తల తడిపిన మట్టుకు గొరికి తీరవలె

tala tadipina mattuku goriki tiravale

Translation

Once the head is wet, it must be shaved.

Meaning

This proverb means that once you have initiated a task or committed to a process, you must see it through to completion regardless of the difficulties. It is often used to emphasize accountability and finishing what one has started.

Related Phrases

There must be a blow for a blow, and a word for a word. One word brings on another. ( Italian. )

This expression emphasizes the importance of giving a fitting response or retaliation in kind. It suggests that one should be prepared to counter an action with an equal action or an argument with an equal argument, reflecting a sense of justice, tit-for-tat, or maintaining one's dignity in a conflict.

Like a jackal at a tomb. A tantalizing position, as he cannot get into it. Like a cat round hot milk.

This expression is used to describe a person who waits patiently and cunningly for someone's downfall or demise to gain a personal advantage. It refers to someone with predatory instincts who lingers around a situation, waiting for the right moment to exploit a loss or a tragedy for their own benefit.

The word spoken with learning is the word of an expert.

This expression emphasizes that knowledge and skill bring weight to one's words. It suggests that when someone speaks after truly learning or mastering a subject, their words carry authority and wisdom, distinguishing them as a capable or clever person (Neravaadi).

When the head has been wet, the shaving must be completed. When a man has commenced a business he must finish it himself.

This proverb is used to indicate that once a task has been initiated or a commitment has been made, it must be carried out to completion regardless of the difficulties or change of heart. It is often applied to situations where one has reached a point of no return and must fulfill their obligation.

Like a cobra under the pillow

This expression is used to describe a hidden, imminent, and extremely dangerous threat that one is unaware of, despite it being very close. It signifies a situation where peril is lurking right beside you while you feel safe or restful.

A fox's partnership at a grave.

This expression is used to describe a friendship or alliance between people that is based solely on selfish interests or mutual exploitation, often in a sinister or opportunistic context. Just as a fox lingers near a grave for its own gain, this 'partnership' is untrustworthy and temporary.

Although it goes round the head yet the mouthful must come to the mouth.

This expression describes a situation where something is done in a needlessly complicated, roundabout, or indirect way when a much simpler method exists. It is used to critique inefficiency or over-complication of straightforward tasks.

Like an idle barber shaving a cat's head.

This proverb describes someone who, out of boredom or lack of productive work, engages in useless, absurd, or counterproductive activities. It is used to mock people who waste their time on tasks that serve no purpose or might even cause unnecessary trouble.

Lies are better than backbiting.

This expression is used to suggest that it is better to hear something blunt or even incorrect rather than being given false promises or misleading information that is never fulfilled. It emphasizes the frustration of broken commitments.

If disturbed, it is a wasps' nest

This expression is used to describe a person, situation, or topic that, when provoked or touched upon, results in a massive and aggressive reaction. It suggests that a seemingly quiet matter could lead to a swarm of problems or fierce opposition if interfered with.