బాధకు ఒక కాలము, భాగ్యానికి ఒక కాలము.

badhaku oka kalamu, bhagyaniki oka kalamu.

Translation

A time for misfortune, a time for fortune.

Meaning

This proverb conveys that life is a cycle of ups and downs. Just as seasons change, periods of suffering will eventually be followed by periods of prosperity and happiness. It is used to offer hope during difficult times or to remind people to stay humble during successful times.

Related Phrases

Finger millets for the crop, goats for the wealth.

This proverb highlights the low value or inefficiency of certain choices. Just as finger millets are considered a poor substitute for a primary crop and goats are seen as a humble or unstable form of wealth compared to cattle or gold, the expression is used to describe situations where something is barely sufficient or lacks true substance and prosperity.

One word to a good man, one stroke to a good bullock. A nod for a wise man, and a rod for a fool.

This proverb emphasizes that an intelligent or sensible person understands and acts upon a single word of advice or instruction, just as a disciplined ox responds to a single stroke. It is used to suggest that wise people do not need repeated warnings or explanations to do the right thing.

Every head has its idiosyncrasy, and every tongue its taste. All tastes are tastes. (Italian.) There is no disputing of tastes, appetites, and fancies.

This proverb highlights the diversity of human nature and preferences. It suggests that just as different people enjoy different flavors, every individual possesses their own unique way of thinking, personality traits, and opinions. It is used to explain why people disagree or have varying interests.

* Tutti i gusti son gusti. 36

Nandaraya's wealth (went) to foxes and dogs.

This proverb describes a situation where someone's hard-earned wealth or resources are not enjoyed by them or their heirs, but instead are wasted or consumed by unworthy, greedy, or unrelated outsiders. It is used to highlight the irony of accumulating great fortune only for it to be squandered by others.

A word to a good man, [ a blow with ] a sieve for an obsti- nate blockhead.

This proverb highlights the difference in receptiveness to advice. A wise or good-natured person understands and corrects their behavior with just a simple word of advice. However, an obstinate or foolish person will not learn unless they are punished or dealt with harshly (metaphorically represented by a 'cheta' or winnowing basket). It is used to suggest that different people require different levels of persuasion or discipline.

A blow with a sieve, a broom, or a slipper is very degrading.

One leap leapt, one leg broken. Loss in the first venture.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone experiences failure or a major setback on their very first attempt at something. It highlights immediate bad luck or the consequences of an ill-prepared venture.

The past is better than the future. "The good old times."

This expression is used to reflect on the past with nostalgia or to express skepticism about the future. It suggests that people often perceive the present or the unknown future as more difficult or uncertain compared to the 'good old days' they have already experienced.

To keep an elephant [ a man requires ] a country, to keep a horse a village, and to keep a she-buffalo a maid.

This proverb describes the specific resource requirements of different animals based on their status and size. It is used metaphorically to explain that every individual or entity needs an environment or support system proportionate to their scale or nature to thrive.

One year to the potter, one blow to the cudgel. The cudgel destroys in one blow what has cost the potter a year's labour. The sudden loss of that gained by much labour.

This proverb highlights the contrast between the time and effort taken to create something versus how easily it can be destroyed. It is used to describe situations where long-term hard work is undone in a single moment of misfortune or a single careless act.

A bow to you, a bow to your food. Said when offered bad food.

This expression is used when someone is fed up with another person's troublesome behavior or difficult nature. It signifies a desire to cut ties or stay away from them, implying 'I don't want your company, nor do I want to share a meal with you; just leave me alone.'