మంత్రసాని పనికి ఒప్పుకున్నప్పుడు, బిడ్డ వచ్చినా పట్టాలి, ఏమి వచ్చినా పట్టాలి.

mantrasani paniki oppukunnappudu, bidda vachchina pattali, emi vachchina pattali.

Translation

When you have accepted the work of a midwife, you must catch the baby or whatever comes out.

Meaning

This proverb emphasizes professional responsibility and accountability. It means that once you commit to a job or take on a responsibility, you must deal with all the consequences, challenges, and outcomes that come with it, whether they are pleasant or unpleasant.

Related Phrases

The reputation gained will not leave even after death

This expression emphasizes that once a person earns a certain reputation—whether good or bad—it stays with them for life and remains even after they pass away. It is often used to remind someone that their actions have long-lasting consequences on their legacy.

Two measures for the one who just arrived, and one measure for the one who arrived earlier.

This proverb highlights unfairness or lack of appreciation for seniority and loyalty. It describes a situation where a newcomer is given greater rewards or importance than someone who has been present or working for a long time.

Even if there is no power in the mantra, there is no shortage of spit droplets.

This proverb is used to describe a person who lacks real substance, skill, or power in their work but makes a lot of noise or puts on a big show. Just as a priest might not know the actual hymns (mantras) but spits a lot while chanting, it refers to situations where the external display is excessive while the core quality is missing.

Once you have accepted the job of a midwife, you must catch whatever comes out.

This proverb emphasizes accountability and commitment. It means that once you have voluntarily taken on a responsibility or a profession, you must be prepared to handle all the challenges, consequences, and tasks that come with it, regardless of how difficult or unpleasant they may be.

They cannot control their devotion, nor can they control their enmity.

This expression is used to describe people who are extreme and impulsive in their emotions. Whether they love someone (devotion) or hate someone (enmity), they go to such extremes that it becomes overwhelming or unmanageable for others around them. It highlights a lack of moderation in temperament.

The time when a child arrives, and the time when cattle arrive.

This proverb highlights that certain arrival events, such as the birth of a child or the purchase/arrival of livestock, are seen as significant markers of fate. It is used to describe how the timing of these events is often associated with the subsequent prosperity or misfortunes that befall a family, suggesting that the 'auspiciousness' of their arrival time influences the household's future.

Once you agree to be a midwife, you must catch whatever comes out.

This proverb emphasizes commitment and responsibility. Once you have voluntarily taken up a task or a profession, you must be prepared to face all the challenges, difficulties, or messy situations that come with it without complaining.

Winnow while the wind blows

This expression emphasizes the importance of seizing an opportunity while it is available. In agricultural terms, farmers winnow grain when there is a breeze to separate the chaff; similarly, one should complete their work while circumstances are favorable. It is the Telugu equivalent of 'Make hay while the sun shines'.

Calumny is not removed even by death.

This expression is used to describe a deeply ingrained habit, trait, or skill that stays with a person throughout their lifetime. It suggests that once something is learned or becomes part of a person's nature, it is nearly impossible to change or get rid of it.

Slander leaves a slur. Give a dog an ill name, and you may as well hang him.

Even if you dream as if you are dead, you must wake up eventually.

This proverb is used to emphasize that no matter how deep an illusion, an escape, or a terrible situation may be, one must eventually return to reality and face the facts of life. It highlights the inevitability of facing the truth.