ముందర పల్లం, వెనక మిట్ట
mundara pallam, venaka mitta
In front a ditch, behind a mound.
This expression describes a situation where one is trapped between two difficult choices or obstacles, similar to the English phrase 'between a rock and a hard place'. It is used when every direction or option available leads to a problem or difficulty.
A precipice ahead, wolves behind. (Latin.)† To be between the horns of a dilemma.
Related Phrases
ఆయన ముందర పోవలె.
ayana mundara povale.
He must die first, or I must die before him. An ambiguous phrase used by a bad wife.
This phrase is typically used to express a sense of urgency or priority in following someone's lead or instructions. It can also imply being proactive or staying ahead of someone in a competitive or social context. In some dialects, it may refer to the necessity of preceding someone during a ritual or formal procession.
మొగుడు చచ్చిన వెనక ముండకు బుద్ధి వచ్చినది.
mogudu chachchina venaka mundaku buddhi vachchinadi.
After her husband's death, the jade came to her senses.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone realizes their mistake or understands the importance of something only after it is permanently lost or when it is too late to rectify the damage. It highlights the futility of late realization.
వెనకా ముందూ చూచి మాట్లాడండి
venaka mundu chuchi matladandi
Having looked before and behind, speak, Sir. A story is told of a corrupt judge behind whose seat one of the parties in a suit placed a bag of money and when he perceived that the case was going against him, called out " Look before and behind you Sir, and decide." The judge, perceiving the bribe, adroitly turned his judgment against the opposite party.
This expression is used as a piece of advice or a warning to someone to be cautious with their words. It suggests thinking about the consequences, the context, and the people present before speaking, ensuring one doesn't say something regrettable or inappropriate.
ముందు పల్లం, వెనుక మిట్ట
mundu pallam, venuka mitta
A pit in front and a mound behind.
This expression describes a situation where there are obstacles or dangers on all sides, leaving no easy way forward or backward. It is similar to the English idiom 'between a rock and a hard place' or 'between the devil and the deep blue sea'. It is used when a person is caught in a dilemma with equally difficult alternatives.
నీరుండేదాకా మీను మిట్టిపడుతుంది
nirundedaka minu mittipadutundi
As long as there is water, the fish will leap and jump about.
This proverb describes someone who acts arrogant, bold, or powerful only because they have support or favorable circumstances. Just as a fish loses its ability to jump once the water is gone, such people lose their influence and become helpless once their support system or resources are removed. It is used to remind someone that their current pride is temporary and dependent on their environment.
ముందర ఉన్నది ముసళ్ల పండగ
mundara unnadi musalla pandaga
The old men's feast is still to come. i. e. burial. Said of greater troubles still to be borne.
This expression is used to warn someone that the worst is yet to come or that a much larger problem is waiting in the future. It suggests that current difficulties are minor compared to the major ordeal approaching.
* Peu de levain aigrit grand'pâte. † A fronte praecipitium, a tergo lupi.
మీగడ మీద మెతుకు పడితే మిట్టి మిట్టి పడ్డాడు
migada mida metuku padite mitti mitti paddadu
When a grain of rice fell on his foot, he started with conceit. It is only when a man has plenty to eat that he lets a grain fall.
This expression is used to describe someone who overreacts or creates a huge fuss over a very trivial, insignificant issue. It highlights the behavior of being overly sensitive or dramatic about minor inconveniences.
లగ్గం ముందా పల్లకి ముందా అన్నాట్ట
laggam munda pallaki munda annatta
Did the auspicious wedding time come first, or did the palanquin arrive first?
This proverb is used to describe a situation where one is caught up in trivial or logistical details (like the arrival of a transport palanquin) while overlooking the primary, essential event (the wedding timing itself). It refers to poor prioritization or unnecessary confusion regarding the order of events.
కార్తె ముందర ఉరిమినా, కార్యము ముందర పదిరినా చెడుతుంది
karte mundara urimina, karyamu mundara padirina chedutundi
If it thunders before the Kârte, if you are hasty in a business, it will be spoilt. Kârte is " the particular constellation of the 27 in which the sun happens to be." The Kârte here spoken of is that in which rain should fall. If it thunders before the time, the rain will be insufficient. Ognu coasa ha cagions,
This proverb emphasizes the importance of timing and composure. Just as unseasonal thunder is often a sign of poor weather or lack of rain for crops, being overly anxious or impatient (flustered) before starting a task leads to poor results. It suggests that patience and waiting for the right moment are essential for success.
ఆచారం ముందర, అనాచారం వెనక
acharam mundara, anacharam venaka
Purity first and impurity after. Impurity always attends purity.
This proverb refers to hypocrisy or double standards. It describes a situation where someone publicly follows all religious or social customs strictly (outward display), but privately indulges in unethical or prohibited activities. It is used to criticize people who act righteous only when being watched.