అన్నం లేకుంటే జొన్న సాగుచెయ్యి
annam lekunte jonna sagucheyyi
If there is no rice, cultivate sorghum (jowar).
This proverb emphasizes adaptability and resourcefulness. It suggests that if the primary resource or preferred option is unavailable, one should seek out a practical alternative rather than giving up.
Related Phrases
మొదటికే మోసం, మొండిచెయ్యి చూపించడం
modatike mosam, mondicheyyi chupinchadam
Loss at the very beginning and showing an empty hand.
This expression is used when a plan fails right at the start, leading to a total loss. 'Mondi cheyyi chupinchadam' specifically means to cheat, refuse to help, or leave someone empty-handed after promising something.
ఉంటే ఉగాది, లేకుంటే శివరాత్రి
unte ugadi, lekunte shivaratri
If there is (plenty), it is Ugadi; if there is (nothing), it is Shivaratri.
This proverb describes an unstable or extreme financial situation. 'Ugadi' represents a feast and celebration (plenty), while 'Shivaratri' represents fasting and staying awake (poverty/hunger). It is used to describe someone who either lives in luxury when they have money or starves when they don't, lacking a middle ground or consistent lifestyle.
అడక్కుంటే జోలె అడుక్కుపోతుంది.
adakkunte jole adukkupotundi.
If you don't ask, even the begging bag will sink to the bottom.
This proverb emphasizes the importance of asking for what one needs or deserves. It suggests that if you are too shy or hesitant to speak up or make a request, you will miss out on opportunities or lose what you already have. It is used to encourage people to be proactive and vocal rather than passive.
మాటే లేకుంటే చోటే లేదు
mate lekunte chote ledu
If there is no word, there is no place.
This proverb emphasizes the importance of communication and social interaction. It suggests that if you do not speak or express yourself properly, you will not find a place for yourself in society or in a specific situation. It is often used to encourage people to speak up or to highlight that social status and inclusion are built through speech and reputation.
కలిమి లేకుంటే కులం గవ్వ చేయదు
kalimi lekunte kulam gavva cheyadu
Without wealth, one's caste or lineage is not worth a sea shell.
This proverb emphasizes that social status or noble birth (lineage) is often ignored by society if a person lacks wealth. In the absence of money, even a person from a high background is treated as worthless (a 'gavva' or cowrie shell represents the smallest unit of value).
చోళ్లు చల్లితే జొన్నలు పండునా?
chollu challite jonnalu panduna?
If you sow finger millets, will sorghum grow?
This proverb emphasizes the principle of cause and effect, similar to 'you reap what you sow.' It is used to explain that one cannot expect great results or specific outcomes without putting in the appropriate effort or the right resources. It highlights that actions have specific consequences and you cannot get something different from what you started with.
చద్ది తెచ్చుకొన్న బ్రాహ్మణుడా భోజనం చెయ్యి
chaddi techchukonna brahmanuda bhojanam cheyyi
Oh Brahmin who brought your own cold rice, please have your meal.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone is invited or offered something that they have already prepared or provided for themselves. It highlights a redundant or insincere gesture of hospitality where the host isn't actually providing anything new or helpful.
అన్నం లేకపోయినా పట్టుబట్ట
annam lekapoyina pattubatta
Silk clothes even if there is no food
This expression is used to describe a person who prioritizes vanity, status, or external appearance over basic necessities and practical needs. It highlights a scenario where someone spends money on luxuries to look rich or sophisticated while struggling to afford essential items like food.
గుడ్డి ఎద్దు జొన్న చేలో పడ్డట్టు
guddi eddu jonna chelo paddattu
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.
వానలుంటే పంటలు, లేకుంటే మంటలు
vanalunte pantalu, lekunte mantalu
If there are rains, there are crops; if not, there are fires.
This proverb highlights the critical importance of rainfall for agriculture. It signifies that timely rains lead to prosperity and food security (crops), whereas a lack of rain leads to drought, starvation, and economic devastation (metaphorically referred to as fires/suffering).