చీమలు చెట్టెక్కితే భూములు పండును

chimalu chettekkite bhumulu pandunu

Translation

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

Meaning

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.

Related Phrases

Rains during the Arudra season yield crops for miles.

This is a traditional agricultural proverb. It means that if it rains during the 'Arudra Karti' (a specific solar mansion period in June), it is so auspicious for farming that the harvest will be plentiful across vast distances (amadas). It highlights the critical importance of timely monsoon rains for a successful agricultural cycle.

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.

Like climbing a tree and then letting go with the hands.

This expression describes a situation where someone abandons a task or withdraws support at a critical stage after taking a significant risk or putting in initial effort. It refers to someone who leaves others in a vulnerable or dangerous position without warning, or sabotages their own success at the final moment.

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 saying, 'I climbed the bank, I climbed the mound, I climbed the fig tree hill.'

This expression is used to describe someone who celebrates prematurely or boasts about overcoming hurdles before the entire task is actually completed. It highlights a sense of relief and pride after passing through several difficult stages of a process, often used when one feels they have finally reached a safe or stable position after a series of struggles.

In a well-soaked land, nine types of grains will flourish.

This proverb emphasizes that success and prosperity depend on the right preparation and environment. Just as fertile, moist soil is necessary for a diverse and bountiful harvest, a person's life or a project will yield great results only if the foundation is well-prepared and the conditions are favorable.

If Java plums ripen, the lands will flourish.

This is a traditional agricultural observation. It implies that a bountiful harvest of Jamun (Java plum) fruits indicates favorable weather conditions and a good monsoon, which in turn leads to a successful agricultural season and fertile yields across the lands.

If you sow wheat, will almonds grow?

This expression means that the results of an action are directly determined by the effort or seed put in. It is used to point out that one cannot expect a high-quality or different outcome when they have invested in something of lesser value or performed a different action altogether. Similar to the English proverb 'As you sow, so shall you reap'.

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.

Take the oath and place it on the riverbank

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone completely ignores or breaks a serious promise, oath, or principle to suit their convenience. It implies a blatant disregard for a commitment previously made.