దండులోకి పోతే, రంట్లో ఒకటి.

danduloki pote, rantlo okati.

Translation

If you go to the wars, it will be one out of two. Either victory or defeat.

Meaning

This expression is used to describe a situation where an individual loses their unique identity or significance by joining a large group or a crowd. It implies that in a massive assembly, one person's presence or contribution is indistinguishable from the rest.

Related Phrases

If there is no salt for the gruel, there is sugar for the milk, it seems.

This proverb describes a situation where basic necessities are lacking, yet there are demands or expectations for luxuries. It is used to mock people who cannot afford the bare minimum but aspire for high-end comforts, or to highlight extreme irony in one's financial or social state.

The disease is one, the medicine is another. i. e. the one is not fitted to remove the other. Said of unsuitable remedies.

This expression is used to describe a situation where the solution provided does not match the problem at hand, or when actions taken are completely irrelevant to the actual issue. It highlights a lack of coordination or understanding in addressing a specific challenge.

Going to Benares is one thing; bringing back a Kāvadi ( of Ganges water ) is another. Two great things to be done. Applied to keeping one great object in view.

This proverb is used to describe a long, arduous process or a project that involves two distinct, equally difficult stages. It implies that completing the first half of a journey or task is not enough; the return or the follow-through is just as critical and challenging. It emphasizes persistence and completeness in any undertaking.

Like checking for a speck in someone else's eye while having a beam in one's own.

This expression is used to describe hypocritical behavior where a person ignores their own massive flaws or mistakes while criticizing others for very minor or insignificant faults. It is the Telugu equivalent of the 'mote and the beam' parable.

Every house has an earthen fire-place, my house is still worse off. Acknowledging one's failings.

This proverb is used to convey that everyone has their own set of problems or flaws, and one's own situation is no exception—or perhaps even slightly more complicated. It highlights the universality of human struggles and domestic issues, suggesting that no household is perfectly free from trouble.

Will the plant differ from the seed ?

This proverb is the Telugu equivalent of 'As you sow, so shall you reap.' It implies that every action has a corresponding consequence and that one cannot expect good results from bad actions or vice-versa. It is used to remind someone that their current situation is a direct result of their past deeds or character.

A chip of the old block. He that was born of a hen loves to be scratching. (French.)† * Après la fête on gratte la tête. † Qui naît de geline il aime à grater.

Like saying, 'Put your finger in my mouth, and I will poke your eye.'

This expression describes a situation where someone invites or encourages an action only to use it as an opportunity to harm or betray the other person. It signifies a trap, treacherous behavior, or a tit-for-tat response where a seemingly harmless or cooperative gesture is met with a calculated attack.

If one goes into the army (or battle), it's one of two things: life or death.

This proverb is used to describe a situation of extreme risk where there are only two possible outcomes: total success or total failure. It highlights the necessity of being prepared for the ultimate sacrifice or consequence when entering a high-stakes conflict or a dangerous venture.

The insect dies in the same place where it was born.

This expression is used to describe a person who is deeply attached to their place of origin, a specific habit, or a particular situation and remains there until the very end, despite better opportunities or the need for change. It signifies that one eventually perishes in the environment or lifestyle they are accustomed to.

If you go where you ought not, you will not escape scandal.

This proverb warns that frequenting inappropriate or suspicious places will lead to damage to one's reputation. Even if one is innocent of any wrongdoing, being in a bad environment invites unwanted blame and scandal. It is used to advise someone to be careful about their company and the places they visit.