Opportunity

This proverb is used to indicate that when rain clouds appear in the east, heavy rain is imminent. It suggests that the water levels in rivers like the Tungabhadra will rise quickly, so shepherds should move their livestock to safer, higher ground or secure them immediately. It serves as a metaphor for taking timely precautions when early warning signs of a situation appear.

This proverb suggests that there are many ways to fall into vice or make mistakes (symbolized by the nine openings of the human body and worldly distractions), whereas the path to virtue or liberation is singular and requires disciplined focus. It is used to caution someone that it is easy to go astray but difficult to find the right path.

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.

This expression is used to describe a situation where a small effort or a modest beginning leads to a surprisingly large or abundant result. It is often used to praise high productivity or unexpected success from minimal resources.

This is a traditional folk saying used to highlight the auspiciousness associated with Wednesday (Budhavaram). It suggests that anything started or involved with something 'born on Wednesday' is destined for great success and abundance, regardless of how much effort is put in.

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.

This proverb emphasizes the power of having backing or support (financial, social, or emotional). It suggests that with the right assistance or a strong foundation, one can overcome even the most formidable obstacles that would be impossible to tackle alone.

This expression describes a situation where something or someone previously considered useless or neglected suddenly becomes valuable or essential due to specific circumstances. It is often used to highlight a stroke of luck or the unexpected utility of a discarded object/person.

This proverb highlights that while skill and hard work are important for creation, patience and persistence are often what reap the final rewards. It is used to describe situations where someone else takes the benefit of another person's hard work because the latter lacked the patience or foresight to secure the results.

Atirasam is a sweet cake made of rice meal and syrup and fried, or rather boiled, in ghi. A cool trick.

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.

This proverb suggests that when fate or luck is on someone's side, they naturally find the right resources or people to help them succeed. It implies that a patient destined to live will invariably find a doctor whose treatment works effectively, highlighting the intersection of destiny and right timing.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone initiates a complex or difficult task and refuses to walk away until they have achieved the desired result or benefit. It suggests that once the risk has been taken (stirring the hive), the person will certainly stay to reap the rewards (the honey). It is often used in contexts involving persistent efforts or calculated risks.

When circumstances are favorable, good things happen in quick succession. One should wait for the right time, when good fortune will smile on him, instead of losing hope in moments of misfortune.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where things happen perfectly according to one's wishes or needs without much effort. It signifies a stroke of good luck or a favorable coincidence where the environment provides exactly what is required at that moment.

In the past and also occasionally at present, there is a practice of scorching or branding literally as a therapy. One should identify the problem and take appropriate steps to solve it. In other words, you have to know the sensitive spot and work on it for your success.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone in desperate need or intense desire suddenly finds a massive, perfect opportunity or a great reward. It implies that a long-awaited solution has appeared at just the right time, providing more than enough to satisfy the need.

This expression means that there are many ways to achieve a goal or solve a problem. It is used to suggest flexibility and that one shouldn't be discouraged if one particular method fails, as alternative approaches exist.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where something you were planning to seek out or work hard for comes to you effortlessly or happens unexpectedly early. It signifies a stroke of good luck or perfect timing where the goal meets the seeker halfway.

This proverb emphasizes the importance of timing and preparedness in agriculture and life. Just as having water is useless for farming without seedlings ready to plant, having resources is ineffective if you aren't prepared to utilize them. It is used to suggest that one should be ready to act when the right conditions or opportunities arise.

Originally derived from Hindi 'Aisa Paisa', it is commonly used in Telugu to describe a situation that is settled decisively, a 'do or die' moment, or a final deal where there is no further negotiation. It implies a quick and clear-cut resolution.

( Corrupted from the Hindustani.) * Il ne faut point se dépouiller avant de se coucher.