అయితే ఆడబిడ్డ, లేకుంటే మగబిడ్డ

ayite adabidda, lekunte magabidda

Translation

Either a baby girl or a baby boy.

Meaning

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.

Related Phrases

The child of an ox and a farmer.

This expression is used to describe someone who is exceptionally hardworking, resilient, and possesses great physical strength or endurance, much like a farmer or their cattle. It highlights a person's grit and down-to-earth nature.

If there is (plenty), it is Ugadi; if there is (nothing), it is Shivaratri.

This proverb describes an unstable or extreme financial situation. 'Ugadi' represents a feast and celebration (plenty), while 'Shivaratri' represents fasting and staying awake (poverty/hunger). It is used to describe someone who either lives in luxury when they have money or starves when they don't, lacking a middle ground or consistent lifestyle.

A daughter is a harm to the house, a thatched eave is a harm to a terraced building.

This is a traditional proverb reflecting old societal anxieties. It suggests that just as a dry thatched roof poses a fire hazard to a solid building, a daughter's presence was historically viewed as a liability due to the heavy financial burdens (like dowry) and social responsibilities associated with her marriage and well-being. It is used to describe things that are perceived as inherent risks or burdens to an establishment.

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.

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 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.

Like a woman who has stopped menstruating giving birth to a male child.

This expression is used to describe a situation where something completely unexpected or deemed impossible suddenly happens. It refers to a stroke of extreme good luck or a miraculous outcome occurring long after hope has been abandoned.

A child seen with one's eyes is greater than a child born from the womb.

This proverb emphasizes that nurturing, seeing, and taking care of a child with one's own eyes is more significant than the mere biological act of giving birth. It is often used to highlight the value of adoption, foster care, or the bond formed through upbringing over biological ties.

If there are rains, there are crops; if not, there are fires.

This proverb highlights the critical importance of rainfall for agriculture. It signifies that timely rains lead to prosperity and food security (crops), whereas a lack of rain leads to drought, starvation, and economic devastation (metaphorically referred to as fires/suffering).

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.

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.