అకాలపు వాన ఆరిక కూడు.

akalapu vana arika kudu.

Translation

Unseasonal rain is like kodo millet food.

Meaning

This proverb highlights how unseasonal rain can be more harmful than helpful, comparing it to 'Arika' (kodo millet), which was traditionally considered a poor man's food or difficult to digest/deal with. It signifies that things arriving at the wrong time lose their value or cause distress instead of benefit.

Related Phrases

A dispute between a husband and wife lasts only as long as it takes to cook millet.

This proverb highlights the temporary and fleeting nature of domestic quarrels between a married couple. Kodo millet (arika) cooks very quickly; similarly, the disagreement between a couple is expected to resolve by the time their next meal is prepared, suggesting that they shouldn't hold grudges.

The everlasting thief is one day caught. The old fox is caught at last. The old ape is taken at last. (Latin.)

This proverb means that no matter how clever or successful someone is at hiding their wrongdoings or crimes for a long time, justice will eventually prevail and they will be caught. It is used to warn people that luck eventually runs out for those who consistently do wrong.

Even after walking an Aamada (distance), the meal of kodo millet could not be avoided.

This expression describes a situation where despite putting in a great deal of effort or traveling far to improve one's circumstances, the outcome remains the same or unsatisfactory. It is used when someone's hard work fails to change their basic, often poor, condition.

A trader in the air. A swindler. An impostor.

This expression is used to describe a person who makes big claims or lofty promises without any real substance or capital. It refers to someone who 'deals in thin air,' often used for people who exaggerate their business prospects or build 'castles in the air.'

I am here to eat the food from the plate, not to kick it away.

This proverb is used to express loyalty or gratitude towards someone who provides sustenance or support. It implies that one should never be ungrateful or harm the source of their livelihood or the person who helps them survive.

A stony field and a widow daughter are said to bring prosperity to a farmer's household.

This traditional proverb suggests that certain seemingly difficult circumstances can have hidden benefits. A field with stones is believed to retain moisture better or have mineral-rich soil beneficial for specific crops, and a widowed daughter returning home provides an extra pair of dedicated hands to help with intensive agricultural labor, eventually leading to the family's success.

If it works out, it's Kodo millet; if not, it's Pigeon pea.

This proverb is used to describe a 'win-win' situation or a situation where there are only two possible outcomes, both of which are acceptable or manageable. It highlights a state of being prepared for either of two specific results, often implying that even if the primary goal isn't met, the alternative is still useful.

Sowing seeds during Arudra Karthi is as certain as rice served on a leaf.

Arudra is a specific astrological period (Karthi) considered extremely auspicious and reliable for agriculture in Telugu culture. This proverb suggests that seeds sown during this time are guaranteed to yield a harvest, just as food served on a plate is guaranteed to be eaten. It is used to emphasize certainty, reliability, and the importance of timing.

A tumor is not strength, and worrying is not leisure.

This proverb is used to warn against mistaking harmful growth or busywork for something positive. Just as a swelling (tumor) on the body should not be mistaken for physical strength or muscle, being constantly preoccupied with worries or anxieties should not be confused with being productive or having a meaningful engagement. It highlights the difference between healthy progress and unhealthy accumulation.

A poisonous seedling is a croton seed.

This proverb is used to describe a person who is inherently wicked or malicious from the very beginning. Just as a croton seed (Nepalam) is naturally toxic and produces a poisonous plant, some individuals possess a negative nature that cannot be changed. It is often used to warn others about someone's dangerous character.