Opportunity

If the Âruga fails, we shall have Kandi. These are both sown together. The Âruga crop sometimes perishes. To have two strings to one's bow. Good riding at two anchors men have told ; For if one break, the other may hold.

This proverb is used to describe a 'hit or miss' situation or a risky venture where there are only two extreme possibilities. It signifies a state of uncertainty where one will either get a quick, small result or a delayed, substantial one, often used when someone takes a gamble without being sure of the specific outcome.

* Aut Cæsar aut nullus.

If luck favors, that itself will become your wife.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where things fall into place effortlessly due to pure luck. It implies that when fortune is on your side, even unlikely or difficult outcomes become reality without much struggle. It is often used to remark on someone's unexpected success or a stroke of good luck that settles a major life matter.

If things go their way, they will even carry water in a sieve.

This expression is used to describe a streak of extreme good luck or high efficiency where even the impossible becomes possible. It suggests that when a person is in a favorable period or possesses great skill/determination, they can achieve success against all odds, metaphorically carrying water in a leaky sieve.

If he mounts, he is a horse rider; if he dismounts, he is a foot soldier.

This expression describes a person's extreme versatility or their ability to adapt to any situation, no matter how high or low. It is often used to refer to someone who is a 'jack of all trades' or someone who can carry out a task with great dignity but is also willing to do the humble grunt work when required.

Like peeling a banana and placing it in one's hand.

This expression is used to describe a situation where something complex is explained or presented in an extremely simple, clear, and effortless manner. It implies making a task so easy for someone that they hardly have to put in any effort to understand or complete it.

Dung proportional to the fodder.

The output or result is always proportional to the input or effort invested. Just as an animal produces waste based on how much it eats, success or results depend on the resources or hard work put in.

As much the flour is, so much the flatbread will be

This proverb means that the quality or quantity of an outcome is directly proportional to the effort or resources invested. It is used to explain that one gets what they pay for, or that results depend on the quality of the input/work.

We can take the cow to the tub, but can we make it drink the feed?

This is the Telugu equivalent of the English proverb 'You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink.' It signifies that you can provide someone with an opportunity or guidance, but you cannot force them to take action or benefit from it if they are unwilling.

The picottah (water-lift) bows down to the ground only to bring up deep water, doesn't it?

This proverb suggests that when a great or powerful person humbles themselves or bows down, it is usually for a significant purpose or to achieve a greater goal, rather than a sign of weakness. It is used to explain that strategic humility can lead to beneficial results.

Like throwing away a lump of butter and licking one's fingers.

This proverb describes a person who abandons something valuable or substantial only to struggle for something trivial or of much lesser value. It is used to critique poor decision-making where a person ignores a great opportunity right in front of them and settles for the remnants.

If even a tiny thorn is stuck in the sole of the foot, is it possible to walk?

This expression emphasizes that even a very small problem or obstacle, if ignored or present in a crucial spot, can hinder progress or cause significant discomfort. It is used to suggest that minor grievances or errors should be addressed before attempting to move forward with larger tasks.

If you scatter grains [ of boiled rice ] will there be any lack of crows ?

This expression is used to signify that when there are resources, opportunities, or money available, there will never be a shortage of people (often sycophants or opportunists) flocking to take advantage of them. It suggests that followers or takers are easily attracted by incentives.

The patient wanted milk, and the doctor prescribed milk too.

This expression is used to describe a fortunate situation where what a person desires is exactly what is recommended or required. It refers to a win-win scenario where a duty or necessity aligns perfectly with one's personal wishes.

The fruit slipped, and fell into the milk.

This expression is used to describe a situation where something good happens unexpectedly or a fortunate event occurs that makes a situation even better. It is similar to the English idiom 'The icing on the cake' or 'A stroke of luck.'

Happy go lucky.

Like moon-light in the jungle.

This expression refers to something valuable, beautiful, or useful that goes to waste because there is no one around to appreciate or benefit from it. It is used to describe efforts or talents that are unrewarded or spent in vain.

Wasted on a spot where it is not appreciated.

Like a blind bullock going into a field of millet. Not able to get much out of it.

This proverb describes a situation where someone stumbles upon a windfall or a great opportunity by sheer luck or accident, without any awareness or effort. It is used to remark on people who indulge themselves greedily when they find something beneficial, or those who benefit from a situation they don't fully understand.

A new broom sweeps well

This expression is used to describe how a new person in a role or a new tool works very efficiently at the beginning. It suggests that enthusiasm or effectiveness is often highest when something or someone is brand new, similar to the English proverb 'A new broom sweeps clean.'

If you sow a small measure during the Punarvasu season, you will harvest a granary full.

This is a traditional agricultural proverb highlighting the auspiciousness of the Punarvasu Karthi (solar mansion). It suggests that the environmental conditions during this specific period are so fertile and favorable for crops that even a tiny amount of seeds sown will result in an abundant, massive harvest. It is used to emphasize the importance of timing in farming.

One blow and two pieces.

This expression is used to describe a situation where a single action or decision leads to a quick, decisive, and final result. It is similar to the English idiom 'To kill two birds with one stone', but emphasizes the swiftness and finality of the action, often used when settling a dispute or completing a task instantly.

To give a direct answer and settle a matter one way or the other.

When the time is right, a rabbit will come into the middle of the house.

This proverb signifies that when fortune is on your side, success and opportunities will find you effortlessly without much struggle. It is used to describe a period of extreme good luck where even unexpected gains occur naturally.