మునిగితే గుండు, తేలితే బెండు

munigite gundu, telite bendu

Translation

If it sinks, it is a stone; if it floats, it is a cork.

Meaning

This proverb refers to things that are very light or very heavy with no middle ground. It is used to describe an 'all or nothing' situation or to test the true nature of something by observing its final outcome. It implies that the result will eventually reveal the reality, just as water reveals whether an object is a heavy stone or a light piece of wood/cork.

Related Phrases

Coming like a mountain and ending up like a piece of cork.

This expression describes a situation or problem that initially appeared massive, daunting, or overwhelming (like a mountain) but turned out to be insignificant, trivial, or easily resolved (like light cork) in the end. It is often used to describe anticlimactic events or when a big threat fizzles out into nothing.

That which sank is carrion; that which floated is lawful (halal).

This proverb is used to describe a person's extreme opportunism or hypocrisy. It refers to someone who changes their rules or principles based on convenience—claiming a loss is worthless and only claiming ownership or 'purity' of what survives or benefits them.

Like heavy boulders floating and light cork sinking.

This expression describes a situation where everything is upside down or contrary to the natural order of things. It is used to remark on scenarios where justice is inverted, where the undeserving succeed while the deserving fail, or when illogical events occur.

Like corks sinking and stones floating.

This expression describes an unnatural, illogical, or topsy-turvy situation where things happen contrary to their nature. It is used to point out a state of injustice, corruption, or chaos where the deserving are neglected and the unworthy are elevated.

If the principal amount is drowned, won't the interest be drowned too?

This proverb is used to illustrate that when the core foundation or the primary source of something is lost or destroyed, the secondary benefits or consequences associated with it will inevitably disappear as well. It is often applied in financial contexts or when discussing the root cause of a failure.

Even if the wound heals, the scar (stiffness) remains.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where, although a primary problem or conflict has been resolved, the emotional damage, psychological impact, or physical trace of that event persists. It highlights that certain experiences leave lasting marks that do not disappear even after the initial 'pain' is gone.

Like heavy boulders floating and light corks sinking

This expression describes an unnatural or chaotic situation where things are happening contrary to their nature or the established order. It is used when merit is ignored while incompetence is rewarded, or when the impossible happens while the obvious fails.

Like corks sinking and stones floating.

This expression describes a situation where the natural order of things is reversed, or where something completely illogical and impossible is happening. It is often used to refer to a state of chaos, injustice, or a scenario where incompetent people succeed while capable ones fail.

The depth is not known until one enters (the water).

This expression means that one cannot truly understand the complexity or difficulty of a situation until they are personally involved or have started the task. It is used to advise against making superficial judgments or to explain that practical experience is necessary to grasp the reality of a problem.

Bullets floating, Bendu sinking.

This expression is used to describe a topsy-turvy situation where things are happening contrary to their natural order or common sense. It refers to a scenario where heavy, solid things (boulders) are treated lightly or succeed, while light, buoyant things (corks) fail or are suppressed. It is often used to critique injustice, poor management, or illogical outcomes in society.

Bendu is the Eschynomene Indica from which pith hats, models, &c. are made. The order of nature reversed. * El abad de Bamba, lo que no puede comer, dalo por su alma,