పిచ్చి కుదిరితేగాని పెళ్లి కాదు, పెళ్లి అయితేనేగాని పిచ్చి కుదరదు

pichchi kudiritegani pelli kadu, pelli ayitenegani pichchi kudaradu

Translation

The madness won't be cured until the marriage happens, and the marriage won't happen until the madness is cured.

Meaning

This expression describes a classic 'Catch-22' or a circular deadlock situation where two necessary conditions are dependent on each other, making it impossible to resolve either. It is often used to describe bureaucratic hurdles or complex problems where one cannot start without the other, yet neither can move forward.

Related Phrases

He said the madness is cured, now wrap a pestle around my head

This proverb is used to describe someone who claims to be reformed or cured of a problem but immediately suggests something equally absurd or foolish. It highlights a situation where there is no real improvement despite claims to the contrary, or when someone's inherent nature remains unchanged.

It will not sprout unless watered, and it will not cover unless wet.

This proverb is often used to describe items or situations that require specific conditions to become functional. In a literal sense, it refers to a rough wool blanket (gongali) which is stiff when dry but becomes flexible and usable only when damp. Figuratively, it describes people who only work or cooperate under specific pressure or when their basic needs are met.

Unless the madness is cured, the marriage won't happen; and unless the marriage happens, the madness won't be cured.

This proverb describes a classic Catch-22 or a circular paradox where two conditions are dependent on each other, making it impossible to resolve either. It is used to describe a deadlock situation where you cannot start one thing without finishing the other, but the second thing cannot be finished without starting the first.

Not just himself, but a wedding too?

This expression is used to describe a situation where a person who is incapable of managing their own basic responsibilities or needs suddenly takes on an even larger or more complex burden. It mocks the irony of someone failing at the individual level yet attempting something that requires much more resources or maturity.

It won't be settled unless I give four (slaps).

This expression is used when someone is being stubborn, mischievous, or uncooperative. It implies that the person will only behave or understand the situation if they are physically disciplined or sternly reprimanded. In a broader sense, it means some problems require a 'tough' approach rather than gentle persuasion.

Butter won't come out unless the finger is curved.

This proverb is used to say that some tasks cannot be achieved through straightforward or gentle means; one must use a bit of cunning, force, or a change in tactics to get the job done. It is similar to the English expression 'Sometimes you have to play dirty to get what you want'.

Like going to a wedding while carrying water (neeyi) in one's armpit.

This expression is used to describe a person who carries unnecessary baggage or clings to something burdensome while going to an important or celebratory event. It highlights the absurdity of holding onto something that hinders one's enjoyment or ease during a significant occasion.

Achi's wedding ended up leading to Buchi's death.

This expression is used to describe a situation where a celebration or a positive event unintentionally leads to a disaster or a tragic outcome for someone else. It highlights the irony of a festive occasion turning into a cause for sorrow due to unforeseen circumstances or mismanagement.

Each person's madness is their own joy.

This proverb suggests that everyone has their own unique eccentricities, hobbies, or obsessions that might seem irrational to others but bring great satisfaction to themselves. It is used to express that happiness is subjective and one shouldn't judge what makes another person happy, even if it seems foolish.

To a madman, the whole world is mad

This expression describes a cognitive bias where a person with a flawed perspective or specific obsession assumes that everyone else shares the same madness or is wrong. It is used to point out that one's perception of the world is often a reflection of their own state of mind.