అరక అరిగితే గరిసె విరుగుతుంది

araka arigite garise virugutundi

Translation

If the plough wears out, the granary will break.

Meaning

This proverb highlights the direct relationship between hard work (represented by the plough) and prosperity (represented by the granary). It implies that if the tools of labor are used extensively to the point of wearing out, it results in such a bountiful harvest that the storage containers might even break under the weight of the yield. It is used to encourage diligent effort in one's profession.

Related Phrases

To grow is only to break

All that goes up must come down. We should not be proud when we prosper, but must be aware of the possibility of downfall. We should be humble in the moments of our triumph.

An Arise (sweet) will bring out an illness that has been hidden for six months.

This proverb refers to the heavy and oily nature of the traditional sweet 'Arise'. It suggests that eating such rich food can trigger or reveal dormant health issues or digestive problems that haven't surfaced for a long time. It is used to caution someone about overindulgence or to describe how a specific action can have delayed but significant consequences.

Will the grass diminish no matter how many donkeys graze?

This proverb is used to describe a situation where a massive resource is so abundant that small-scale consumption or petty interference makes no visible difference. It can also be used sarcastically to suggest that someone's insignificant efforts or presence will not affect a larger outcome or the status quo.

Like pouring a granary's worth of seeds and bringing back a basketful.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where a massive investment or effort results in a very small or disproportionate return. It signifies a loss or a failed venture where the output is significantly less than the input.

The grain storehouse won't break unless the binding wears out.

This proverb signifies that a major event or change (often negative) doesn't happen suddenly; it is the result of gradual wear and tear or long-term neglect. In a social context, it implies that a strong family or organization won't collapse unless the internal bonds or rules are slowly eroded over time.

If sorghum grows, it's just stalk; if rice grows, it's a harvest.

This proverb highlights the difference in productivity between crops. It means that tall growth in sorghum (jowar) doesn't necessarily mean high yield as it mostly results in fodder (stalk), whereas vigorous growth in paddy leads to a plentiful grain harvest at the bank. It is used metaphorically to say that appearances of growth or activity are only valuable if they result in actual substance or wealth.

If the quality decreases, the shine decreases.

This expression means that a person's reputation or outward respect depends entirely on their character or the quality of their work. If one's inner worth or standard of work (vasi) declines, their fame and public standing (vanne) will automatically diminish.

If iron be broken it may be united, but if friendship be broken it cannot be healed. Broken friendship may be soldered, but never made sound. (Spanish.)

This proverb emphasizes the fragility of human relationships and emotions. While physical objects like iron can be repaired or welded back together after breaking, the trust and affection in a relationship, once shattered, can never truly be restored to its original state. It serves as a warning to be careful with one's words and actions to avoid hurting others deeply.

Will the quantity decrease if you count them?

This expression is used when someone is reluctant to share or reveal a large quantity of items out of fear that counting or showcasing them will somehow diminish their value or amount. It highlights the irrationality of being overly secretive or stingy when nothing is actually lost by being transparent or acknowledging the truth.

Like the castor oil vessel breaking at the very first step.

This expression is used to describe a situation where a task or project fails right at the beginning or at the very first step. It signifies an auspicious or disappointing start to an endeavor.