సాగితే ఇడవలె జారితే పడవలె.

sagite idavale jarite padavale.

Translation

If it stretches, one should leave it; if one slips, one should fall.

Meaning

This proverb advises adaptability and acceptance of circumstances. It suggests that if something can be extended or managed, do so; but if a situation becomes uncontrollable or a failure is inevitable (like slipping), one should accept the outcome rather than struggling pointlessly. It is often used to describe going with the flow or being practical about one's limitations.

Related Phrases

Once the boat reaches the shore, a taunt/complaint against the boatman.

This proverb describes the human tendency of ingratitude. It refers to people who seek help desperately when in trouble, but once the danger is passed and they are safe, they find faults with or act ungratefully toward the person who saved them. It is used to critique someone who forgets a favor immediately after their need is fulfilled.

It must be with the goldsmith, or in the chafing-dish. Said of gold made away with by a swindling goldsmith.

This proverb is used to describe things or situations that have no middle ground or compromise. It refers to gold, which must either be in the hands of the goldsmith to be shaped or in the furnace (brazier) to be purified. It implies that a person or a task should either be completely involved in the process or undergoing transformation, leaving no room for being idle or halfway done.

They said to fall if you slip, but did they say to fall if you move?

This expression is used to mock someone who makes excuses for their failures or mistakes. It highlights the difference between an accidental mishap (slipping) and a deliberate or avoidable action (moving/shifting), suggesting that while some mistakes are inevitable, one shouldn't intentionally fail or blame circumstances for their own lack of effort.

Milk production should be kept secret, while the crop should be praised.

This proverb suggests that one should be humble and discreet about their steady income or wealth (metaphorically the milk from cattle), while expressing pride and gratitude for their hard-earned achievements and successes (the harvest/crop). It emphasizes the wisdom in not flaunting daily prosperity to avoid jealousy, but celebrating general success.

If you can, you must give ; if you slip, you must fall.

This proverb advises adaptability and presence of mind based on the situation. It suggests that if things are going your way (stretching), you should make the most of it, but if a failure or slip-up is inevitable, one should accept it and fall gracefully rather than struggling fruitlessly. It is used to describe going with the flow of circumstances.

One must work like a slut and eat like a gentleman.

This proverb emphasizes the dignity of labor and the reward of hard work. It suggests that one should work with extreme humility and diligence (like a servant) in order to eventually enjoy a life of luxury and comfort (like a master/lord). It is used to encourage someone to put in hard effort now for a better future.

If it stretches, they say to stretch it; if it slips, they say to fall.

This expression refers to fair-weather friends or opportunistic people who do not offer genuine help. It describes a situation where people encourage you as long as things are going well (keep stretching), but as soon as you stumble or face a setback (slip), they indifferently tell you to just fall down instead of helping you up.

Once the body dries up, it's like a deer.

This proverb describes someone who is lazy or makes excuses while they are comfortable or sick, but becomes extremely active and agile once their needs are met or their health recovers. It is often used to criticize people who avoid work by acting frail but move swiftly like a deer when it suits their interests.

It should look like grieving while also applying a branding iron.

This proverb describes a hypocritical or clever action where someone pretends to sympathize with a person while simultaneously causing them harm or delivering a harsh punishment. It is used to describe situations where a person acts out of self-interest or discipline under the guise of concern.

If they curdle, even milk becomes yogurt

This proverb implies that with patience, time, or the right conditions, a transformation occurs. It is often used to suggest that things will eventually take their proper shape or reach their potential if given the necessary time and environment.