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.
Related Phrases
కూడు ఉడికిన వెనక పొయ్యి మండుతుంది, కులం చెడ్డ వెనక బుద్ధి వస్తుంది.
kudu udikina venaka poyyi mandutundi, kulam chedda venaka buddhi vastundi.
After the food has boiled the fire burns well, after the caste has been lost [ a man's ] sense comes. i. e. He comes to his senses after losing his caste.
This proverb is used to describe the irony of gaining resources, realization, or wisdom after the opportunity to use them effectively has passed. It highlights that being 'wise after the event' is futile, much like a fire that blazes only after the cooking is finished.
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.
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.
మానము పోయిన వెనక ప్రాణమెందుకు?
manamu poyina venaka pranamenduku?
When honor has gone, why life ?
This expression emphasizes the supreme value of dignity and self-respect over physical life. It is used to convey that for a person of principles, living with disgrace or humiliation is worse than death.
Take away my good name, and take away my life. Either live or die wi' honour.
ముందు పోటు, వెనుక తన్ను
mundu potu, venuka tannu
A stab in the front, a kick from the back.
This expression is used to describe a situation where a person is facing troubles or attacks from all directions simultaneously. It highlights a state of being trapped or victimized by multiple sources of misfortune or betrayal at once.
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.
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.
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.
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.