Agriculture

This is a traditional agricultural proverb used by farmers to identify healthy and productive cattle based on physical traits. It suggests that a cow with an 'attached' or 'joined' navel is auspicious, an ox with a high-held head is strong and hardworking, and a cow with a sagging navel and well-developed udder is likely to be a high milk producer. It is used when evaluating or purchasing livestock.

This expression is used to describe a situation where there is an abundance of resources or wealth, typically referring to someone who possesses vast stores of grain (granaries) and extensive agricultural land (garden beds). It characterizes a state of being extremely well-off or having plenty of supplies.

This is a traditional Telugu proverb or weather-lore saying. It suggests that certain unusual behaviors in nature, such as water-dwelling creatures like crabs moving onto dry ground, serve as natural indicators or omens that heavy rain is approaching soon.

This is a traditional agricultural observation or weather-lore. It suggests that when a crow begins building its nest, it signifies the end of the rainy season or the arrival of the final rains for that cycle. It is used to predict seasonal shifts based on animal behavior.

This proverb is equivalent to 'As you sow, so shall you reap.' It signifies that the results or outcomes of any endeavor are directly proportional to the effort, quality, and preparation invested in it. It is used to remind someone that their success is a reflection of their own hard work.

This expression highlights the vulnerability of a farmer's livelihood. It signifies that when a crop fails or is destroyed, the farmer's life loses its stability and resources, just as a lake or water tank loses all its water when its embankment (bund) breaks.

This expression is used to describe something that is present in abundance or is easily accessible within a large collection. It signifies a state of plenty or a situation where a specific resource is concentrated in one place, making it easy to find or utilize.

This proverb highlights that rain, even if it causes temporary inconvenience, ultimately brings prosperity and growth, making it never truly harmful. Similarly, in a traditional context, it suggests that as long as a woman has her husband's support and presence, she is not truly poor, emphasizing emotional and social security over material wealth.

This expression is used to highlight how great things often have humble or tiny beginnings. Just as a massive banyan tree grows from a minuscule seed, significant achievements or large-scale situations can originate from a very small source or idea.

This proverb highlights the volatility and risk associated with summer farming. Due to extreme heat or water scarcity, a standing crop that looks healthy can perish or be harvested in a single day, implying that its success is highly uncertain compared to other seasons.

This proverb suggests that certain natural indicators or environmental conditions signify fertile land. Historically, it implies that land frequented by wildlife like peacocks is inherently rich and productive for agriculture.

This is an agricultural proverb used by farmers. Arudra refers to the Arudra Karthi (a specific solar mansion in the lunar calendar). It implies that when the Arudra season begins, it is the perfect and most auspicious time for sowing seeds as the rains are expected to be favorable. It emphasizes the importance of timing in farming.

This proverb emphasizes the central role of a woman in managing a household and its prosperity. It means that if a wife is disciplined, hardworking, and manages the home well, the family's assets and livelihood (symbolized by the 'farm') will also be stable and successful.

This is a traditional agricultural proverb related to the 'Uttara' Nakshatra (monsoon rain period). It implies that once the Uttara rains begin, the harvest season is ending or the rains will be so heavy that one should pack up their tools and prepare for the next stage. In a broader sense, it means to act promptly according to the signs of the environment or timing.

This proverb highlights the importance of organic waste and manure in agriculture. It means that as a farmer accumulates more organic waste/manure (pentakuppa), the fertility of the land increases, leading to better yields and eventually making the farmer wealthy and successful. It emphasizes that hard work and the collection of resources, even those considered lowly, lead to prosperity.

This proverb emphasizes adaptability and resourcefulness. It suggests that if the primary resource or preferred option is unavailable, one should seek out a practical alternative rather than giving up.

This proverb describes a lazy or opportunistic person who avoids the hard work (plowing/sowing) but arrives promptly to claim the benefits or rewards (harvesting). It is used to criticize those who do not contribute to a task but expect a share in its success.

This agricultural proverb signifies that seeds sown during the Magha rain cycle (Karthi) do not yield a proper harvest; rather, they fail or remain as mere spots in the soil. It is used to emphasize the importance of timing and that efforts made at the wrong time lead to wasted labor and failure.

This expression is used to describe an event that happens at the most inconvenient or destructive time possible. Just as rain ruins a crop that is ready for harvest, it refers to a situation where a positive occurrence becomes a disaster due to its timing.

This expression describes a situation where a small investment, effort, or start yields an unexpectedly large or abundant result. It is used to highlight high productivity, success from humble beginnings, or the multiplying effect of good work.