ముందు వచ్చే పండ్లకు వెనకకు నెట్టితే పోతదా?
mundu vachche pandlaku venakaku nettite potada?
If teeth are growing forward, will they go back just by pushing them?
This expression is used to describe inevitable consequences or natural outcomes that cannot be changed through simple or superficial efforts. It suggests that once a situation has progressed or manifested in a certain way, minor attempts to reverse it are futile.
Related Phrases
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.
ముందుకు పోతే గొయ్యి; వెనుకకు పోతే నుయ్యి
munduku pote goyyi; venukaku pote nuyyi
A ditch ahead and a well behind.
This refers to a situation where both going forward and coming backward are risky. In life, too, one arrives at a crossroads, where the choice of moving either way can lead only to unfortunate results. On those occasions, it is better to trust one’s instinct and go ahead, hoping for the best.
తాగుటకు ముందు, వ్రాతకు వెనుక చూడవలె.
tagutaku mundu, vrataku venuka chudavale.
Look before you drink, and look behind after you write.
This proverb advises caution and foresight in two different contexts. In the physical sense, one should check water/liquid before drinking to ensure it is clean. In the context of writing or documentation, one must 'look behind' or review what has been written to check for errors or unintended consequences before finalizing it.
ముందుకుపోతే మురికి ముండ, వెనుకకు పోతే వెట్టిముండ
mundukupote muriki munda, venukaku pote vettimunda
If you go forward, she is a dirty woman; if you go backward, she is a mad woman.
This proverb is used to describe a 'catch-22' or a 'no-win' situation where every available option leads to a negative or unpleasant outcome. It is similar to the English expressions 'between a rock and a hard place' or 'between the devil and the deep blue sea.'
వేడినీళ్ళకు ముందు, వెట్టిమూటకు వెనుక పోకూడదు.
vedinillaku mundu, vettimutaku venuka pokudadu.
Do not go in front of hot water, and do not go behind a bundle of unpaid labor.
This proverb advises caution and strategic positioning. Walking in front of someone carrying hot water risks getting splashed if they trip. Walking behind someone carrying a heavy load (vetty) is dangerous because the load might fall backward or the person might suddenly drop it. It teaches one to stay alert to their surroundings and avoid positions where others' accidents can cause them harm.
తిండికి ముందు, దండుకు వెనుక.
tindiki mundu, danduku venuka.
First for food, last for the army (war).
This expression is used to describe a lazy or opportunistic person who is always the first to appear when there is a meal or benefit, but the first to hide or stay behind when there is hard work, danger, or a responsibility to fulfill.
వెనకకు వెళ్తే తన్ను, ముందుకు వస్తే పోటు
venakaku velte tannu, munduku vaste potu
If you go behind you are kicked, if you go in front you are gored.
This expression describes a 'no-win' situation or a dilemma where both available options lead to a negative outcome. It is similar to the English idioms 'Between a rock and a hard place' or 'Caught between the devil and the deep blue sea.' It is used when a person is stuck between two equally unpleasant alternatives.
Not to be pleased in any way.
తాగడానికి ముందు, వ్రాతకు వెనుక ఉండాలి
tagadaniki mundu, vrataku venuka undali
One should be at the front for drinking, and at the back for writing.
This proverb highlights human nature regarding pleasure versus responsibility. It implies that people are usually eager and first in line when it comes to enjoying treats or drinks, but they are hesitant and stay in the background when it comes to work, documentation, or taking official responsibility.
ముందు వెళ్ళేవాళ్లకు మూకిళ్ళు, వెనుక వెళ్ళేవాళ్లకు నాకిళ్ళు
mundu vellevallaku mukillu, venuka vellevallaku nakillu
Mouth-pots for those who go first, and licks for those who follow.
This proverb highlights the disadvantage of procrastination or being late. Those who arrive early get the full portion of a meal (served in pots), while those who arrive late are left with only the leftovers to lick from the vessels. It is used to encourage punctuality and promptness.
ముందు ముచ్చట్లు వెనుక తప్పట్లు
mundu muchchatlu venuka tappatlu
Sweet talks in the front, claps (mockery) behind the back.
This expression is used to describe people who speak very pleasantly and flatteringly to your face, but criticize, mock, or gossip about you as soon as you are gone. It highlights hypocrisy and two-faced behavior.