ముందు చచ్చింది ముత్తైదువ, వెనుక వచ్చింది విధవ
mundu chachchindi muttaiduva, venuka vachchindi vidhava
The one who died first is a sumangali (auspicious woman), the one who followed is a widow.
This proverb is used to comment on irony or hypocritical situations where people judge others based on timing or status, even when they share a similar fate. It highlights that the first person to experience a situation or commit an act often gains a higher status or 'moral ground' compared to the second person who does the exact same thing.
Related Phrases
ముందు వచ్చినదానికి ముగ్గురు మొగుళ్ళు, వెనుక వచ్చినదానికి వేగుళ్ళు.
mundu vachchinadaniki mugguru mogullu, venuka vachchinadaniki vegullu.
The one who arrived first has three husbands, while the one who arrived later has pregnancy cravings.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where an experienced person or someone who arrived early is neglected or treated with indifference, while a newcomer or a later arrival receives excessive attention, special treatment, or pampered care. It highlights the irony of human nature where novelty is often valued over experience or seniority.
ముందు నుయ్యి, వెనుక గొయ్యి
mundu nuyyi, venuka goyyi
A well in front, a pit behind
This expression is used to describe a dilemma or a 'catch-22' situation where one is trapped between two equally difficult or dangerous alternatives. It is the Telugu equivalent of the English idiom 'between a rock and a hard place.'
వచ్చిన పేరు చచ్చినా పోదు
vachchina peru chachchina podu
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.
ముందు వచ్చిన చెవులకన్నా, వెనక వచ్చిన కొమ్ములు వాడి
mundu vachchina chevulakanna, venaka vachchina kommulu vadi
The horns which came last are sharper than the ears which came first. Said of a new comer wishing to usurp authority over his seniors.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where a newcomer, junior, or younger person surpasses their senior or predecessor in skill, power, or success. It highlights that experience (age) doesn't always guarantee superiority over late-blooming talent or sharp ambition.
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.
ముండకాదు, ముత్తైదువా కాదు
mundakadu, muttaiduva kadu
Neither a widow nor a married woman with a living husband.
This expression refers to a person or a situation that is in a state of limbo or ambiguity, not belonging to one clear category or another. It is used to describe something that is neither here nor there, often implying a lack of clear identity, status, or decision.
అచ్చిపెళ్ళి బుచ్చి చావుకు వచ్చింది
achchipelli buchchi chavuku vachchindi
Achi's wedding led to Buchi's death
This proverb is used to describe a situation where one person's celebration or positive event unexpectedly results in trouble or a disaster for someone else. It highlights unintended negative consequences or a stroke of bad luck occurring simultaneously with a good event.
ముందు వచ్చింది ముత్తైదువ, వెనుక వచ్చింది వెధవ
mundu vachchindi muttaiduva, venuka vachchindi vedhava
The first one was a wife, the last one was a widow. i. e. the first died while her husband was alive, the last was degraded to the position of a widow. Old things are thought much of, new ones are not valued.
This expression is used to highlight the importance of being early or punctual. It implies that the first person to arrive or the first effort made receives respect and good fortune, while being late or secondary leads to misfortune or a lack of value. It is often used in situations where priority determines quality or status.
మురికి మురికి ముత్తైదువు కంటే, వెల్లడియైన విధవ మేలు
muriki muriki muttaiduvu kante, velladiyaina vidhava melu
An honest widow is better than a dirty, unchaste married woman.
This proverb emphasizes that integrity and transparency are more valuable than social status or outward appearances. It suggests that a person with low social standing (historically, a widow) who is honest and clean in character is superior to a person of high social status (a married woman/mutthaiduva) who is deceitful, immoral, or 'dirty' in her conduct.
వచ్చిన వాడు చచ్చినా పోదు.
vachchina vadu chachchina podu.
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.