వెంట పోయినా వెనుక పోరాదు

venta poyina venuka poradu

Translation

Even if you go along with someone, do not walk behind them.

Meaning

This proverb suggests that it is better to walk beside someone as an equal or companion rather than following them like a servant or subordinate. It emphasizes self-respect and warns against putting oneself in a position where one might be ignored or treated with less importance while traveling or working together.

Related Phrases

Do not follow a person in debt, nor a person wearing sandals.

This proverb warns against following people who might cause trouble or leave you behind. A debtor might flee suddenly to escape creditors, leading you into their mess, while someone with sandals can walk faster through rough terrain, potentially leaving you stranded or forcing you to keep an unsustainable pace.

Like hitting the burrow after the fox has gone.

This expression refers to taking action or seeking a remedy after it is already too late. It is used to describe futile efforts made after the opportunity has passed or the damage is already done, similar to the English idiom 'closing the stable door after the horse has bolted'.

Do not walk behind a debtor or someone wearing sandals.

This proverb warns against following people who are in a hurry or in trouble. A debtor is always running away from creditors, and someone with footwear can walk fast or tread on rough ground where you might not be able to keep up. It is used as a metaphor to advise staying away from people who are either fleeing their responsibilities or have an advantage that might lead you into difficult situations.

Even if ten alms are lost in an enemy's house, they are simply gone.

This proverb suggests that one should not expect any benefit, hospitality, or return from an enemy. Even if you give or lose something valuable to an adversary, it should be considered a total loss because an enemy will never acknowledge the gesture or reciprocate. It is used to advise people to avoid dealings with those who harbor ill-will.

Like picking a fight with the ferryman after reaching the shore.

This expression refers to a situation where a person displays ungratefulness or arrogance toward someone who helped them, immediately after the danger or need has passed. It describes the act of turning against a benefactor once their assistance is no longer required to ensure one's safety or success.

After the jackal had departed, the hole lamented and wept. Great sorrow in a household.

This proverb describes a situation where someone takes action or seeks a solution after the opportunity has passed or the damage is already done. It is used to mock futile, late efforts that serve no purpose, similar to the English expression 'locking the stable door after the horse has bolted'.

Why live after losing one's honor?

This expression emphasizes that self-respect and dignity are more valuable than life itself. It is used to suggest that living a life of disgrace or shame is meaningless and that one should prioritize their reputation over survival.

Like someone following an outcaste because they are angry with their husband.

This expression describes a situation where a person makes a self-destructive or extreme decision purely out of spite or anger towards someone else. It highlights a reactive choice that ultimately causes more harm to oneself than to the person they are angry with.

Once someone becomes a Jangama (monk/renunciant), their past caste should not be considered.

This proverb emphasizes that once a person chooses a spiritual path or a higher calling, their previous social background, origin, or lineage becomes irrelevant. It is used to suggest that one should be judged by their current state and virtues rather than their past status or identity.

If alms are given ten times in an enemy's house, so much the better.

This proverb suggests that one should not expect help or goodwill from an enemy. Even if they appear to give something or help you, it is likely temporary, unreliable, or comes with hidden strings that ultimately result in a loss for you. It emphasizes the importance of self-respect and the futility of depending on those who wish you ill.