తల గొరిగించుకొన్న తర్వాత తిథి, నక్షత్రం చూసినట్లు.

tala goriginchukonna tarvata tithi, nakshatram chusinatlu.

Translation

Checking the auspicious time and star after shaving the head.

Meaning

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone takes action first and then looks for the right time or rules to follow. It refers to an act of 'closing the stable door after the horse has bolted' or doing something in an illogical order. In traditional Indian culture, one usually checks for an auspicious day (Tithi/Nakshatram) before getting a haircut; doing so after the act is completed is futile and pointless.

Related Phrases

Like shaving off one's mustache for a single day's costume.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone takes a drastic, irreversible, or disproportionately large step for a very temporary or minor benefit. It highlights lack of foresight and the foolishness of sacrificing something permanent for a fleeting moment.

Like a fox branding itself with stripes after seeing a tiger

This proverb describes a situation where someone foolishly tries to imitate others who are naturally superior or more capable, often causing self-harm or ridicule in the process. It is used to mock people who blindly copy others without having the same inherent talent or status.

Why wrap the cloth after the gold is lost?

This proverb is used to describe an act of being cautious or taking measures when it is already too late. It highlights the pointlessness of guarding an empty container or vessel after the valuable contents have already been stolen or lost. It is similar to the English expression 'locking the stable door after the horse has bolted.'

Shaving off one's mustache for the sake of three pennies.

This expression describes a situation where someone incurs a permanent or significant loss for a very small, trivial, or temporary gain. It highlights foolishness or lack of foresight where the cost of an action far outweighs the meager benefit received.

Like making a fuss after everything is over.

This expression describes a situation where someone raises objections, starts a quarrel, or demands attention after a task is finished or a decision has already been implemented. It is used to criticize unnecessary complaints that occur too late to make any constructive difference.

Like a mountain barber shaving.

This expression is used to describe a job that is done extremely poorly, clumsily, or incompletely. It refers to someone who lacks the necessary skill or patience, resulting in a 'patchy' or disastrous outcome, much like a barber who leaves tufts of hair everywhere.

Why worry about the cold after being completely drenched?

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone has already faced the worst possible outcome or has committed fully to a difficult task, making further hesitation or minor complaints irrelevant. It is similar to the English expression 'In for a penny, in for a pound' or 'Once the rubicon is crossed.'

Like shaving off one's mustache for a three-day play.

This expression describes someone who makes a permanent or disproportionately large sacrifice for a very temporary or short-term benefit. It is used to caution against impulsive decisions where the loss outweighs the gain of a fleeting event.

A lakh of stars won't make one moon. " Better one virtuous son than even a hundred fools; the one moon dispels darkness and not hosts of stars." ( Hitopadeśa Book I. 17. )

Quality is far superior to quantity. This expression is used to emphasize that one exceptionally capable or brilliant person is more valuable than a vast number of mediocre ones. It is often used to describe a great leader, a talented child, or a single effective solution compared to many ineffective alternatives.

Like a fox branding itself with stripes after seeing a tiger.

This proverb is used to describe someone who foolishly tries to imitate others who are naturally superior or more capable, often causing harm to themselves in the process. It highlights the vanity and folly of blind imitation without having the inherent strength or status of the person being mimicked.