Agriculture

For the woman who grinds the grain, the broken bits are her wage.

This proverb describes a situation where a person works hard but receives very little or negligible compensation. It is used to highlight unfair pay, exploitation, or situations where one has to settle for meager leftovers despite significant effort.

Partnership in the field ends at the threshing floor.

This proverb is used to describe temporary alliances or business partnerships that dissolve as soon as the immediate goal is achieved or the profit is distributed. It suggests that cooperation often lasts only until the final stage of a project, and warns that one shouldn't expect long-term commitment from such short-term arrangements.

Rain in the Revati nakshatra is beautiful

This proverb refers to the agricultural significance of the Revati nakshatra (the last lunar mansion). It suggests that rainfall during this period is highly beneficial and pleasant, as it helps in the final stages of crop growth and ensures a bountiful harvest. It is used to highlight the auspicious nature of rain at the right time.

If a halo forms far around the moon, rain is near; if it forms near, rain is far.

This is a traditional Telugu weather-lore proverb. It suggests that a large, wide halo around the moon indicates immediate rainfall, whereas a tight, small halo indicates that rain is still a long way off. It is used to predict weather based on atmospheric observations.

Sparse crop is a celebration for the harvest; dense crop is a celebration for the eyes.

This proverb highlights a practical observation in farming. A sparse crop (pachuni panta) is easy to harvest and manage, making the work celebratory. Conversely, a dense, lush crop (ottu panta) is beautiful to look at and brings joy to the eyes, even if it requires more intensive labor during the harvest.

No one has failed after farming under a lake, and no one has flourished solely by farming under a well.

This proverb highlights the reliability of water sources in agriculture. It suggests that farming near a large lake (abundant water) ensures success and prosperity, whereas relying on a small well (limited water) is much riskier and rarely leads to significant wealth.

Lands where peacocks have lived/grazed will yield a good harvest.

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.

If it rains during the Chitta star period, tamarind trees will bear fruit.

This is an agricultural proverb related to the rain cycles (Karti). It suggests that rainfall during the 'Chitta Karte' (a specific lunar mansion/period usually in late September or October) is crucial and highly beneficial for the yield of tamarind trees and overall crop prosperity.

If there is moisture as small as a pearl, even if sown during the Moola Karthi season, the horse gram field will yield crops.

This is an agricultural proverb highlighting the resilience of horse gram (ulavalu). It implies that with even a tiny amount of soil moisture, horse gram can survive and yield a harvest even when sown during the late or less favorable Moola Karthi season. It is used to describe things that are highly resilient or require very little to succeed.

The crop that grows by using Vempali (wild indigo) as manure.

This proverb highlights the benefits of organic farming, specifically the use of 'Vempali' (Tephrosia purpurea) as green manure. It suggests that natural fertilization leads to the best crop growth. Metaphorically, it can mean that things built on a strong, natural foundation yield the best results.

If it blooms in Ashlesha, it is an endless harvest

This is a traditional agricultural proverb referring to the 'Ashlesha' Karthe (a specific period in the lunar calendar). It signifies that if crops begin to flower or bloom during this period, the yield will be exceptionally bountiful and abundant. It highlights the importance of seasonal timing in farming.

A house where the wife is unhappy, and a farm where the ox is fallen, will not progress.

This proverb emphasizes that peace and health are foundational for success. If the woman of the house (the 'Aalu') is suffering or unhappy, the household cannot thrive. Similarly, if the ox used for plowing is weak or collapsed, the farming cannot move forward. It is used to highlight the importance of the well-being of those who anchor the home and profession.

If the plougher look into his accounts [he will find] that the plough even does not remain [ as profit ]. The expenses of cultivation.

This proverb highlights that in certain professions like agriculture or creative pursuits, if one becomes overly concerned with minute profit-and-loss calculations or potential risks from the start, they would never be able to complete the work. It is used to suggest that some tasks require hard work and faith rather than just mathematical skepticism, as over-analysis can lead to inaction or the realization that the effort exceeds the material gain.

If sharpness is lost or if the season is missed, the tax is a waste.

This proverb emphasizes the importance of timing and preparedness in agriculture. If the tools aren't sharp or if the farmer misses the specific sowing window (season), the crop will fail, making the payment of land taxes a total loss. It is used more broadly to signify that performing a task without proper preparation or at the wrong time leads to wasted effort and resources.

The field of young millet which is laughed at will be fruitful. Hindu cultivators assemble round a field which is in want of rain and laugh at it, taunting it with its unfruitfulness. By this means they believe that rain is brought down.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone who was initially ridiculed, underestimated, or doubted ends up achieving great success. It teaches that one should not judge by initial appearances or temporary failures, as persistence can lead to unexpected prosperity.

If Java plums ripen, the lands will flourish.

This is a traditional agricultural observation. It implies that a bountiful harvest of Jamun (Java plum) fruits indicates favorable weather conditions and a good monsoon, which in turn leads to a successful agricultural season and fertile yields across the lands.

If it rains during Ashwini (Karti), it results in total loss.

This is a traditional agricultural proverb referring to the 'Ashwini Karti' period (usually mid-April). It suggests that rainfall during this specific time is detrimental to crops that are ready for harvest or in specific growth stages, leading to significant financial loss for farmers.

One must draw water from the well; will it come up on its own?

This expression emphasizes that effort is mandatory to achieve results. Just as water stays at the bottom of a well unless someone puts in the work to pull it up, success or resources will not manifest without proactive human action.

Three bushels of grain for twelve bushels of birds.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where the costs, losses, or overheads far exceed the actual value or profit of a task. It highlights inefficiency or a scenario where the effort put in is outweighed by the external interference or wastage.

The day the crop ripens is the festival day.

This expression is used to convey that the real celebration or reward occurs only when efforts yield fruit. It emphasizes that success and prosperity are the true causes for celebration, rather than just the arrival of a calendar date.