అయితే అవతలి ఒడ్డు, కాకుంటే ఇవతలి ఒడ్డు

ayite avatali oddu, kakunte ivatali oddu

Translation

Either that bank or this bank.

Meaning

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.

Related Phrases

Once the boat reaches the shore, a taunt/complaint against the boatman.

This proverb describes the human tendency of ingratitude. It refers to people who seek help desperately when in trouble, but once the danger is passed and they are safe, they find faults with or act ungratefully toward the person who saved them. It is used to critique someone who forgets a favor immediately after their need is fulfilled.

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.

One's wife is another's mother.

This proverb emphasizes respect and moral conduct towards women. It suggests that every woman should be treated with the same respect one gives to their own mother, highlighting that a woman who is a wife to someone is essentially a mother figure to others in society.

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.

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.

The son is a darling, while the daughter-in-law is a blockhead.

This proverb reflects a common human bias and double standard within families. It highlights how parents often overlook their own child's faults (viewing them with affection) while being overly critical, dismissive, or insensitive toward their daughter-in-law's efforts and intelligence.

A crop on the riverbank, will it remain if the river overflows?

This proverb highlights vulnerability and the inevitability of loss when one's assets or efforts are placed in a high-risk position. It is used to describe situations where something is destined to be destroyed because it lacks a safe foundation or protection from predictable disasters.

When one is crying because his house is on fire, another is crying because his body is burning.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where two people are experiencing suffering, but their problems are of completely different scales or natures, making it impossible for them to console each other. It can also refer to a situation where someone is bothered by a trivial personal matter while another person is facing a major catastrophe, highlighting a lack of shared perspective or misplaced priorities during a crisis.

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 giving a small fraction and aiming for a heavy beam.

This proverb is used to describe a person who invests something very small or trivial (Veesam) and expects a huge return or result (Vaasam - a heavy roof beam). It highlights disproportionate expectations, greed, or someone trying to gain a large advantage with a negligible effort or investment.