పొందు మూల మెరిస్తే, బక్కగొడ్డును అమ్మిస్తుంది

pondu mula meriste, bakkagoddunu ammistundi

Translation

If the corner of the clouds (lightning) flashes in the north-east, it will make you sell even your skinny cattle.

Meaning

This is a traditional agricultural proverb related to weather patterns. 'Pondu Moola' refers to the North-East direction (Ishanya). It signifies that if lightning is seen in that specific direction, it predicts a severe drought. The drought will be so intense that farmers, unable to find fodder or water, will be forced to sell off even their weakest, scrawniest cattle for survival.

Related Phrases

Like selling firewood where flowers were sold.

This proverb describes a person who has fallen from a high, prosperous, or prestigious status to a lowly or poor condition. It signifies the misfortune of having to do menial work in the same environment where one previously enjoyed success and respect.

If left alone it ripens, if plucked out it withers.

This proverb emphasizes the importance of patience and letting things take their natural course. Just as a fruit needs time on the tree to ripen and will wither if picked too early, certain situations or relationships require time and space to mature. It is used to advise against being impulsive or forceful.

If a tiger becomes thin, will its stripes become thin too?

This expression means that even if a person of great stature or character falls on hard times or loses their wealth, their inherent dignity, skills, and fundamental nature remain unchanged. It is used to describe someone whose core identity and respect remain intact despite a change in their external circumstances.

Like selling firewood where sandal had been sold. Said of the ruin of what once was beautiful.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone or something has lost its former glory, dignity, or high status. It refers to a decline in quality or a person resorting to menial tasks after having held a prestigious position.

When everyone sold their properties, the daughter-in-law sold her jewelry without consulting her mother-in-law.

This proverb describes a situation where someone takes a foolish or reckless action based on peer pressure or by following a trend without proper understanding or consultation. It highlights the consequence of acting blindly without looking at the long-term impact or seeking advice from elders/experienced people.

If the mother cow grazes in the crop field, will the calf graze on the boundary?

Children naturally follow the habits and behavior of their parents. If the elders set a bad example or engage in wrongdoing, the younger generation will likely follow suit or even exceed them in those actions. It is used to emphasize that one's upbringing and parental influence shape their character.

If it rains during the Mrigashira kante, the early crops will yield.

This is a traditional agricultural proverb related to the Mrigashira Kante (a specific period in the lunar calendar usually occurring in June). It signifies that if the monsoon begins with rains during this period, it ensures a successful and prosperous harvest for the early sowing season (Mungari).

If it lightens in the west, it will rain in ten 'Gadiyas'.

This is a traditional agricultural proverb used to predict weather. A 'Gadiya' is a traditional unit of time equal to 24 minutes. The saying suggests that lightning in the western sky is a reliable sign that rainfall will occur within approximately 4 hours (10 gadiyas). It reflects the ancient wisdom of farmers who relied on natural observations for weather forecasting.

If the cattle is good, it will be sold in the same village.

Quality speaks for itself. This proverb is used to imply that if a person, product, or service is truly excellent, it doesn't need excessive marketing or effort to find takers; its value will be recognized naturally by those nearby or within its immediate circle.

If there is lightning in the west, even a pig won't enter the water.

This is a traditional agricultural/weather-related proverb. In certain regions, lightning in the western sky is considered a sign of an impending severe drought or lack of rain. It implies that if such a sign appears, even an animal like a pig, which loves water and mud, won't find any water to step into. It is used to describe signs of upcoming scarcity.