సొమ్ము పోయేటప్పుడు, తట్టు తగిలేటప్పుడు మతి ఉండదు.

sommu poyetappudu, tattu tagiletappudu mati undadu.

Translation

When money is leaving or when a physical blow hits, one's senses do not function.

Meaning

This proverb highlights human nature's lack of foresight or awareness during critical moments. It suggests that people often fail to be careful or sensible when they are in the process of losing their wealth or when they are about to face a misfortune/accident. It is used to remark on how hindsight is always clearer than foresight.

Related Phrases

Though the stab of the sword may fail, the stab of the pen will not fail.

This expression highlights the power of the written word over physical force. While a physical injury from a weapon might heal, the consequences of written documentation, laws, or press reports are permanent and far-reaching. It is used to caution people about the lasting impact of administrative decisions or journalism.

Whatever work is neglected, eating is not forgotten.

This proverb highlights that regardless of one's struggles, difficulties, or busy schedule, the basic necessity of eating is unavoidable and essential for survival. It is often used to emphasize that humans must work to satisfy their hunger, or as a justification for taking a break to eat despite being in the middle of a crisis.

The widow neither dies nor does her menstrual cycle stop.

This proverb is used to describe a persistent, annoying problem or a person who remains a constant nuisance without any resolution. It refers to a situation that is stuck in a stagnant, unpleasant state where there is neither an end to the trouble nor any relief from the daily difficulties associated with it.

They don't bring anything when they arrive, and they don't take anything when they leave.

This proverb is a philosophical reflection on human life and materialism. It signifies that humans enter the world empty-handed at birth and depart without any worldly possessions at death. It is used to advise people against greed, over-attachment to wealth, and to encourage living a righteous life focused on good deeds rather than amassing riches.

One might escape a sword strike, but one cannot escape the strike of a pen.

This expression highlights that written words have a more permanent and devastating impact than physical violence. While physical wounds may heal or be avoided, the consequences of what is written—such as laws, journalism, or literature—are enduring and inescapable. It is often used to emphasize the power of the media or the written record in holding people accountable.

Even when life is leaving, the cobra does not lower its hood.

This proverb is used to describe an extremely stubborn, arrogant, or prideful person who refuses to give up their ego or status even in the face of absolute destruction or death. It highlights a character that remains defiant and unyielding until the very end.

A victim's curse will not fail, and the pellet bow's strike will not miss.

This proverb warns that the consequences of causing deep distress or grief to others are inevitable. Just as a pellet from a skilled archer's bow finds its mark, the 'usuru' (a sigh of grief or a curse from a victim) will eventually bring misfortune to the perpetrator. It is used to caution people against being cruel or unjust to the vulnerable.

Actions that don't fail are better than words that are merely spoken.

This expression emphasizes that keeping one's word or performing a duty reliably is far superior to making grand promises or giving empty advice. It highlights the importance of integrity and action over mere eloquence.

Horse gram while coming, sesame seeds while going.

This proverb refers to a person who is extremely clever and self-serving. It describes someone who demands nutritious food like horse gram when arriving as a guest, but demands valuable sesame seeds to take away when leaving. It is used to mock people who look for personal profit in every interaction or those who are never satisfied with what they receive.

Even if one goes to the cremation ground, the coin is inevitable.

This proverb highlights the persistent nature of greed or the inevitable burden of taxes and expenses. It refers to the tradition of placing a coin on a deceased person's body or paying a fee at the funeral pyre, implying that financial obligations or worldly attachments follow a person until the very end.