వెనుక తుమ్ము ముందుకు లాభం
venuka tummu munduku labham
A sneeze from behind results in a gain ahead.
This is a traditional Telugu superstition or belief. It suggests that if someone sneezes from behind you just as you are about to start a task or leave for work, it is considered a good omen that will lead to success or profit in the upcoming endeavor.
Related Phrases
బాలల తుమ్ము, బాలింత తుమ్ము మంచిది.
balala tummu, balinta tummu manchidi.
A child's sneeze and a postpartum mother's sneeze are good.
This is a traditional saying used to indicate that certain natural bodily reactions, which might normally be seen as bad omens or signs of illness, are actually signs of health and recovery in specific cases. It suggests that when a child or a woman who has recently given birth sneezes, it is a positive sign that their respiratory system and body are functioning well and clearing out.
ముందు నుయ్యి, వెనుక గొయ్యి
mundu nuyyi, venuka goyyi
A well in front, a pit behind
This expression is used to describe a dilemma or a 'catch-22' situation where one is trapped between two equally difficult or dangerous alternatives. It is the Telugu equivalent of the English idiom 'between a rock and a hard place.'
వెనుక తుమ్ము ముందుకు మంచిది
venuka tummu munduku manchidi
A sneeze from behind is good for what lies ahead.
In Telugu culture, sneezing is often considered an ill omen when starting a task. However, this specific proverb suggests that if someone sneezes from behind you as you are about to leave or start something, it is actually a positive sign or a good omen for the future success of that endeavor.
ముందు పోటు, వెనుక తన్ను
mundu potu, venuka tannu
A stab in the front, a kick from the back.
This expression is used to describe a situation where a person is facing troubles or attacks from all directions simultaneously. It highlights a state of being trapped or victimized by multiple sources of misfortune or betrayal at once.
పోరు నష్టం పొందు లాభం
poru nashtam pondu labham
Quarrel leads to loss and friendship to gain.
There is much to gain by living/working together, rather than by quarreling over petty differences. This is a piece of sage advice to keep friendly relations all over.
ముందుకుపోతే మురికి ముండ, వెనుకకు పోతే వెట్టిముండ
mundukupote muriki munda, venukaku pote vettimunda
If you go forward, she is a dirty woman; if you go backward, she is a mad woman.
This proverb is used to describe a 'catch-22' or a 'no-win' situation where every available option leads to a negative or unpleasant outcome. It is similar to the English expressions 'between a rock and a hard place' or 'between the devil and the deep blue sea.'
తిండికి ముందు, దండుకు వెనుక.
tindiki mundu, danduku venuka.
First for food, last for the army (war).
This expression is used to describe a lazy or opportunistic person who is always the first to appear when there is a meal or benefit, but the first to hide or stay behind when there is hard work, danger, or a responsibility to fulfill.
బాలల తుమ్ము బాలెంత తుమ్ము మంచిది
balala tummu balenta tummu manchidi
The sneeze of a child and the sneeze of a mother who recently gave birth is good.
In Telugu culture, it is traditionally believed that children and postpartum mothers are highly sensitive to their environment; if they sneeze, it is seen as a positive sign of their body reacting naturally or a sign of vitality rather than a bad omen or serious illness. This proverb is used to reassure parents or family members not to worry about minor sneezes in such cases.
గొడారిబేరం గొడ్డుకు లాభం.
godariberam godduku labham.
A tanner's bargain is a profit for the cattle.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where a bargain or deal is so poor or delayed that it ends up benefiting the subject rather than the parties involved. In the context of a cobbler (godari) bargaining for a dying animal, if the negotiation takes too long, the animal might die naturally or be spared, resulting in no deal. It refers to unproductive negotiations or stingy behavior that results in a loss of opportunity.
ముందు ముచ్చట్లు వెనుక తప్పట్లు
mundu muchchatlu venuka tappatlu
Sweet talks in the front, claps (mockery) behind the back.
This expression is used to describe people who speak very pleasantly and flatteringly to your face, but criticize, mock, or gossip about you as soon as you are gone. It highlights hypocrisy and two-faced behavior.