తాతాచార్యుల ముద్ర భుజము తప్పినా వీపు తప్పదు

tatacharyula mudra bhujamu tappina vipu tappadu

Translation

If Tâtâchâri's brand misses your shoulder, you'll catch it on the back. Tâtâchâri was a wandering priest who branded his converts. If a man slipped away his shoulder, the seal caught him in the back. Not being able to evade something disagreeable.

Meaning

This proverb is used to describe a situation where an outcome or a consequence is inevitable. No matter how much one tries to dodge or avoid a certain trouble, person, or responsibility, it will eventually catch up to them in one way or another.

Related Phrases

Even if all other seasons fail, the Hasta rain will not fail.

This is a traditional agricultural proverb related to the lunar mansions (Kartes). It implies that even if the rains fail during other periods, the rains during the 'Hasta Karthe' are reliable and inevitable. In a broader sense, it refers to a dependable final chance or a certainty that one can rely on when everything else fails.

Though he is old he is still a fop.

This expression is used to describe someone who maintains their elegance, charm, or style despite growing old. It suggests that while physical youth may fade, one's poise and attractive demeanor remain intact.

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.

Even if the Addanki clan's stamp misses the shoulder, it will not miss the back.

This proverb describes a situation where an outcome or a consequence is inevitable. Just as a stamp or a brand meant for the shoulder might land on the back but will certainly leave its mark somewhere, this expression is used when one cannot escape a particular result, duty, or punishment, even if the exact manner of its delivery changes slightly.

Even if the Brahmins miss (the predictions), the neem trees won't; even if the neem trees miss, the Eruvaka Purnima won't.

This is a traditional agricultural proverb highlighting the certainty of seasonal cycles. It suggests that while human predictions (astrology/almanacs) might fail, nature's signs (like neem trees flowering) and fixed seasonal festivals (like Eruvaka Purnima, which marks the start of the sowing season) are reliable indicators for farmers to begin their work.

Though the word of Maryâda Râmanna fail, my blow will not fail. Maryâda Râmanna ( 'the respected Râmanna' ) was a famous minister, renowned for his judgment and the wisdom of his decisions.

This expression signifies an absolute determination or an unshakeable commitment to an action. It implies that while even a person known for supreme integrity (like the legendary judge Maryada Ramanna) might theoretically fail or falter, the speaker's resolve or the consequence of their action is inevitable and certain.

If sharpness is lost or if the season is missed, the tax is a waste.

This proverb emphasizes the importance of timing and preparedness in agriculture. If the tools aren't sharp or if the farmer misses the specific sowing window (season), the crop will fail, making the payment of land taxes a total loss. It is used more broadly to signify that performing a task without proper preparation or at the wrong time leads to wasted effort and resources.

Even if the word is missed, the rhyme must not be missed.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone prioritizes style, rhythm, or external appearance over the actual content or truth. In a literal sense, it refers to poetry where maintaining the rhyme (prasa) is seen as more important than the choice of words. In a general context, it refers to people who focus on sticking to a pattern or keeping up appearances even when the substance is lost.

If the arrow misses, the ears won't hear; if the character is lost, the eyes won't see.

This proverb highlights the importance of focus and integrity. It suggests that once a person loses their moral compass or essential character (Guna), they become blind to the truth and reality around them, just as one might lose awareness of surroundings when a critical strike misses its mark.