భూములిచ్చినట్లు భూపతులు ఈయగలరా

bhumulichchinatlu bhupatulu iyagalara

Translation

Can kings ever give as much as the lands themselves can give?

Meaning

This expression highlights the supreme value of owning and cultivating land over receiving royal favors or gifts. It suggests that while a king (or a person in power) might grant wealth once, the earth (agriculture) provides wealth and sustenance continuously through hard work. It is used to emphasize the importance of self-reliance and the enduring wealth found in agriculture.

Related Phrases

Only those with patience can rule the earth.

This proverb emphasizes that patience and endurance are the most important qualities for success and leadership. It suggests that while many may have power, only those who can remain calm and patient under pressure are truly capable of handling great responsibilities or achieving lasting dominance.

If ants climb the trees, the lands will yield crops.

This is a traditional Telugu proverb based on rural observations of nature. It signifies that when ants start climbing trees or high ground, it is a sign of impending heavy rains. Since good rains lead to a prosperous harvest, the saying equates this behavior of ants to a bountiful agricultural season.

Kings give honors because of words (speech).

This expression emphasizes the power of eloquence and diplomatic speech. It suggests that by speaking wisely, politely, and effectively, one can earn respect, favors, and high positions from authorities or powerful people (kings). It is often used to advise someone to be mindful of their speech as it determines their social standing.

If neem trees bear fruit, the lands will yield crops.

This is a traditional agricultural observation suggesting that a heavy yield of neem fruits (vemu) is a biological indicator of a good monsoon season ahead, leading to a prosperous harvest for the farmers.

If the ground is lucky, a foot of it is enough. Luck is all.

This proverb highlights that quality and luck are more important than quantity. If a place, business, or venture is lucky (auspicious) for someone, even a very small amount of it will bring great prosperity, whereas a vast amount of unlucky resources might lead to failure. It is used to emphasize that one should value favorable outcomes and good fortune over mere size or scale.

Lands where peacocks have lived/grazed will yield a good harvest.

This proverb suggests that certain natural indicators or environmental conditions signify fertile land. Historically, it implies that land frequented by wildlife like peacocks is inherently rich and productive for agriculture.

Like how circling a cow gives the same merit as circling the entire earth.

This proverb is used when a small, symbolic, or smart action yields the same significant results as a massive, laborious task. It highlights efficiency and the importance of intent over physical exertion.

Even if the land is new, are the boundaries new?

This expression suggests that while appearances or specific circumstances might change, the fundamental nature, history, or inherent qualities of a situation remain the same. It is used to point out that basic truths or deep-rooted behaviors do not change simply because of a change in scenery or time.

If neem trees yield fruit, the lands will yield crops.

This is a traditional agricultural observation or proverb. It suggests that a heavy flowering or fruiting of neem trees (Azadirachta indica) is a natural indicator of a good monsoon or favorable weather conditions, which will eventually lead to a bumper harvest for farmers.

You may cover the mouth of a pot but can you cover up the world? You may shut one man's mouth, but you cannot shut the mouth of the world.

This expression means that while you can silence an individual or hide a secret from one person, you cannot stop the entire world from talking or gossip from spreading. It is used to suggest that public opinion is beyond anyone's control.

* Homme chiche janala riche.