వెనుక తుమ్ము ముందుకు లాభం

venuka tummu munduku labham

Translation

A sneeze from behind results in a gain ahead.

Meaning

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

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.

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.'

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.

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.

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.

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.'

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.

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.

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.

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.