కొంగు తడిస్తే చలిగాని కోకంతా తడిస్తే ఏమి చలి

kongu tadiste chaligani kokanta tadiste emi chali

Translation

If the hem be wet, cold [ is felt ], but if the whole garment be wet, what cold [ is felt ? ]. 12

Meaning

This proverb is used to describe a situation where once a person is fully committed to a difficult or risky task, they no longer worry about small setbacks or inconveniences. It is similar to the idea that once you are in deep trouble, minor additional problems don't matter anymore, or 'over head, over ears.'

Related Phrases

If a woman gets wet in the Anuradha (rain), she will become a man.

This is a popular Telugu proverb related to the Anuradha Nakshatram (constellation) during the monsoon season. It is a metaphorical way of saying that the rainwater during this specific period is so strengthening and medicinal that it gives a woman the physical strength and vigor associated with a man. It highlights the perceived health benefits of the first rains of this season.

It will not sprout unless watered, and it will not cover unless wet.

This proverb is often used to describe items or situations that require specific conditions to become functional. In a literal sense, it refers to a rough wool blanket (gongali) which is stiff when dry but becomes flexible and usable only when damp. Figuratively, it describes people who only work or cooperate under specific pressure or when their basic needs are met.

If pulled up, it's the murder of a Brahmin; if pulled down, it's the killing of a cow.

This expression is used to describe a classic 'no-win' situation or a dilemma where every possible choice leads to a negative or sinful outcome. It represents being stuck between two equally bad alternatives where one cannot move forward or backward without causing harm.

He won't bow unless he drinks; he won't cover himself unless he gets wet.

This proverb describes an extremely stubborn, lazy, or reckless individual who refuses to take necessary actions or precautions until forced by dire circumstances or until a situation becomes unavoidable. It highlights a reactive rather than proactive nature.

If one gets wet in the Anuradha rains, mental ailments will vanish.

This is a traditional Telugu saying related to astrology and seasonal health. It suggests that rainfall occurring during the 'Anuradha' nakshatra (constellation) has healing properties, specifically for psychological well-being and mental clarity. It is used to highlight the medicinal or refreshing quality of specific seasonal rains.

If it rains during the Anuradha star period, it is said that a woman becomes a man.

This is a traditional Telugu proverb or folk saying related to agriculture and astrology. It metaphorically suggests that rains occurring during the Anuradha Karti (a specific period in the lunar calendar) are so powerful and life-giving that they can transform the weak into the strong, or more practically, that these rains ensure a bountiful, robust harvest that changes the fortunes of a household.

After the whole body is wet even an invalid does not feel the cold. _ 2669. కక్కిన కూటికి ఆశించరాదు. You should not wish for food thrown up. Don't wish to get back what you have given away.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where once a person is fully committed to a difficult or risky task, or is already deep in trouble, they lose their initial fear or hesitation. It suggests that after crossing a certain point of no return, one becomes indifferent to further challenges or consequences.

If one gets drenched during the Ashlesha rain, a woman will turn into a man.

This is a popular Telugu proverb or folk belief regarding the Ashlesha Karti (a specific period in the traditional agricultural calendar). It is a hyperbolic way to describe the intense power and medicinal qualities attributed to the rains during this period. It implies that these rains are so transformative and rejuvenating that they can perform the impossible, like changing one's gender. Practically, it highlights the importance of these rains for health and agriculture.

Why worry about the cold after being completely drenched?

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone has already faced the worst possible outcome or has committed fully to a difficult task, making further hesitation or minor complaints irrelevant. It is similar to the English expression 'In for a penny, in for a pound' or 'Once the rubicon is crossed.'

Once the whole body is drenched, there is no fear of cold; once in debt, there is no fear of creditors.

This proverb describes a state of reaching a tipping point where a person becomes indifferent to further consequences because they have already experienced the worst. It is used to describe someone who has become thick-skinned or desensitized to a difficult situation.