అయితే ఆరుగ, కాకుంటే కంది.
ayite aruga, kakunte kandi.
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.
Related Phrases
అక్కకుంటే అరితికిలేదు, చెల్లెలికుంటే చేతికిలేదు
akkakunte aritikiledu, chellelikunte chetikiledu
If the elder sister has it, it's not on the leaf; if the younger sister has it, it's not in the hand.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where, despite having many relatives or resources, none are actually available to help when needed. It signifies being in a state of helplessness or lack of support even when one is surrounded by family or potential means.
అయితే అమీరు, కాకపోతే ఫకీరు
ayite amiru, kakapote phakiru
If it happens, a prince; if not, a beggar.
This expression describes an 'all or nothing' situation or an extreme risk-taker. It refers to a person or a pursuit that will either lead to great wealth and success (Amir) or result in total ruin and poverty (Fakir), with no middle ground.
అయితే ఆడబిడ్డ, కాకుంటే మొగబిడ్డ అన్నాడట
ayite adabidda, kakunte mogabidda annadata
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.
అయితే ఆముదాలు, కాకపోతే కంది.
ayite amudalu, kakapote kandi.
If it happens, it's castor seeds; if not, it's pigeon peas.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where one is prepared for two possible outcomes, often in farming or business. Castor plants grow in low rainfall, while pigeon peas need more rain. It signifies a win-win strategy or a fallback plan where regardless of the circumstances, there will be some form of harvest or benefit.
అయితే ఆదివారం, కాకుంటే సోమవారం
ayite adivaram, kakunte somavaram
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.
అంటే ఆరడి అవుతుంది, అనకుంటే అలుసవుతుంది.
ante aradi avutundi, anakunte alusavutundi.
If spoken, it becomes a scandal; if not spoken, it becomes a source of contempt.
This proverb describes a 'catch-22' or a dilemma where a person is stuck between two bad options. It is used when pointing out a mistake might lead to public embarrassment or unwanted drama (aaradi), but staying silent might lead others to take one's patience for granted or treat them with disrespect (alusu).
అటయితే కందిపప్పు, ఇటయితే పెసరపప్పు
atayite kandipappu, itayite pesarapappu
In the one case Kandi, in the other Pesara.
This expression describes a situation where a person is guaranteed to benefit regardless of the outcome. It is used to refer to 'win-win' scenarios or when someone is playing both sides to ensure they don't lose anything either way.
Kandi is the Cajanus Indicus; Pesara is the Phaseolus Mungo. Said by a Brahman quack referring to the recovery or death of his patient. In either case he is feasted.
అయితే ఆరిక, కాకుంటే కంది
ayite arika, kakunte kandi
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.
అయితే అవతలి ఒడ్డు, కాకుంటే ఇవతలి ఒడ్డు
ayite avatali oddu, kakunte ivatali oddu
Either that bank or this bank.
This expression is used to describe a 'do or die' situation or a definitive decision where there is no middle ground. It signifies a state of reaching a final outcome, whether it is success on the other side or staying where you are, but ending the state of uncertainty.
అయితే ఆడబిడ్డ, కాకుంటే మొగబిడ్డ, అదీ యిదీ తప్పితే అంతా అబద్ధం.
ayite adabidda, kakunte mogabidda, adi yidi tappite anta abaddham.
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.