పైన పడ్డ మాట, మడిని పడ్డ నీరు

paina padda mata, madini padda niru

Translation

A word spoken over someone is like water falling into a field.

Meaning

This proverb emphasizes that once a word is spoken or a promise is made publicly, it becomes a responsibility or an obligation that cannot be taken back, much like how water diverted into a farm plot stays there to nourish the crop.

Related Phrases

Like a Pesara seed on a looking glass. Used with reference to a remark aimed at a particular person, but con- veyed in such general terms that he is unable to take notice of it. He said devil, but meant you. (Dutch.)

This expression describes something that is extremely unstable or short-lived. Just as a small, round green gram seed cannot stay still on a smooth, slippery surface like a mirror and slides off immediately, this phrase is used to refer to people who don't stick to their word, or situations that are highly precarious and transient.

Words spoken and water entered in a field do not leave easily.

This proverb emphasizes the lasting impact of words. Once water enters a tilled field (madi), it is absorbed and stays; similarly, once an accusation or a commitment is made publicly, it cannot be easily taken back or erased. It is used to advise caution in speech because reputations are hard to mend once a 'word' is cast upon someone.

Like a green gram falling on a mirror.

This expression is used to describe something that slides off or fails to stick, just as a smooth seed would bounce or slip off a glass surface. It is often used to characterize a person who is unaffected by advice, warnings, or criticism, or to describe a situation where efforts have no lasting impact.

Will an accusation [ be forgotten ], will water which falls in a banked field escape?

This expression means that once something is said or done, it cannot be taken back or undone. Words spoken aloud, especially accusations or insults, leave a lasting impact just as water that flows into a farm plot stays there. It is used to advise caution in speech or to highlight the permanence of certain actions.

Throw much dirt, and some will stick. An ill wound may be cured, but not an ill name.

Like a tigress that has just given birth falling upon you.

This expression is used to describe someone who is extremely aggressive, fierce, or reacting with sudden and intense rage. Just as a tigress is most protective and dangerous right after giving birth, it refers to a situation where a person attacks or scolds someone with peak intensity.

Already a person with a small/deformed nose, and on top of that, a cold.

This proverb describes a situation where an already difficult or unfortunate condition is made even worse by a new problem. It is used when a person who is already struggling faces an additional, albeit minor, irritation that becomes unbearable given their existing state.

Water fallen in the field and a blow fallen on the body do not go away.

This proverb is used to describe actions or consequences that are irreversible or inevitable. Just as water absorbed by a field is utilized or lost to the soil and a physical blow leaves an impact or mark that must be endured, certain words spoken or actions taken cannot be taken back and their effects must be faced.

Like a dancer who says the drum is bad because she cannot dance.

This proverb is used to describe a person who lacks skill or makes a mistake, but blames their tools, environment, or others instead of admitting their own incompetence. It is equivalent to the English proverb 'A bad workman always blames his tools.'

What he dances is a dance, what he sings is a song.

This expression is used to describe a person who holds absolute power, influence, or authority in a particular situation. It implies that the person can do whatever they want without any opposition, and others must follow their rules or whims.

Like wishing for fruit which cannot be reached.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone desires or pursues something that is completely beyond their reach, capability, or status. It highlights the futility of having unrealistic ambitions or craving for unattainable goals.