ఇస్తే పెళ్లి, ఇవ్వకపోతే పెటాకులు

iste pelli, ivvakapote petakulu

Translation

If given, a wedding; if not, crackers.

Meaning

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone is extremely demanding or fickle. It implies that if things go their way, they will celebrate (a wedding), but if they don't get what they want, they will create chaos or break relationships (crackers/explosions). It describes an 'all or nothing' or 'my way or the highway' attitude.

Related Phrases

If given, it's a wedding; if not, it's total destruction.

This expression describes an extreme, 'all or nothing' attitude or a situation that results in either a grand celebration or complete ruin. It is often used to characterize people who are unpredictable and prone to overreacting—becoming overly generous when happy but destructive or hostile when they don't get their way.

Like becoming a groom when the wife passes away.

This expression is used to describe someone who finds a perverse or inappropriate reason to celebrate or feel renewed after a tragedy. It mocks a person who, instead of grieving a loss, treats it as an opportunity for a fresh start or acts with misplaced enthusiasm.

When a wife said "If I had not been born, you would not have had a wife," the husband replied "If you had not been born, I should have married your mother." i. e. a better woman.

This is a witty and biting comeback used to silence someone who is being overly boastful or arrogant about their importance in a situation. It highlights that no one is indispensable and that there are always alternatives, even if the alternatives suggested are humorous or absurdly provocative.

If served, it is a wedding; if not, it is a divorce.

This proverb describes a fickle or opportunistic mindset. It refers to people who are only friendly and supportive as long as they are receiving benefits or being favored (represented by the wedding feast), but immediately turn hostile or sever ties when those benefits stop (represented by divorce). It highlights how some relationships are based solely on self-interest rather than genuine loyalty.

If you give, [I shall consider there is ] a marriage [in your house] and if you don't give, a funeral.

This expression describes a situation where things go smoothly as long as a person's demands or conditions are met, but the moment they are denied, they cause chaos or break the relationship. It is used to characterize fickle or demanding people who create trouble when they don't get their way.

The impertinent speech of a beggar. ఈ.

When she said 'If I hadn't been born, you wouldn't have had a wife at all', he replied 'If you hadn't been born, I would have married your mother'.

This is a humorous and sarcastic Telugu proverb used to describe a witty or sharp-tongued retort to an arrogant or self-important claim. It highlights how someone's attempt to show their indispensability can be met with a crushing and absurd counter-argument, often used to silence someone who is bragging about their role in a situation.

If you give, it is a donation of gold; if you don't, it is a donation of a daughter.

This is a sarcastic or humorous expression used when someone tries to mask their inability or unwillingness to do something as a noble act. It refers to a person who, when unable to offer money (gold), offers something else that is culturally 'virtuous' but perhaps inconvenient or irrelevant, effectively making an excuse for their lack of contribution.

If given, it's a marriage; if not, it's shattered pieces.

This proverb describes a fickle or opportunistic person who is pleasant and supportive only as long as they receive favors or benefits. If their demands are met, everything is celebrated (like a wedding); if not, they turn hostile and create trouble (represented by the sound of crackers or destruction).

The one who is right in front is the bridegroom.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone chooses an option or person simply because they are immediately available or convenient at that moment, rather than looking for the most qualified or ideal choice. It implies making a decision based on proximity or presence rather than merit.

If you feast me [I shall consider it] a marriage and if not, a funeral.

This expression describes a person with a fickle or opportunistic nature who praises you when you provide them with benefits but turns hostile and curses you the moment you stop. It highlights extreme inconsistency in behavior based solely on self-interest.

Fair and foul words.