చెట్టు ముదరనిచ్చి చిదిమిన పోవునా?

chettu mudaranichchi chidimina povuna?

Translation

If you let a tree grow old, will it break if you pinch it?

Meaning

This proverb emphasizes that bad habits, problems, or children's misbehavior should be corrected when they are small or in their early stages. Once they grow strong or become deep-rooted over time, they become impossible to control or eliminate.

Related Phrases

Like asking whether the tree was first or the seed.

This expression is used to describe a classic 'chicken and egg' dilemma. It refers to a situation or debate where it is impossible to determine which of two related things happened first or is the primary cause of the other.

A problem that cannot be solved. Ask which was born first, the hen or the egg. (Italian.)*

Will a snake bite go away if wiped with a saree?

This proverb is used to emphasize that serious problems or deep-seated issues cannot be solved with superficial or trivial remedies. Just as the venom of a snake bite cannot be removed by simply wiping the skin with a piece of cloth, complex challenges require appropriate and effective actions rather than mere symbolic gestures.

There is no grief if one loses in a just argument or dies of old age.

This proverb suggests that certain outcomes are natural and acceptable. Losing in a fair dispute or passing away after a full life (old age) are considered inevitable or righteous conclusions that one should not regret or mourn excessively.

Making a man mount a tree and then taking away the ladder. Treachery. Breach of faith.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone encourages or helps another person to take a risk or reach a certain position, only to abandon them or withdraw support once they are vulnerable. It signifies betrayal or leaving someone in a helpless situation after leading them into it.

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.

A thundering cloud and a chasing snake do not go in vain.

This proverb is used to describe situations where an outcome is inevitable. Just as a thundering cloud usually leads to rain and a snake chasing someone will likely bite, certain actions or warnings have definite consequences that cannot be ignored or escaped.

Even if it is a poisonous Musini tree, a green tree should not be cut down.

This proverb emphasizes the value of life and environmental preservation. It suggests that one should not destroy something that is thriving and green, even if it is seemingly useless or harmful like the Musini (Strychnine) tree, as every living thing has its place in nature.

Like making someone climb a tree and then taking away the ladder.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone encourages or helps another person to start a difficult task or take a risk, but then abandons them or removes their support once they are in a vulnerable position. It signifies betrayal or leaving someone in the lurch.

Like making the person who is holding your nose blow it.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone is forced to do a task by the very person who is hindering or controlling them. It signifies an ironic or redundant form of compulsion where the victim has no choice but to follow the instructions of their oppressor to perform a basic action.

In a place where there are no trees, even a Wild Indigo bush is a great tree

This proverb describes a situation where an ordinary or mediocre person is considered great simply because there are no better alternatives available. It is equivalent to the English proverb 'In the kingdom of the blind, the one-eyed man is king.'