బుడ్డది చిక్కినా కష్టమే, బలిసినా కష్టమే

buddadi chikkina kashtame, balisina kashtame

Translation

If the young girl gets thin it's a problem, if she grows too fat it's also a problem.

Meaning

This proverb is used to describe a delicate or troublesome situation where there is no perfect outcome. No matter which way things turn out, there will be difficulties or complaints. It is often used to refer to people who are never satisfied or situations that are inherently problematic regardless of the change in state.

Related Phrases

The hardships of famine days will not remain, but the words spoken during those hardships will.

This proverb emphasizes that while physical or financial difficulties are temporary and will eventually pass, the harsh words, insults, or lack of support experienced during those times are remembered forever. It serves as a reminder to be kind and mindful of one's speech even during stressful or lean periods.

Happiness [is followed by ] trouble. Grief borders on the extremes of gladness. (Latin.) If you laugh to-day you may cry to-morrow.

This expression means that true happiness or comfort can only be achieved after enduring hard work or difficulty. It emphasizes that the reward of pleasure is the result of previous struggle.

Asceticism is difficult at the end, family life is difficult in the middle

This proverb highlights the challenges of different stages of life. Being a monk or ascetic (Sanyasam) is difficult in old age due to loneliness and physical ailments, whereas family life (Samsaram) is hardest in the middle years when one is burdened with responsibilities, financial stress, and raising children.

She said the troubles caused by her mother-in-law were better than these hardships

This expression is used to describe a situation where current new difficulties are so overwhelming that previous hardships, which were once considered unbearable, now seem preferable or mild by comparison. It highlights a 'from the frying pan into the fire' scenario.

Madman's hard work, a soup of bones.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone puts in an immense amount of effort (often in a foolish or disorganized way) only to receive a meager or worthless result. It highlights the futility of hard work when it lacks proper direction or intelligence.

Loss and hardship

This expression is used to describe a situation involving significant trouble, loss, and suffering. It is often used when someone explains the various difficulties or 'trials and tribulations' they have endured to achieve something or during a bad phase in life.

One day's pleasure is six months' hardship.

This proverb is used to warn someone against momentary indulgence or short-term gratification that leads to long-term suffering, debt, or negative consequences. It emphasizes the importance of foresight and self-control.

Happiness is for the sake of hardships (or hardships follow happiness)

This expression is used to remind someone that life is a cycle of ups and downs. It suggests that comfort and joy are often temporary and serve as a preparation or a precursor to challenging times, encouraging emotional resilience and a balanced perspective on life's fluctuations.

Ravana's funeral pyre and Vibhishana's kingdom.

This expression refers to a situation that never seems to end or a problem that persists indefinitely. It is derived from the epic Ramayana, suggesting that Ravana's funeral pyre burns forever while Vibhishana rules the kingdom. It is used to describe eternal grief, a never-ending dispute, or a fire/problem that cannot be extinguished.

Like the funeral pyre of Ravanasura

This expression is used to describe a problem, conflict, or situation that persists for a very long time without reaching a conclusion. According to legend, Ravana's funeral pyre never goes out; similarly, this phrase refers to issues that keep burning or simmering indefinitely.