it's Pigeon pea.

This proverb is used to describe a 'win-win' situation or a situation where there are only two possible outcomes, both of which are acceptable or manageable. It highlights a state of being prepared for either of two specific results, often implying that even if the primary goal isn't met, the alternative is still useful.

To hide one lie a thousand lies are wanted. One lie makes many. One lie draws ten after it. [Iralan.]

This proverb highlights the compounding nature of dishonesty. Once a person tells a single lie, they are often forced to create a complex web of additional falsehoods to maintain the original deception and prevent it from being discovered.