దక్షిణపు కొమ్ము హెచ్చు అయితే ధాన్యపు ధర హెచ్చు. ఉత్తరపు కొమ్ము హెచ్చు అయితే ఉప్పు ధర హెచ్చు.

dakshinapu kommu hechchu ayite dhanyapu dhara hechchu. uttarapu kommu hechchu ayite uppu dhara hechchu.

Translation

If the southern horn of the crescent moon is higher, the price of grain will rise. If the northern horn is higher, the price of salt will rise.

Meaning

This is a traditional folk proverb or 'Sameta' used by farmers and traders to predict market fluctuations based on the appearance of the new moon (crescent). It suggests that the physical orientation of the moon's tips (horns) serves as an omen for the scarcity or abundance of essential commodities like food grains and salt.

Related Phrases

Does desire decrease just because the name (religious mark) is enlarged?

This proverb suggests that external displays of piety or religious symbols do not necessarily change one's internal character or worldly desires. It is used to point out hypocrisy or to emphasize that true change must be internal rather than superficial.

The single-tusked one (Ganesha) gives you this much hair.

This is a humorous and sarcastic expression used to describe a situation where someone expects a grand reward or divine intervention but receives something trivial, worthless, or disappointing. It is often used to mock someone's meager offerings or the insignificant results of a supposedly great effort.

If it is a mockery to the house, it is a mockery to the servant; if it is a mockery to the servant, it is a mockery to the slave.

This proverb highlights the hierarchy of respect and the ripple effect of humiliation. It suggests that when the head of a household or an institution loses respect or is ridiculed, that disrespect eventually trickles down to everyone under them, including servants and subordinates. It is used to emphasize that one's status or dignity is often tied to the status of their superiors or the organization they belong to.

When one says it is a she-buffalo's horn, the other says it is a doe's. Foolish argumentation.

This proverb is used to describe a person who is habitually argumentative or stubborn. It refers to someone who intentionally contradicts others for the sake of disagreement, even when the facts are clear. It highlights a lack of cooperation or a tendency to be contrary in every conversation.

Poverty has many words; a funeral rite has many curries.

This proverb highlights irony and hypocrisy. It refers to people who lack resources or capability but overcompensate with empty talk or excuses. Similarly, it mocks how some people prepare an excessive variety of dishes for a funeral feast (Thaddinam) despite the occasion being one of mourning or limited means. It is used to describe someone who talks big but has nothing of substance to show.

Joking is for the sake of discord; price increases are for the sake of decreases.

This proverb suggests that every state has an opposite cycle. Playful teasing or familiarity often leads to misunderstandings or conflict, just as market prices that rise will eventually fall. It is used to caution people to be moderate in their behavior and to understand that situations in life are temporary and cyclical.

A pig likes mud; will it ever like rose water?

This proverb is used to describe people with low tastes or vulgar habits who cannot appreciate refined, noble, or high-quality things. It suggests that one's inherent nature dictates their preferences, and a person accustomed to 'dirt' or negativity will never understand the value of something 'pure' or superior.

The birth-house for relatives is rolled up, and the birth-house for gods is scattered.

This proverb is used to describe a state of complete ruin or destitution where one is no longer able to offer hospitality to relatives or perform traditional worship. It reflects a situation where someone who was once prosperous and charitable has lost everything and can no longer fulfill their social or religious obligations.

When a ram was sacrificed for the sake of showing off, the whole body ended up covered in hair.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone performs a grand or expensive action just for vanity or to show off, but instead of gaining prestige, they end up with a messy, troublesome, or useless result. It highlights the folly of prioritizing appearances over practical outcomes.

A golden sparrow. The Telugu term for the grossbeak ( Loxia Philippina ). Pretty to look at but of no use.

This expression is used to describe a person who is extremely precious, innocent, or fortunate. It is often used as a term of endearment for children or to refer to someone who brings prosperity and joy, similar to the English 'golden goose' but with a more affectionate and delicate connotation.