బొట్టు కట్టితేనేగాని, ముండ మొయ్యదు.

bottu kattitenegani, munda moyyadu.

Translation

Unless the Boṭṭu be tied, she cannot become a widow. Fortune must come before misfortune.

Meaning

This expression is used to signify that certain consequences or outcomes cannot occur unless a specific preliminary action or event takes place first. It emphasizes the logical order of events, often used in a cynical or blunt manner to point out that a process must be initiated before its end result (even a negative one) can be realized.

Related Phrases

She cannot become a widow unless she is first married (by tying the Bottu).

This proverb is used to describe a situation where certain necessary conditions must be met before an outcome—often a negative or inevitable one—can occur. It highlights the logical sequence of events, implying that one cannot experience the consequences of a state (like widowhood) without first entering that state (marriage).

Only when one dies, does the truth of the funeral song come out.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where the true nature, secrets, or total accomplishments of a person or a situation are only fully revealed or understood at the very end or after it is finished. It implies that certain truths remain hidden until the final conclusion.

A man is no Doctor until he has killed one or two [patients.]

This proverb is used to highlight that expertise comes from experience, often involving costly mistakes or failures along the way. In a more cynical sense, it suggests that beginners in any profession may inadvertently cause harm while they are still learning their craft.

Said to a bungling tyro. If the doctor cures, the sun sees it ; if he kills, the earth hides it.

You may become a widow but you should not bring on yourself dishonor.

In traditional society, widowhood was considered the ultimate hardship. This proverb emphasizes that losing one's reputation or facing a false accusation is even more painful and harder to endure than the greatest personal tragedies. It highlights the supreme importance of personal honor and character over physical or social suffering.

If the swords meet, the partnership/alliance meets.

This expression is used to describe a situation where mutual interests, particularly regarding power or conflict, lead to an alliance. It suggests that once people recognize each other's strength or engage in a common struggle, they are more likely to form a cooperative bond or partnership.

Butter won't come out unless the finger is curved.

This proverb is used to say that some tasks cannot be achieved through straightforward or gentle means; one must use a bit of cunning, force, or a change in tactics to get the job done. It is similar to the English expression 'Sometimes you have to play dirty to get what you want'.

Like asking whether the tree came first or the seed first.

This expression is used to describe a classic chicken-and-egg dilemma or a circular argument where it is impossible to determine which of two related things happened or existed first. It is often applied to situations involving infinite regress or complex causal loops.

The son must flourish, and the daughter-in-law must become a widow.

This proverb describes a paradoxical or impossible desire, highlighting human selfishness or hypocrisy. Since a woman can only become a widow if her husband (the son) dies, wishing for both simultaneously is a logical contradiction. It is used to mock people who want all the benefits for themselves without accepting the necessary consequences, or those who harbor ill will that would ultimately hurt their own interests.

One can bear being a widow, but one cannot bear being blamed (shamed).

This is a powerful traditional saying emphasizing that a person's reputation and honor are more important than any physical or social hardship. While widowhood (historically considered a great misfortune) is endurable, the burden of a false accusation or a stain on one's character is considered unbearable and worse than death or extreme misery.

One can bear the life of a widow, but one cannot bear a false accusation.

This proverb emphasizes that loss of reputation or a stain on one's character is far more painful and difficult to endure than even the most tragic personal misfortune or social hardship. It highlights the supreme importance of personal honor over physical or social suffering.