చినుకులకు చెరువులు నిండుతాయా?

chinukulaku cheruvulu nindutaya?

Translation

Will the tanks be filled by drizzling rain ?

Meaning

This proverb is used to indicate that small, insignificant efforts or resources are insufficient to achieve a large or monumental task. It suggests that major goals require substantial action rather than just minor attempts.

Related Phrases

If the crop is sparse, the underground pits fill up; if it is dense, the haystacks will be abundant.

This agricultural proverb explains the trade-off in grain production. When plants are spaced out (sparse), each plant produces heavy, high-quality grain that fills storage pits (pāthallu). When the crop is dense, there is more vegetation leading to larger haystacks (vāmu), but the grain yield per plant might be less. It is used to suggest that quality or quantity can vary based on density and resource distribution.

Raindrops on marshy fields, and the playful antics of a young girl.

This poetic expression draws a parallel between the unpredictability and refreshing nature of rain falling on muddy agricultural fields and the lively, spontaneous, and sometimes erratic behavior of a young girl. It is used to describe things that are natural, lively, and captivating in their own messy or unpredictable way.

When the tank fills, the frogs assemble.

This proverb is used to describe how people naturally flock to someone who is wealthy, powerful, or successful. Just as frogs gather at a filled pond without an invitation, opportunists and fair-weather friends appear when one has resources or prosperity.

Are these the only drops for that thunder?

Used when the results or outcomes are extremely underwhelming compared to the grand build-up, loud hype, or threats made earlier. It signifies disappointment when a large commotion results in a very small action.

One should live close to a lake and far from relatives.

This proverb highlights the importance of being near essential resources (like water) for survival while maintaining a healthy distance from relatives to avoid unnecessary conflicts, gossip, or dependence that can arise from over-familiarity.

Like appointing a crane to guard the fish in one's own pond

This proverb is used to describe an extremely foolish or self-destructive decision. Since a crane's natural instinct is to eat fish, appointing it as a guard guarantees the loss of the fish. It refers to entrusting something valuable to someone who is most likely to steal or exploit it.

Relatives arrive only when there is wealth, just as frogs gather only when the pond is full.

This proverb describes the nature of fair-weather friends and opportunistic relatives. Just as frogs flock to a pond only when it is filled with water and disappear when it dries up, people tend to surround you and claim relationship only when you are wealthy or successful, abandoning you during hard times.

Far from relatives, near to a well

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone moves away from their family and relatives to live in a solitary or secluded place, or when someone prefers peace and basic necessities over the complications of social circles. It highlights the choice of isolation or self-sufficiency over family ties.

If you scatter cooked rice grains, will there be a shortage of crows?

This proverb is used to describe a situation where people flock to someone who has wealth, power, or resources. Just as crows gather wherever food is scattered, opportunistic people will always surround someone who is willing to spend money or offer favors. It implies that followers or sycophants are easy to find as long as there is a personal benefit involved.

Throwing the food from one's hand into the lake, then licking the hand and drinking the lake water.

This expression describes a person who foolishly discards a valuable resource or opportunity already in their possession, only to later struggle and settle for meager leftovers or inferior alternatives. It is used to mock short-sightedness and the lack of appreciation for what one already has.