ఉంటే ఊరు, పోతే పాడు.

unte uru, pote padu.

Translation

If it stays, it is a village; if it is gone, it is a ruin.

Meaning

This expression refers to things that are valuable only as long as they are functional or maintained. It is often used to describe the fragility of human life or temporary possessions, implying that once the essence or life is gone, only a useless shell remains.

Related Phrases

If it stays, it is a small weeding tool; if it's gone, it is a sickle.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone minimizes the value of a lost or broken object. When the object was available, it was treated as something small or insignificant (likki), but once it is lost, the owner exaggerates its value or utility, claiming it was a much more important tool (sickle). It highlights the human tendency to overvalue things only after they are gone.

If given, it's a wedding; if not, it's total destruction.

This expression describes an extreme, 'all or nothing' attitude or a situation that results in either a grand celebration or complete ruin. It is often used to characterize people who are unpredictable and prone to overreacting—becoming overly generous when happy but destructive or hostile when they don't get their way.

If [ the people ] stay, it is a village; if [ the people ] go, it is a ruin.

This proverb describes something that is only valuable or functional as long as it is maintained or occupied. It is often used to refer to old houses, ancestral properties, or even human relationships, suggesting that once care or occupancy ceases, they quickly fall into decay and become worthless.

If there is water, there is no village; if there is a village, there is no water.

This proverb is used to describe a state of poor planning, irony, or chronic lack of resources. It refers to a situation where essential elements are never present at the same time or place, making it impossible to settle or succeed. It highlights a mismatch between needs and available resources.

Will your sins vanish if you go to a neighboring village?

This proverb emphasizes that one cannot escape the consequences of their actions or their internal guilt simply by changing their location. Physical movement doesn't provide moral absolution. It is used to point out that a person's problems or character flaws follow them wherever they go.

If ten are added, it is raw tamarind soup; otherwise, it is spoiled soup.

This expression is used to highlight that a task or project can only be successful if the necessary resources, efforts, or people are involved. Without the essential ingredients or support, the result is worthless or a failure. It emphasizes the importance of adequacy and contribution.

If you speak the truth, the village will not suit you.

This proverb implies that people often dislike hearing the blunt truth. If a person is brutally honest and points out facts as they are, they may face social rejection or hostility from their community, as society often prefers pleasant lies over harsh realities.

Either Atukuru or Datukuru.

This expression is used to describe an 'all or nothing' situation or a person with extreme, inconsistent behavior. It refers to someone who either stays completely put in one place (Atukuru) or wanders off far away (Datukuru), lacking a middle ground or moderation.

A cow stays quiet if its own calf butts its udder to drink milk, but will it stay quiet if another calf tries to drink?

This proverb highlights the natural human tendency toward nepotism or favoritism. It means that people are willing to tolerate mistakes, burdens, or losses caused by their own children or relatives, but will not show the same patience or forgiveness toward strangers for the same actions.

If you walk, the whole village is your friend; if you lie down, even the mat becomes your enemy.

This proverb emphasizes the importance of being active and productive. As long as you are hardworking and successful (walking), everyone wants to be your friend. However, if you become lazy or fall into hard times (lying down), even the simplest things and closest people may turn against you or become a burden.