దండిపైరు పంటకురాదు

dandipairu pantakuradu

Translation

An excessively thick crop does not yield a harvest.

Meaning

This expression means that when plants (or any tasks/resources) are overcrowded or excessive in number, they lack the space and nutrients to grow properly, eventually leading to failure. It is used to suggest that quantity does not guarantee quality or results, and that 'too much of a good thing' can be counterproductive.

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.

If it rains, it should be a downpour; if you plant, it should be a crop.

This proverb emphasizes commitment and scale. It suggests that if you decide to do something, you should do it fully and effectively rather than doing a half-hearted job. It is used to encourage someone to go all out or to describe a situation where something happened in an impactful way.

The harvest to be reaped is known in the seedling itself.

This proverb is the Telugu equivalent of 'Coming events cast their shadows before' or 'The child is the father of the man.' It means that the future success or quality of a project or a person can be predicted by observing their early stages or initial signs.

Age is crunchy, duck is crunchy.

This expression is used to describe the vigor and energy of youth. It implies that during one's prime age, even a tough or 'crunchy' meat like duck can be easily digested and enjoyed. It signifies that everything seems favorable and manageable when one is young and healthy.

The wage is not enough for the pot, and the tip is not enough for the tax.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where one's income or earnings are so meager that they don't even cover basic necessities or the overhead costs of living. It highlights extreme poverty or an unprofitable venture where the returns are insufficient to meet even the smallest expenses.

If the crop-wind hits, the harvest will be abundant.

This proverb highlights the importance of favorable weather conditions, specifically the cooling breeze known as 'pairugali', for a successful agricultural yield. It is used to express that when the right environment or support is present, success and prosperity are guaranteed.

A thin crop fills the granaries

This is an agricultural proverb implying that crops planted with proper spacing (thinly) yield better results than those planted too densely. It is used to convey that quality and proper management are more important than sheer quantity or overcrowding for a successful outcome.

Manure for the crop, stirring for the cooking.

This proverb highlights the essential requirements for success in specific tasks. Just as manure (pantu) is necessary for a healthy crop yield, constant stirring or tending (maratu) is necessary for a dish to be cooked properly. It is used to emphasize that every job has its own unique, indispensable process that must be followed to achieve the desired result.

Changing the crop increases the harvest

This proverb highlights the benefits of crop rotation. It suggests that by rotating or changing the type of crop grown on a piece of land, the soil fertility is maintained and the yield is increased. In a broader sense, it can also be applied to life or business, suggesting that trying new methods or introducing variety can lead to better results.

If seven seeds fall in a bullock's footprint, the crop will be thin.

This is a traditional agricultural proverb used to explain optimal spacing in farming. It suggests that if seeds are sown too densely (represented by seven seeds fitting into the small space of a hoof print), the resulting plants will be overcrowded, leading to a poor or 'thin' yield. It emphasizes the importance of proper seed distribution for a healthy harvest.