అగ్నిదేవుడు చలికాలంలో చంటివాడు, ఎండకాలంలో ఎదిగినవాడు.

agnidevudu chalikalamlo chantivadu, endakalamlo ediginavadu.

Translation

The Fire God is an infant in winter and a grown man in summer.

Meaning

This proverb describes the nature of heat and fire across seasons. In winter, fire feels small and gentle like an infant because we seek its warmth, but in summer, even a little heat feels overwhelming and powerful like a grown man, making it difficult to bear.

Related Phrases

Floods in the rainy season, heatwaves in the summer season.

This expression is used to describe the predictable yet harsh realities or inevitable natural occurrences associated with specific times or situations. It implies that every season or phase of life comes with its own set of inherent challenges that one must expect and endure.

The husband who rejected his wife during the drought, came to claim her during the harvest season.

This proverb describes a fair-weather friend or an opportunistic person. It refers to someone who abandons their responsibilities or relationships when times are difficult and resources are scarce, only to return and claim their rights or benefits when prosperity returns.

Like spinning cotton in summer and pounding rice in the rainy season.

This expression refers to poor planning or performing tasks at the most inconvenient and difficult times. Spinning cotton (ekulu vadakadam) is better done when there is humidity (monsoon) to prevent the fiber from breaking, while pounding rice (vadlu danchadam) requires dry weather. Doing them in reverse leads to unnecessary hardship and inefficiency.

What does it matter if a brother mouse has seven wives during the harvest season?

This proverb highlights that having plenty of resources or help is only useful if there is a way to manage or store them. During harvest, there is food everywhere, so having many wives to help gather food is redundant or doesn't change the mouse's basic state of abundance. It is used to describe situations where additional help or resources are unnecessary because the current environment already provides more than enough, or when someone brags about assets that don't provide a competitive advantage.

A single seed in a heap - A young daughter-in-law in a clan.

This expression is used to describe something or someone that stands out as unique, precious, or significant within a large group. It often refers to a newcomer or a specific person who brings pride or distinct identity to an entire family or community.

Seeds must be sown in the right season, even if it is only in a dream.

This proverb emphasizes the critical importance of timing and punctuality. It suggests that certain tasks must be performed during their designated time to be successful. Even if one is unable to do it physically, the intent and preparation should be there, highlighting that missing a seasonal opportunity leads to failure.

Like the birth of a pestle in the Yadava clan

This expression refers to internal conflicts or domestic feuds that lead to the complete destruction of one's own family or group. It originates from the Mahabharata, where a structural iron bolt (musalam) led to the infighting and eventual demise of the Yadava dynasty. It is used to describe a situation where a small internal issue escalates and ruins everyone involved from within.

Like a splinter in the panakam (sweet drink).

This expression is used to describe a person or a thing that acts as a nuisance or an obstacle in an otherwise pleasant or smooth situation. Just as a small piece of wood or a splinter ruins the experience of drinking a delicious sweet beverage, this refers to an unwelcome interruption.

Like the birth of a mace in the Yadava clan.

This expression refers to internal strife or a domestic conflict that leads to the total destruction of a group or family from within. It originates from the Mahabharata, where a mystical iron mace (musalam) was born to a Yadava prince, eventually causing the mutual destruction of the entire Yadava dynasty. It is used to describe situations where internal bickering or an unexpected internal cause leads to a downfall.

He went to a distant land during the plowing season and returned with a sickle during the harvest season.

This proverb is used to criticize someone who avoids hard work or responsibilities during the difficult phases but shows up to claim a share or participate once the benefits are ready. It highlights laziness, lack of foresight, or opportunistic behavior.