దండులోనికి పోతే రెంటిలో ఒకటి (చావో, బ్రతుకో)

danduloniki pote rentilo okati (chavo, bratuko)

Translation

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

Meaning

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.

Related Phrases

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

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.

The life one lived is known at the time of death.

This proverb emphasizes that a person's true character, reputation, and the impact of their life's work are only fully realized and judged by society after they pass away. It is often used to suggest that one's legacy is defined by how they are remembered by others when they are gone.

If someone scolds, the words go into the air; if you eat, the food goes inside.

This proverb is used to encourage someone to ignore verbal abuse or insults. It suggests that harsh words are intangible and vanish like the wind without causing physical harm, whereas food provides actual nourishment. It is often said to someone who is upset by criticism or scolding, advising them to stay resilient and focus on their own well-being instead of dwelling on others' words.

If the grain of rice is lost, life is lost

This expression highlights the vital importance of food security and agriculture. It signifies that even a single grain of rice represents sustenance, and without food (the means of survival), one's very existence is at risk. It is often used to emphasize the value of hard work, the importance of not wasting food, or the critical nature of one's livelihood.

If the patient lives, the doctor survives; if the patient dies, the priest survives.

This proverb is a satirical take on professions that profit regardless of the outcome. It suggests that if a sick person recovers, the doctor earns money and fame, but if the person dies, the priest earns fees for performing the funeral rites. It is used to describe situations where certain parties benefit from both success and failure.

A woman's life is like a banana leaf.

This proverb highlights the perceived vulnerability and fragility of a woman's life in traditional society. Like a banana leaf, which gets damaged whether it falls on a thorn or a thorn falls on it, a woman's reputation or life is seen as being easily affected by circumstances regardless of who is at fault.

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.

Like a frog in a stone, living within the stone itself.

This expression refers to someone who lives in a very limited or confined environment but still manages to survive. It is often used to describe people who are content with their narrow surroundings or those who manage to find sustenance and life in the most unlikely and difficult circumstances without external help.

If you die to-day, to-morrow will be two. i. e. the second day, on which milk will be poured on his bones, accord- ing to custom, after his body has been burnt.

This proverb is used to highlight the transient nature of life and the rapid passage of time. It implies that once a person is gone, the world moves on quickly, and their death soon becomes a thing of the past. It is often used to counsel against over-thinking about the future or to emphasize that time waits for no one.

A woman's life is a fragile/humble life

This is a traditional Telugu proverb often used to express the perceived vulnerability, hardships, or subordinate status women faced in social structures. It suggests that a woman's life is delicate or subject to many challenges. In modern contexts, it is sometimes used to reflect on the historical plight or difficulties specific to women's experiences.