Opportunity

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.

When the time is favorable, children will come walking to you.

This proverb signifies that when luck or time is on your side, success and prosperity come effortlessly. It is used to describe a period of life where everything falls into place perfectly without much struggle, and even unexpected benefits occur.

Like the deaf blind man under the Rêgu tree. The story runs as follows :—A deaf blind man insisted on being taken to a comedy, and begged his friends to nudge him when anything very amusing was acted so that he might laugh. They pretended to agree to this, but left him half way under a Rêgu tree, telling him that the per- formance was going on there. He sat there all night laughing whenever the slender branches of the tree, moved by the wind, touched him.

This expression describes a situation where a person is completely unaware of the opportunities or resources available right in front of them. When berries fall from the jujube tree, a blind person cannot see them and a deaf person cannot hear them fall, thus they miss out on the fruit despite being right under the tree. It is used to mock someone who lacks the awareness or senses to benefit from their immediate environment.

Like a person gathering scattered grains finding an entire bundle of stalks.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone who was struggling to achieve a small goal unexpectedly finds a huge windfall or an easy solution that far exceeds their expectations. It signifies a stroke of great luck when one was prepared for hard work for minimal returns.

What does it matter who makes the bread?

This expression is used to indicate that the final outcome or the result is what matters, not who performed the action or the method used. It is often applied in situations where one is indifferent to the identity of a provider as long as their needs are met.

Like the vine you were searching for entangling your own foot.

This expression is used when you are searching for someone or something, and unexpectedly, that person or thing appears before you or crosses your path without any effort. It signifies a stroke of luck where a solution presents itself just when you were about to start looking for it.

If ten stones are thrown, won't at least one hit? Like the tenth day's married woman.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where one makes multiple attempts or tries many different ways with the hope that at least one will succeed. It is often used in a slightly cynical or humorous context regarding persistence or trial-and-error efforts.

What does it matter to a blind eye whether it is day or night?

This proverb is used to describe a situation where a person is unable to perceive, appreciate, or benefit from something regardless of how favorable the conditions are. It suggests that for someone lacking the necessary capacity, sense, or knowledge, external changes are irrelevant. It is often applied to people who are indifferent to opportunities or those who cannot distinguish between good and bad due to ignorance.

If you strike the 'Bodanam' weed, the 'Rajanam' rice will grow.

This proverb emphasizes the importance of hard work and timely weeding in agriculture. 'Bodanam' is a weed that mimics the appearance of rice plants; if a farmer identifies and removes it diligently, they will yield high-quality 'Rajanam' rice (a superior variety). It is used to suggest that eliminating negative elements or putting in specific effort leads to excellent results.

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.

Tamarinds mixed in the river.

This expression describes a situation where effort, resources, or hard work are completely wasted and cannot be recovered. Just as tamarind dissolved in a flowing river vanishes without leaving a trace or making the river sour, certain actions yield no results or benefits despite the investment.

Like accomplishing the Lord's work and one's own work together.

This expression is used to describe a situation where one action or journey serves two purposes simultaneously—typically a duty or service (the Lord's work) and a personal task (one's own work). It is similar to the English idiom 'killing two birds with one stone.'

I am sixty years old; if I don't read (or learn) now, will I be rolling in the mud?

This expression is used to signify that it is never too late to learn or do something important. It implies that age should not be a barrier to self-improvement or education, and suggests that without continuous learning, one's life or intellect might go to waste.

If luck is on one's side, everyone is a hero.

This proverb suggests that when things are going well due to good fortune, it is easy for anyone to appear successful, skilled, or brave. It is used to point out that success is not always solely due to individual talent, but often heavily influenced by timing and luck.

Flies collect in the place where there is honey.

This expression is used to describe how people naturally flock to a place or person where there is wealth, benefit, power, or some form of attraction. Just as flies are instinctively drawn to sweetness, people gravitate towards opportunities or individuals who can offer them something advantageous.

A calf which has drunk the milk of two cows. It is common among Hindus for childless persons to adopt children of their friends and treat them as their own. Such children are petted both by their real and by their adoptive parents, and are in consequence often spoilt.

This expression refers to a person who is exceptionally strong, healthy, or energetic because they have benefited from multiple sources of support or resources. It can also describe someone who is overly smart, cunning, or quick-witted due to having diverse experiences or 'best of both worlds' advantages.

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.

Salt is not a pickle

This expression is used to remind someone that raw materials or basic ingredients are not the same as the final finished product. It highlights that potential or basic utility requires effort and processing to become something more valuable or enjoyable.

If you listen, listen to Begada; if you eat, eat the cream.

This expression highlights seeking the absolute best in any category. 'Begada' is considered a king of ragas in Carnatic music for its emotional depth, and 'Meegada' (cream) is the richest part of milk. It is used to suggest that if one chooses to indulge in an activity, they should go for the finest or highest quality experience possible.

Only if you pour water at the roots will it reach the tips (of the tree).

This proverb emphasizes that to achieve success or see results in the branches/tips, one must address the fundamental source or the root cause. It is used to explain that investing effort at the foundation is necessary for overall growth and success.